College Football Player Returns for Unprecedented 9th Season: A True Trailblazer
Miami tight end Cam McCormick made headlines on Thursday by announcing his decision to return for a ninth season of college football. This unprecedented ninth season of eligibility has never been granted before by the NCAA, making McCormick a trailblazer in the college football world.
Throughout his college career, McCormick has faced numerous setbacks due to season-ending injuries. However, he has persevered and received medical redshirts from the NCAA to extend his playing time. Additionally, all players who participated in college athletics in 2020 were granted an extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic.
McCormick spent the first seven seasons of his college career at Oregon before transferring to Miami for the 2023 season. Despite his injury history, he remains determined to continue playing in the 2024 season.
While there have been athletes with seven years of college eligibility, such as women's basketball player Isis Young, McCormick stands out as the first at the major college football level with nine seasons. His resilience and dedication to the sport are truly remarkable.
Over the course of his career, McCormick has undergone multiple surgeries related to football injuries. He faced adversity early on when he missed most of his senior season in high school due to an injury. After enrolling at Oregon in 2016, he redshirted and played in only three games over the next four years.
Despite the challenges he has faced, McCormick has continued to pursue his love for the game. He has played under five different head coaches and caught passes from six different quarterbacks during his college career. Notably, he caught a pass from Justin Herbert, who has already established himself as a successful NFL player.
McCormick's decision to return for a ninth season is a testament to his determination and passion for football. He embodies the spirit of resilience and serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes.
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