A lot of people go to college for seven years. Just ask doctors or John “Bluto” Blutarsky.
But not everyone can do nine.
Meet Miami tight end Cam McCormick, who is preparing for a historic ninth season of college football.
The 26-year-old began his career at Oregon in 2016 in the same recruiting class as Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who’s now entering his fifth NFL season.
Multiple season-ending injuries — and at least six surgeries, per the Associated Press — ruined several seasons, and the ACC approved a wavier to allow a ninth campaign.
He is breaking the FBS record of eight years previously set by Northern Illinois’ Kyle Pugh, per reports, while East Tennessee State’s Jared Folks (FCS) also tallied eight seasons, according to the AP.
“I feel like my journey can help those that have to experience that,” McCormick told ESPN in January. “It’s tough, but hopefully there’s some inspiration there, and guys who get injured can see my journey and dig deep within and keep pushing toward their goals and their future.”
McCormick’s journey is one filled with sadness and perseverance, with the Oregon native pushing through despite all the setbacks that would have made it easy to quit.
He enrolled at Oregon in 2016 as a three-star prospect and, in a sign of things to come, redshirted his first year after suffering a leg injury that cost him most of his senior year of high school, according to his Miami bio.
Fellow 2016 recruits include established NFL stars such as the Giants’ Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns, the 49ers’ Nick Bosa, the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts and the Colts’ Michael Pittman Jr., among others.
McCormick later transferred to Miami before the 2023 campaign and is entering his second season with the Hurricanes, where he’s playing for his former Oregon coach, Mario Cristobal.
Here’s how his previous eight seasons played out, as detailed in his Miami and Oregon bios:
McCormick has played for five head coaches and caught passes from six quarterbacks, including Hebert, per the AP.
He has tallied 26 catches for 231 yards and four touchdowns in his career.
“I’m blessed that it was me to go through it because a lot of people would have folded under the pressure — both mentally and physically,” McCormick told ESPN. “But it’s pushed me to be a better person and teammate — everything. I’ve learned so much from every year and everything I’ve had to overcome.”
McCormick’s 2022 return earned him the Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award, which goes to a player “displaying courage on or off the field, including overcoming an injury or physical handicap, preventing a disaster or living through hardship,” per the award’s website.
The tight end is hopeful he can play in the NFL, although his age may be a hindrance.
McCormick earned a Bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications and a Master’s degree in advertising in brand responsibility at Oregon. He is enrolled in Miami’s post-baccalaureate program, according to CBS.
“I want to say I gave it my best opportunity and best shot,” he told ESPN.