Miami tight end Cam McCormick has been granted an unprecedented ninth year of eligibility in 2024, the team confirmed in a post on X on Thursday.
McCormick began his college football career in 2016, but it took some time for him to become eligible due to serious injuries and the coronavirus.
The 25-year-old is calling this season his “last ride,” which began at Oregon State when he was a three-star prospect out of Bend, Oregon.
McCormick redshirted his freshman year and appeared in 13 games as a backup in 2017, but injuries derailed his career over the next four seasons.
McCormick broke his foot in 2018 and suffered complications that caused him to miss the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Then he injured his foot two weeks into the 2021 season.
He was finally able to play a full season in 2022 and was transferred to Miami before the 2023 season. McCormick had eight catches for 62 yards with the Hurricanes last season.
“Many people would have collapsed under the pressure, both mentally and physically, so I'm lucky that I was able to overcome it.” McCormick said in an interview with ESPN.. “But it made me try to be a better person and teammate, in everything. I learned a lot from everything I had to go through every year. .”
McCormick was granted a sixth year of eligibility in 2019, and the NCAA granted all FBS players an extra season due to the coronavirus.
He was then granted an eighth and ninth year of eligibility in 2023, but in order to receive the ninth year of eligibility, he had to resubmit his waiver request to the ACC, which was approved by the conference.
McCormick knows there are some who don't think he should be allowed to play yet, but he hopes his story inspires others.
“I feel like my journey can help people who have to go through that kind of experience,” McCormick said. “It's tough, but I hope there's some inspiration there. I hope injured players can look at my journey so far and dig deep within themselves to keep moving towards their goals and future.'' I can.”
The Hurricanes finished the 2023 season 7-6, losing to Rutgers in the Pinstripe Bowl last month.
