Speaking at ACC Kickoff this week, Miami head coach Mario Cristobal called Hurricanes' quarterback Cam Ward an alpha leader. Cristobal credited Ward for his playmaking ability and to bounce back from a negative play. Ward built trust with his teammates throughout spring practice per Cristobal.
Ward is the 14th transfer and fourth QB in the 2024 portal per the 247Sports composite transfer rankings. The three QBs ranked ahead of Ward have not started a full season in college. Ward brings far more experience, particularly as a leader. Ward is an accomplished player who was twice named honorable mention All-Pac 12.
Ward leads an experienced Miami offense. Miami returns leading receivers Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George and fifth-year wide receiver Sam Brown from Houston as a transfer. Junior Oregon State transfer Damien Martinez and sophomore Mark Fletcher provide Miami with two experienced running backs.
Ward appeared at ACC Kickoff with Cristobal, linebacker Francisco Mauigoa and offensive tackle Jalen Rivers. Mauigoa will be one of the leaders for Miami defensively and Rivers is the most experienced player with Miami on the offensive line. Most of Miami's offense will have starters in at least their third year in college.
"What...stands out...is he's an alpha leader...When we were watching him on film, the reason everybody wanted him was his play making ability. Accurate, great arm strength, ability to improvise, extend plays, a game changer.Miami head coach Mario Cristobal.
Whenever there was a bad play, his ability to bounce back and make things right. His aggressive...competitive nature...to go and make...a play that was negative...That has really stood out...throughout spring practice as he just built and gained the trust of his teammates."
Miami was often unable to recover from mistakes last season. The Hurricanes were 108th with 22 lost turnovers in 2023. Ward had 25 touchdown passes and only seven interceptions but led the nation with seven lost fumbles. Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson is confident he can reduce Ward's fumbles.
Equally as important in reducing the turnovers is the leadership he has exhibited throughout spring practice when something negative happens. If Miami is going to be an ACC Title and College Football Playoff contender the ability for Ward to remain calm during adversity will be a huge advantage.
With a mostly new offensive group, Ward's ability as an alpha leader should be an asset for Miami in 2024. The combination of skill and leadership Ward provides Miami in 2024 should elevate the entire Hurricanes team. Ward is part of an experienced transfer class for Miami in 2024.