Cameron Ward becomes a Coug

Ward and de Laura tweeted commitments on same day

WSU+running+back+Deon+McIntosh+%283%29+stiff+arms+University+of+Arizona+linebacker+Christian+Young+%285%29+during+a+college+football+game+at+Martin+Stadium%2C+Nov.+19%2C+2021.

MASON MARON

WSU running back Deon McIntosh (3) stiff arms University of Arizona linebacker Christian Young (5) during a college football game at Martin Stadium, Nov. 19, 2021.

TOM ABBOTT, Evergreen sports editor

Transfer quarterback Cameron Ward is the newest face in the WSU football program.

Ward chose WSU and his former coach Eric Morris over offers from Ole Miss, Arizona, Indiana, Houston and Liberty.

“I think there’s definitely a comfortability with what Cam brings,” WSU head coach Jake Dickert said. “[I’m] just excited to really get to know him. Obviously, there’s a familiarity in our offense and where we are going to go.”

The FCS All-America team quarterback had an outstanding second-year season at Incarnate Word under Morris. Ward totaled 4,648 yards, 47 touchdowns and a 65.1% pass completion rate.

“I believe that he can bring a locker room together, and he’s going to have a lot of work to do,” Dickert said. “That’s going to be an exciting part to watch him grow within our team. A lot of work ethic comes with that. There’s a lot of taking the guys out to dinner and just growing those relationships that I think he really specializes in.”

Ward is ranked high in the transfer portal as the No. 9 overall transfer and the No. 3 quarterback transfer. The only quarterbacks ahead of Ward are former Oklahoma star Caleb Williams and former Ohio State quarterback Quinn Ewers.

“I think he’s got a special skill set,” Dickert said. “What I’ve been gravitated to the most about Cam is his leadership, his confidence.”

Ward’s commitment to WSU comes just days after former WSU quarterback Jayden de Laura entered the transfer portal. De Laura’s transfer portal entry came after Ward visited the Pullman campus to meet with Dickert, Morris and the rest of the coaching staff.

On Monday, de Laura tweeted his commitment to play for the Arizona Wildcats. In last season’s game between the two schools, de Laura led the Cougs to a convincing victory, 44-18. De Laura put up 259 yards for an impressive four touchdowns.

“I wish Jayden the best, and he felt like a new situation was what’s best for him, and I wish him the best of luck as he moves on to the next phase,” Dickert said.
WSU is set to face de Laura and Arizona next season on Nov. 19 in Tucson, Arizona.

“You turn the tape on and the throws that he makes, regardless of level, I think are special,” Dickert said about Ward. “I think he’s got a lot of upside within our program.”

Ward should have an easy transition to football on the Palouse, already familiar with the run-and-shoot offense and Morris’ playbook.
WSU fans’ first look at Ward will come in WSU’s spring game later this year. Ward’s commitment came to the relief of many Cougars fans, now that the quarterback role is filled.