Appearing alongside NFL Insider Ian Rapoport recently, Miami Hurricanes Head Coach Mario Cristobal discussed what exactly makes Cam Ward a potential franchise NFL Quarterback.
Ward, who threw for 4,313 yards and 39 TDs for Cristobal next season, is currently projected by almost everybody to be this year’s first overall pick, going to the Tennessee Titans.
Miami HC Mario Cristobal Details Why Cam Ward Is an NFL Franchise QB
Just hours before Miami Hurricanes QB Cam Ward hears his name called as the projected first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, his former college coach, Mario Cristobal, joined “The Insiders” on NFL Network to explain why he will be a bona fide NFL star.
“He embodies everything you want in a team leader and your quarterback.”#Miami coach Mario Cristobal joined The Insiders and went deep on his QB Cam Ward, who is poised to go No. 1 to the #Titans. pic.twitter.com/Sa7rx6HyQe
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 22, 2025
“Cam Ward, one of one.” Cristobal said. “Tough, smart, instinctive, relentless, the guy just wants to win, he wants to see his teammates do well.”
“He’s a program changer,” Cristobal further explained.
Under Cristobal, in his first season with Miami, Cam Ward led the Hurricanes to their first 10-win season since 2017 under Mark Richt, their second since 2003.
During the interview, Cristobal was questioned on how Ward completely changed his fortunes during his first and final season with Miami.
“I think number one is him, his God-given ability, his upbringing, his ability. At Washington State, he had all the tools, but he was always running for his life,” he explained. “He was always playing from behind, all the improvisation, the scrambling.”
“We wanted to place him around a really strong supporting cast, starting with the offensive line, and here he had protection, and some really good receivers. He had a system that allowed him to play fast and play free.”
“Nobody sees the field like he does; he just has a knack for understanding coverages and creating space, with the way that he approaches a game with the use of his eyes, his overall knowledge of the game, he gets it,” Cristobal explained, when questioned on why Cam Ward was an instant success.
RELATED: Fans Already Rolling Eyes As Titans Allegedly Promised Cam Ward First Pick Ahead of 2025 NFL Draft
The Hurricanes’ Head Coach also disputed claims surrounding the Quarterback’s size and height when dealing with pass rushes.
“He’s a lot bigger than people think, he’s got some meat on his bones now, he just feels it, he’s got a sixth sense, he’s gonna find a way, if there’s pressure he’ll get away from it, he finds a way to create some magic.”
“He’s very knowledgeable of protections, and I think he doesn’t get enough credit for that; he spends an extraordinary time with our offensive line coach, understanding the ins and outs of pass protections.” Cristobal also claimed.
Despite all of Cristobal’s claims, we won’t find out if Cam Ward has what it takes in the NFL until we see him hit the field.
Ward’s name will, however, undoubtedly be called first this Thursday when the first round of the Draft takes place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, but time will tell how he will develop in Nashville.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
