Hurricanes veteran Cam McCormick seeking ninth year of college eligibility

Hurricanes tight end Cam McCormick has been around more than his share of college football.

Due to multiple injuries, McCormick is in his eighth season of college football. He said Tuesday that he is applying for a ninth season, as well.

McCormick, who transferred to Miami from Oregon, said the PAC-12 previously granted him approval to play a ninth season. But now that he is playing in the ACC, he needs his current conference to approve.

“It was accepted in the PAC-12, but for the ACC. I have to re-petition for it,” McCormick said. “So that’s in the works right now to see if I’ll be able to get it or not.”

McCormick, who is 25, is not sure he would take the ninth year, but he wants to keep the option available.

“I’m petitioning to have the option,” McCormick said.

Two players have played eight seasons of college football like McCormick has. Neither is currently on a college roster.

McCormick has only played so many seasons of college football because of his injury history. McCormick started his college career at Oregon in 2016 and redshirted his freshman year.

He played 13 games in 2017, but he missed nearly all of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 seasons due to an ankle injury that needed multiple surgeries.

McCormick returned in 2021 but suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury two games into the season. He played 13 games in 2022.

“It was tough, missing all that time,” McCormick said in March. “You start to feel separated from the team, being injured and kind of away doing your own kind of rehab. That was when I took some time to myself to be with my family and kind of just rehab at a slow pace and just wanted. to get back to be fully healthy.

McCormick has started all three games for Miami this season and has two catches for 28 yards.

The veteran tight end said “love for the game” has pushed him to keep playing despite his injuries.

“I love playing football. I love being part of a team. And obviously, my why: my family, my best friend who passed away last year. WHen things 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.”