Hurricanes QB Decided To Just Set On Free….
Wilfork loves the fact that Cristobal is such a tireless recruiter.
“He knows recruiting is key. If we can keep our Florida boys down south. We got away from that for too long. I think that’s one of the things I love about (Cristobal). He’s knows where it starts. I love seeing us trying to keep South Florida and Florida recruits home. I think he’s doing a pretty good job. Everyone wants instant success, but it doesn’t work like that.”
The University of Miami offensive linemen will furiously feast on goodness knows what delectables this week, courtesy of nationally vaunted Washington State quarterback transfer Cameron Ward. They should be mighty hungry after a few sessions of spring practice, which began Monday and will continue with 14 additional sessions through the April 13 spring game at UM’s Cobb Stadium. “He’s unbelievable,’’ Hurricanes left tackle Jalen Rivers said of Ward, who chose UM at the last minute instead of entering the NFL Draft. “We jelled real quick. He took the skill players out to his house and they watched the Super Bowl together. He’ll be taking us O-linemen out to a dinner this week.
The unquestionable focus Monday, at least during media viewing and afterward in post-practice interviews, was No. 1 signal-caller (jersey number and depth-wise) Ward, the 6-2, 223-pound star who chose UM at the last minute instead of entering the NFL Draft. Ward’s NIL money, reportedly in the $1 million to $1.5 million range, could keep those meals coming. Year 3 of the Mario Cristobal era began first at the indoor facility, then moved outdoors for the last hour, when media left. The Canes, who went from 5-7 in 2022 to 7-6 last season, hope to make significant strides this season with more top-end transfers and a No. 4 national signing class. ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year Rueben Bain, a defensive end, told reporters after practice that he’s “got to be more vocal’’ in 2024.
Then, he added: “I mean, it’s the same preach every year — ‘The Canes are back, blah-blah-blah.’ But I’m not really too focused on that. I’m focused on the spring, just working, trying to get better and grow together as a team. I’m always going to have high hopes for my team.’’ Bain smiled when describing Ward. “He’s a little chirpy. He barks back a little bit. I told him I’m going to hit him and set the tone for spring. “He told me, ‘Come on with it.’ I like that about him. He’s got a little swag to him.’’ Ward, who replaces former UM starter Tyler Van Dyke, now at Wisconsin, has thrown for 13,874 career yards and 119 touchdowns, with 30 interceptions. He played his first two seasons at Incarnate Word in San Antonio before transferring to Washington State for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
