Today, Cam Ward may be the frontrunner for the Heisman at the University of Miami, but his early career looked bleak. During a summer camp in Incarnate World, the Columbia High School senior stood at the 50-yard line with the have-nots. But when UIW coach, Mack Leftwich, witnessed one of the best camp performances in the last five years from Ward, his curiosity was piqued.

After the session, Leftwich went to speak to Ward’s father, Calvin, stating they were interested in recruiting the kid. After all, he had to be quick in case other schools were after the young man. But as stated by the father, “Cameron looks at me like, ‘What is he talking about? We are not hearing from anyone’.”

And it was true. Ward had already been to Texas A&M, Houston, and Texas state camps, but the conversation rarely went his way. So in 2020, he enrolled at the Incarnate Word Cardinals, but hit the transfer portal in December 2021 and ended up at the Washington State Cougars. Then, he hit the transfer portal once again and the Miami Hurricanes snatched him. With the Hurricanes, his career has blossomed, but the QB won’t forget how he was sidelined earlier in his career.

‘College Gameday’ recently shared a clip on Instagram featuring Miami quarterback Cam Ward and wrote, “Cam Ward had 0 FBS scholarship offers out of high school. He is currently the third favorite behind Travis Hunter and Dillon Gabriel to win the Heisman.”

It is true that Calvin took his son to various camps across the country but only received an offer from UIW—an FCS team. So he took it. But in the short clip ‘College Gameday’ shared, Cam Ward shared details from the days he was neglected by recruiters.

Ward stated, “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.”

“I was raised to be confident in yourself. I you aren’t confident in yourself, nobody will be confident in you. I am the quarterback of the University of Miami, one of the best football teams in the country. Right now, I wouldn’t trade this position for nothing.”

He has come a long way since. Today, Travis Hunter, Dillon Gabriel, Cameron Ward, Ashton Jeanty, and Cade Klubnik are the top names being considered for the Heisman Trophy. But especially considering Ward’s hype in the CFB world, he received high praise from CBS Sports.

Cam Ward is a top quarterback in college football right now, says CBS

The Hurricanes quarterback was called “the best football player in America” by the CBS Inside College Football crew. From being a Wing-T offense in high school to being a top player in college, Cam Ward has created magic in Miami’s offense. Currently, Miami is ranked second in the nation, holding the 2746 passing yards and 24 passing touchdowns record.

Looking at all that, CBS’s Brian didn’t mince his words by calling him “cooler than the cool kids.” With that, Ward continues to prepare for week 10. “His mindset is that of a linebacker who is trying to kick you on every single play. He’s an alpha dog,” Canes HC Mario Cristobal said about Cam Ward. It is clear that people admire him.

Although Ward is deep down wounded by his early career failures, the Hurricanes are cherishing his journey. They are already celebrating Ward’s Heisman odds and can’t wait to watch him hold the Heisman! Well, the 2024 Heisman Trophy ceremony will take place on Dec. 14 in New York City. The finalists will be announced on Dec. 9.

On the other hand, Miami is 8-0 this season and they will face Duke on November 2. Do you think they will pick yet another win? Let us know in the comments below.