Former Carson Beck coach says Miami QB isn’t 'that far off' from Cam Ward

As Miami Hurricanes fans prepare for their first season under Carson Beck, they’re hoping the Georgia transfer quarterback can replicate the success of the previous season.

Miami had its best season since 2017, finishing 10-3 and ranked No. 18 in the AP Poll. Much of that success was attributed to the stunning performances of Cam Ward, who transferred from Washington State. Ward broke multiple Miami records on his way to becoming a Heisman Trophy candidate and, more importantly, a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. That sets a high bar for Beck, fairly or not.

Between now and the end of the 2025 season, Beck will inevitably be compared to Ward. One of Beck's former high school coaches believes those comparisons may not be too far off.

"Everybody's going to always do the Cam Ward comparisons. I don’t think he’s that far off [athletically]," Andrew Jackson High School head coach Bobby Ramsay told CanesInsight. "Him and Cam are kind of in a similar ballpark. I don’t think they play exactly the same way."

Ramsay explained that while both quarterbacks are athletic, they have different styles.

"Athletically, they're similar. Carson may stay in the pocket longer, or Cam might try to extend the play. They're both fixated on what's going on down the field. I wouldn't label Cam Ward as an athletic quarterback. He's a thrower who can run, and I think Carson is that same way."

Ward was known for moving around and outside the pocket, often times nonchalantly, seemingly acting like nothing bothered him. However, he was never truly a dual-threat quarterback. He rushed for just 406 yards in his three-year FBS career—his career-high of 204 yards came last year—and 17 touchdowns over 38 games.

In comparison, Beck, who only started for Georgia the past two seasons, has rushed for a total of 245 yards and five touchdowns in 39 games.

Beck will likely aim to excel with his dynamic arm, much like Ward did—though Beck is widely considered to have a better arm.

"He can make all the throws. Everybody sees that," Ramsay added. "He's a deceptive athlete. You can't be offered a baseball scholarship to a D1 school in the ninth grade and not have some really athletic skills. And you don’t have to worry about his arm strength."

Ramsay, who coached Beck at Jacksonville Mandarin, suggested that if there is one comparison people could make, it might be to Miami's last national championship-winning quarterback, Ken Dorsey.

"Everybody's always looking for comparisons," Ramsay said. "I think that Ken Dorsey mentality is there. I don't know if he'll be as fiery on the sideline as Dorsey. The opportunity is unique for him because he's accomplished so much at the college level, but still, coming to Miami feeling like he has something to prove and set himself up for the draft next season. That's why I'm excited about the opportunity for him. People say it's Miami, distractions, but he's coming in with a chip on his shoulder."

Expectations will be high for Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes once again in 2025—that’s just Miami football. But having a former SEC quarterback replacing a Heisman candidate will only add to that pressure.

Miami kicks off their 2025 season at home against national champion runner-up Notre Dame.