National CFB writer expects Cam Ward playmaking ability to help Miami offensively

In his "College football rankings: Key player for each top-25 team with spring practices underway ahead of 2024 season" Will Backus of CBS Sports expects Cam Ward to significantly help Miami offensively with his improvisational skills. Ward's mobility provides Miami with an element it hasn't had at quarterback for most of the last two years.

Ward leads all returnees in college football averaging 311.1 passing yards per game in 2023. When not accounting for sacks, Ward had 431 yards rushing in 2023. Ward provides Miami with a quarterback who can beat teams passing and running. Miami has not had a true dual-threat QB since D'Eriq King in 2020.

With Ward at QB, offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson should have more variety in his play calling. Miami was limited often last season with Tyler Van Dyke and Emory Williams at QB through the entirety of the regular season. Van Dyke and Williams combined for 103 rushing yards before sacks yardage was taken out in 2023

Jacurri Brown had 66 net rushing yards in the Pinstripe Bowl loss to Rutgers. Brown is not the passer that the other Miami QBs are. Ward provides Miami with the entire package. Ward will play behind a better offensive line and have better receivers and running backs to work with on Miami than he did at Washington State.

"22 Miami (Fla.)
Cameron Ward, QB: A lack of ingenuity and playmaking ability have plagued Miami's quarterbacks under coach Mario Cristobal. Too often, when a play breaks down, the Hurricanes have looked lost. That shouldn't be a problem with Ward running the show. The Washington State transfer can make throws at every level of the field and his improvisational skills are almost unmatched. He should be what Miami needs to finally get its offense out of first gear."

- Will Backus, CBS Sports

David Lake of Inside the U highlighted Ward's ability as a playmaker earlier this year. Ward threw for 1,207 yards with nine touchdowns and four interceptions when he held the ball for at least 2.5 seconds. When he threw the ball in 2.5 seconds or less, Ward threw for 2,516 yards, 16 touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 76.1 percent of his attempts.

Lake further examined Ward. Ward had a 78.4 adjusted completion percentage, which includes catchable passes receivers drop. Ward was fifth among returning Power Conference starting QBs. Ward was fourth among returning Power Five QBs with 24 big-time throws credited by PFF.

When he was under pressure, Ward was third in 2023 with nine big time throws. Per PFF via Lake, Ward scrambled more often than being utilized on designed runs. Ward was 11th nationally among Power Five QBs with 274 yards scrambling. Ward's eight rushing TDs were 11th among QBs in 2024.

Miami should be more dynamic offensively in 2024 with Ward. Ward's ability to scramble puts pressure on a team defensively and allows Miami's receivers more time to get open. With Ward at QB, Miami should look much different offensively during the 2024 season.