In a resounding affirmation of resilience, Miami tight end Cam McCormick declared on Thursday his intention to take the field for the Hurricanes in 2024, marking his remarkable ninth season in college football.
The journeyman athlete, who commenced his collegiate career at Oregon in 2016, faced adversity with injuries that sidelined him for significant stretches across four seasons. Leveraging his redshirt year and the COVID-impacted 2020 season, McCormick successfully petitioned the NCAA for an unprecedented ninth season of eligibility.
Breaking the news on X, formerly known as Twitter, McCormick encapsulated his determination with the tagline, “the pursuit of excellence has no goal line,” dubbing the upcoming 2024 season his “last ride.”
Appreciate all of the support! #84Resilient #GoCanes pic.twitter.com/KKYlI2jO8P
— Cam (@McCormick_Cam) January 18, 2024
Reflecting on his tumultuous path, McCormick shared insights with ESPN, expressing gratitude for the challenges that forged him into a better person and teammate. He remarked, “I’m blessed that it was me to go through it because a lot of people would have folded under the pressure — both mentally and physically.”
A native of Bend, Oregon, McCormick, initially a three-star prospect, entered the scene in 2016 as part of Oregon’s recruiting class alongside luminaries like QB Justin Herbert, as well as NFL standouts Nick Bosa, Ed Oliver, Rashan Gary, and Jalen Hurts.
After a redshirt freshman year in 2016 and a reserve role in 2017, McCormick encountered a series of setbacks, including a broken leg in 2018, subsequent complications sidelining him in 2019 and 2020, and a foot injury early in the 2021 season. The cumulative challenges granted him a sixth year of eligibility in 2019, followed by an additional year in 2020, when the NCAA extended an extra season to all FBS players.
Breaking free from the cycle of setbacks, McCormick enjoyed a full season in 2022, earning the Capital One Orange Bowl FWAA Courage Award for his resilience. With a transfer to Miami in 2023 under coach Mario Cristobal, he completed the season with eight receptions for 62 yards.
Despite securing his eighth and ninth years of eligibility for 2023, McCormick faced the necessity of resubmitting his waiver to the ACC for the ninth year in the offseason. The ACC’s approval made his return a seamless decision.
Defying critics who questioned his prolonged presence on the field, McCormick remained undeterred. “I’m not going to be cut short by what people are saying,” he asserted, emphasizing his aspiration to give his best effort in pursuit of an NFL career.
In acknowledging the skepticism, McCormick hopes his journey serves as inspiration for other players grappling with injuries, stating, “It’s tough, but hopefully there’s some inspiration there, and guys who get injured can see my journey and dig deep within and keep pushing toward their goals and their future.”