The back story of eighth-year Miami TE Cam McCormick, and why he might return in 2024

Snaking down Cam McCormick’s right forearm is a neatly written tattoo that aptly describes the past several years of his life.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience,’’ it reads, “but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.’’

On Tuesday, McCormick, an old soul still playing in college less than two weeks from his 25th birthday, methodically went down the list of just some of the challenges he has endured since his 2016 graduation from Summit High School in Bend, Oregon. He began his seven-season career at the University of Oregon in 2016 before transferring to Miami in January for his eighth year of football. Incredibly, McCormick, who already has his undergraduate and master’s degrees, has an additional year of eligibility should he stick around in 2024. But more on that, later.

“I got there in 2016,’’ began the 6-5, 260-pound McCormick, who has been practicing this spring at first team as usual starter Elijah Arroyo recovers from a season-ending injury. “In 2017 I had played; 2018 I broke my leg — my left ankle. In 2019 there were complications with the ankle surgery and had to get that repaired. In [2020] there were complications with the surgery again so I had to get that repaired — same one.

“What year am I on? I forget.”

“Ok,’’ he said, when reminded. “That was 2020.

“2021 I played in my first game back, Ohio State. I tore my Achilles on my opposite leg so I had surgery to fix that. And then 2022 was last year. I played the full season.

“Now I’m here.”

Phew.

There’s more

And that’s leaving out the part about the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee he sustained his senior year of high school; and his hospitalization in 2017 “after high-intensity workouts,’’ both among other unfortunate circumstances chronicled in a story released by the Capital One Orange Bowl when McCormick was named the 2022 Orange Bowl-Football Writers Association of America Courage Award Winner.

He said Tuesday that his best friend — Oregon tight end Spencer Webb — died last year, making his collegiate journey even more painful.

McCormick played for first-year UM head coach Mario Cristobal when Cristobal was at Oregon. Last season, he played for Ducks head coach Dan Lanning because former Canes offensive lineman Cristobal had returned to UM.

“We couldn’t be more proud of Cam,’’ Lanning said in the FWAA story after McCormick was honored with the Courage Award. “He has been through so much both on and off the field throughout his life, and has never given up or stopped fighting to reach his goals.’’

McCormick, who said he now feels great, indicated he’s indebted to Cristobal, who endured multiple surgeries himself as a player and stuck by the tight end at Oregon during many years of hardship. “I’m super grateful for him,’’ McCormick said. “He was there, he supported me, he believed in me and he kept pushing me when I thought I was ready to quit the game of football. I couldn’t say thank you enough.’’

This year, McCormick said, he needed “a fresh start,’’ and his former coach was in place ready to welcome him at the U.

“I had been over there for seven years and was kind of ready for some change,’’ McCormick said. “I was ready to experience something new. The opportunities here outside of football and within football are endless, and I feel like that’s kind of what drew my attention to come on out here.”

He said his undergraduate degree is in advertising and his master’s in advertising/brand responsibility. This season he’s taking individual undergrad courses.

At Oregon

A three-star prospect in high school, McCormick redshirted in 2016 and after playing in 2017, missed most of the next four seasons. Last year he finished with 10 catches for 66 yards and three touchdowns. As a run-blocker, Pro Football Focus ranked him 39th among 451 FBS tight ends last season. His physicality supports him taking on that role this season as well.

When asked about the offense under new offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson, McCormick described it as “well balanced for everybody.’’

“Everybody is getting the ball,’’ he said. “It’s gonna be it’s an explosive offense, with some great things to get the ball in the playmakers hands. I’ve enjoyed it so far. And I’m excited to see where we can progress as offense in the coming weeks.’’

Miami starting slot receiver Xavier Restrepo, who also spoke Tuesday, said McCormick was “an awesome guy.’’

“The dude is huge,’’ Restrepo said. “Cool to be around. His story is incredible, all the injuries he has overcome. And to stay with that same faith, same positivity, is awesome.’’

Ninth year?

Here is what McCormick said about the possibility of returning in 2024 for a ninth year of college football.

“I think about it. I know I have it. But obviously I want to go out here this year and showcase my abilities and hopefully I can make it to the next level this year. If not, I know I have it for next year if I need to use it.”

What drives him to continue with a sport that at times has been as torturous as it has been captivating?

“My love for the game,’’ he said. “I love playing football. I love being part of a team...

“My why: My family, my best friend that passed away last year. When days are getting tough I tell myself why I’m doing it and who I’m doing it for. To have that opportunity at the next level and live out my dream that I’ve had since a little kid, throughout injuries, like, it’s gonna get tough, but there’s gonna be light at the end.’’