Cam Ward: From Zero Star Prospect to Miami QB Hero

Any college football fan knows the name Cam Ward.

His talent has earned him considerable attention throughout the last year as college fans praised his impressive 10-3 record. And now, NFL fans are eagerly anticipating what team he will be drafted to. His presence and influence are undeniable.

However, Ward wasn’t always as sought after as he is today. 

From underdog to standout

Coming out of high school, Ward received just one scholarship offer to play for Incarnate Word.

“I know as soon as I get on the field, I can let the play do the talking,” Ward said. “One offer can change your life. It changed mine.”

In just two years, he threw for 6,908 yards and led the team to a Conference Title in 2021. In his second and final year with the team, he was even named Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award.

After deciding to leave the FCS and move on to the next level (FBS), he transferred to Washington State. There, he started all 25 games and contributed another 6,963 passing yards, 48 touchdowns, and 13 rushing touchdowns with only 16 total interceptions.

Ward initially entered the transfer portal after two years as a Cougar but ultimately opted to declare the 2024 NFL Draft, receiving a draft grade that would land him a third, fourth, or even fifth round pick. 

“I took it personal,” Ward said, describing the grade to ESPN. “I would say, physically, I was ready for that next step to make it to the NFL, but at the end of the day I truly did want to come back to play college football just because I hadn’t won.”

Becoming a Hurricane

Ultimately, Ward decided to hang around college football for one more year and commit to the University of Miami as their starting quarterback.

“He just elevated the confidence, the faith of the rest of those guys in the locker room,” Miami head coach Mario Cristobal said according to ESPN.

Ward says maintaining a high level of confidence is part of what makes him such a successful quarterback. 

“I do play with a lot of hate in my heart just because of what I had to go through since high school- recruiting-wise…knowing I was better than a lot of other quarterbacks out here,” Ward says (ESPN). 

Cementing his legacy

Today, he holds the record for combined FCS (71) and FBS (87) passing touchdowns with 158, is the reigning recipient of the Manning Award, and was one of four finalists for the Heisman Trophy, one of the most prestigious college football awards.

“Coming from my journey, not a lot of people can do that,” Ward said, “so I just think it shows the work that I’m willing to put in whether I go first round or second round. At the end of the day, that draft pick don’t mean nothing. It’s all about establishing yourself once you get the opportunity.

Ward even shared that he feels his journey will ultimately leave him better prepared in the long run.

“I just think me getting to experience different culture changes, different atmospheres, traveling across the country, it’s going to end up helping me in the long run,” he added. “At the end of the day, you never know where football will take you,” FOX Sports reports.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by the activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.