For Ward the next chapter has to the potential to be the exclamation mark on what has been a remarkable college football journey.
The West Columbia, Texas native was rated a zero-star prospect coming out of high school. But he capitalized on opportunities at Incarnate Word, Washington State and Miami to become a consensus All-American, the ACC Player of the Year and a Heisman Trophy finalist.
And in a few weeks, Ward – who set new Miami single-season records by throwing for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns last season and set a new Division I record with 158 scoring passes – could be the top pick in the NFL Draft.
On Monday, the quarterback showed off the arm strength and poise that made those numbers possible.
And he did so under the watchful eyes of Tennessee Titans President of Football Operations Chad Brinker, General Manager Mike Borgonzi, head coach Brian Callahan, offensive coordinator Nick Holz and quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree, all of whom attended the Hurricanes’ Pro Day workout.
The Titans hold the No. 1 pick in next month’s draft and Ward, for his part, wants to make sure that pick is used to call his name.
“I’m solidifying it today,” Ward said he told the Titans’ personnel after making an impressive throw on the run during his workout. “They finally got to see me throw in person. That should be all they need to see. But at the end of the day, whether they want to give [me] the pick or not, I’m going to be happy with whatever team I go to. I’m just trying to play football.”
Said Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal of Ward on the NFL Network, “I’ve learned that the bigger the moment, the better he gets. The harder it gets, the better he plays. I’ve learned that he has a knack for galvanizing people while pushing them and getting the best out of them. His relentless work ethic is unmatched. … He’s a guy that can change the profile, the trajectory of any program, any franchise.”
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