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HEAD OF STATE: The Arrival of Cam Ward, The Return of the U

By Jae Fortune · 2 min read

STORM CLOUDS ROLLING IN

The U is back.

We don’t know for how long, or how far this success will go, but for this moment the University of Miami is absolutely back. Weeks ago, Miami earned the preseason distinction of being one of the two programs recognized on Associated Press Top 25, following (pre-Georgia Tech) behind Florida State by nine spots. Now, Miami is one of the only undefeated teams in the state, and clearly asserted itself at the best team in the state this season.

HURRICANE CAM

Cam (no relation).

The greatest comparison that I’ve heard so far, to add some context to what we’re witnessing in Coral Gables is, ironically, another generationally-talented, dual-threat, super-human-like talent at quarterback. From one Cam to another, the impact of Heisman Trophy candidate Cameron Anthony Ward on Miami eerily mirrors the influence that Heisman Trophy recipient Cameron Jerrell Newton had in Auburn, circa 2010-2011. That single season of Superman Cam in major league (SEC) college football was shocking and electrifying and almost unnerving to watch. As a younger football fan, I distinctly remember not being able to really grasp what I was watching during that national championship run for Cam Newton’s Auburn Tigers. Far more unnerving is the fact that I literally have not thought long or hard about the Auburn Tigers since that run concluded, and Cam made his journey to Carolina, and the NFL.

Fast forward fourteen years, and I’m struck at how the parallel journey of the younger Cam from being a standout talent at Incarnate Word University (his sole scholarship offer at the time) to his breakout season with Washington State, to his messianic arrival to South Beach.

 

THE CONVERSATION.

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