Cam Ward epitomizes culture Mario Cristobal wants to build

Cam Ward is expected to elevate the Miami football team after transferring from Washington State in July. Head coach Mario Cristobal discussed what Ward provides Miami on and off the field as a leader and the skill set he brings at quarterback. Ward has been impressive throughout spring practice.

Ward is expected to provide more versatility at QB. Ward has moved up throughout his collegiate career. After beginning college at Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Ward played the last two seasons at Washington State. After initially declaring for the NFL Draft, Ward decided to transfer to Miami.

Ward provides Miami with the type of drive and mentality for the culture Cristobal wants to set for the Hurricanes. Miami appears to have the ideal quarterback on and off the field. In just over three months in Coral Gables, Ward has emerged as a leader for Miami.

In two seasons at Washington State, Ward completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 6,968 yards, 48 touchdowns and 16 interceptions with 202 rushing yards and 13 scores on the ground. The ability for Ward to extend plays should be advantageous for the Miami receivers in 2024.

"It's tough and smart and he's really hungry. I think those things for a quarterback are critical, but not to mention the fact that he just really knows football. He understands football and sees the field extremely well. So things that you know you talk about guys that see things in sequence, sequential quarterbacks versus spatial. The ones that could see it as a drop back as they're on the run, as they're improvising right. Guys like that, they have a special knack for you know, improvising and extending plays. But the fact that he's done so well in the dropback game, as well and understanding pressures and how it's being blocked and where to go to with the football and then the ball placement The accuracy and then the drive, just to go in there after practice and spend more time every single day at getting better. Just a very driven human being that's very talented and that's uh that's always really hard to stop. "

- Mario Cristobal on Cam Ward

Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George return as Miami's top two receivers. Cristobal discussed the plan to integrate the tight ends more significantly into the Miami offense in 2024. The ability for Ward to see the entire field should help Miami get the TEs more involved offensively in 2024.

Washington State utilized their TEs in 2023 more than Miami did. Elijah Arroyo has reportedly recovered from a knee injury that plagued him last season and freshman Elija Lofton has been impressive this spring. Seven Washington State receivers had at least 15 receptions in 2023.

Only four Miami receivers had at least 15 receptions last season. With Ward at QB expect more Miami receivers to emerge in 2024. Expect George and Restrepo, who had breakout seasons in 2023, to improve their numbers in 2024. Restrepo can break the Miami career reception and receiving yardage records.