Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Countdown to Canes Football: No. 25 Cam McCormick
Many websites do a top players countdown for whichever school they cover. All Hurricanes will be that as well, but with a few twists.
This shall not be a full roster countdown. It will also not be one just based on talent. Instead, it’s about building a culture. That’s been prevalent with the comments from Miami head coach Mario Cristobal during his press conferences, building that winning culture.
To that point, several of the players on this 25-player list – once it’s been completely displayed – could have been arranged differently. The goal here, however, was looking at how each player’s value was blended between talent, experience, upside, and positional value, to help build a new winning culture with the Canes.
For the record, that last point about positional value, just as an example, was looked at much like the NFL Draft.
Cornerback, edge rushers, defensive tackles and offensive lineman have often been consistently drafted towards the top of the first round. Of course there’s also been quarterbacks taken high as well, and that spot will be valued highly by All Hurricanes from the overall list.
Let’s start off the countdown with a transfer from the University of Oregon.
Cam McCormick
Tight End
6-foot-5, 260 pounds
Bend (Ore.) Summit / University of Oregon
Background
Has been through several tough injuries and actually began playing for the Ducks in 2016 when he enrolled and then redshirted. A powerful blocker that’s probably not been given his due as a receiver, McCormick has played in a total of 29 games as a Duck.
Statistics
2017: From 13 games, 6 receptions, 89 yards, 14.8 average, and 1 touchdown.
2018: From one game, 1 reception for minus-2 yards.
2021: From two games, 1 reception for 16 yards.
2022: From 13 games, 10 receptions, 66 yards, 6.6 average, and 3 touchdowns.
Dealing With Injuries
Based on the above statistics, it does not take much math to figure out that McCormick’s career at Oregon was derailed by injuries. What’s amazing stemmed from him coming back time and time again.
He’s been a leader and one that found a way to persevere. That’s also a prime reason for him being on this countdown. If there’s ever been a player that can sit down with a Miami football player and talk shop – including all the down moments a college football player can go through – McCormick would be that person.
Miami needs a growing group of leaders. It’s a good hunch that McCormick will be among them this next season.
Down and Dirty
Above all else, this is a powerful blocker that's an extension of the offensive line. With Miami wanting to operate a balanced offensive attack, McCormick's blocking ability will be vital this next season.
2023 Projection
Expect McCormick to make an impact in a multitude of ways, including being a part of several different packages. Here were a couple of examples that came to mind, starting with the point from directly above.
Anytime the Canes go 12 personnel (one running back and two tight ends), there’s a good chance that McCormick finds his way into the lineup. More specifically, goal line, short yardage, and anytime that offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson wants to leave a tight end at the line of scrimmage or in the backfield to block for Tyler Van Dyke, that’s when McCormick will probably be a factor as well. Looking at UM’s tight end room overall, it’s a bit tricky, however.
Miami’s tight end room has unique parts. How fast Elijah Arroyo can not only get back on the field after his own injury situation, but actually be impactful, could prove to be critical to how much McCormick plays this fall.
Additionally, how fast can sophomore tight end Jaleel Skinner add weight and be more of a viable blocker? There’s also the two freshmen attempting to make an impact with Jackson Carver and Riley Williams.
McCormick will probably see his role shift from time to time. That’s okay. He’s seen just about anything and everything that can be thrown at a college football player.
Best bet, McCormick sees the field consistently this fall and finishes with more than 10 receptions and a couple of scores. Plus, he’s able to help the Miami offense build more of a bond through his leadership, and that might be his biggest attribute overall.
Without question, McCormick should be a player that each and every Miami fan respects and roots for. He has a great story to tell and the Canes were fortunate that his college career will end in Coral Gables.
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