Quarterback U has its quarterback, and it's a shocker! After announcing he was going pro, Cam Ward is a Hurricane after all

It seems like forever ago that Washington State star quarterback Cam Ward took his official visit to Miami.

That was back on Dec. 12, and since then speculation has run rampant. Would Ward pick Miami or Florida State? Turn pro? Would Miami not be able to wait it out and wind up landing Kansas State’s Will Howard?

In the end he wound up anouncing that he was going pro Jan. 1.

But he never hired an agent.

And now he’s changed his mind.

Yes, in one of the stranger about-faces in Miami portal/recruiting history, the patience by Mario Cristobal & Co. paid off. The Canes got who many consider to be the top portal quarterback. Ward has now chosen UM, and he will enroll and participate in spring practice.

CaneSport has confirmed the big news.

ANALYSIS: Washington State star Cam Ward gives Miami a big-time difference-maker behind center

INSIDE LOOK: Cam Ward’s former coaches know the level of talent he’s bringing to Miami Hurricanes

The 6-2, 223-pound senior was No. 4 in passing yards in college football this year, finishing hitting on 66.7 percent of his throws for 3,732 yards (311.0 yards per game) with 25 TDs and seven INTs (adding eight rushing scores). He threw a touchdown in every game except against Arizona, and had four TD passes vs. Northern Colorado and Oregon State. He had over 400 passing yards against Colorado State, Oregon State and at Oregon.

His addition will be welcome news for fans antsy to get a high-level replacement after the erratic play behind center for Miami the last two years, including from turnover-prone Tyler Van Dyke.

Ward chose Miami over heavy pursuit from Ohio State, USC, FSU and others.

Ward comes into a Miami program that floundered on offense the last couple of years behind Tyler Van Dyke, who struggled with injuries, inconsistency and turnover issues. His addition was especially important because the only returning QBs are Emory Williams, who was a freshman this year, and Jacurri Brown, who has suffered accuracy issues and could wind up transferring after the bowl game.

And landing Ward is especially big considering this is a team that hopes to break out offensively after the offense really held back the team this year. Miami’s defense has to replace several players after seeming to find its footing under coordinator Lance Guidry (No. 26 in the nation in total defense, No. 10 in rush defense).

Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson also showed at Houston that he can succeed in a big way with a run/pass threat of Ward’s level – Clayton Tune threw 40 TD passes and ran for 546 yards and five more scores his final year with the Cougars.

As you watch Ward’s highlights, you see a guy who can make plays all over the field with his arm and legs. He’s not a pure running QB, but is a guy who can pick up yards as needed when he tucks the ball down and is mobile enough to extend plays.

He was projected to go around Round 3 or 4 had he chosen to enter the NFL Draft instead of going pro (a Sports Illustrated mock draft after the season had him going at No. 87 overall and the Dec. 16 NFL Mock Draft Database had him in the same round).

With receiving weapons like Jacolby George, Xavier Restrepo and other guys looking to break out like Ray Ray Joseph, Isaiah Horton and the incoming freshman class, there’s plenty of raw talent in Miami’s WR room.

The tight end position also has a developing Riley Williams and will get Elijah Arroyo back healthy. Both can be excellent pass catching options moving forward, and Elija Lofton is a highly touted signee that could get an immediate role. The running backs are also adept pass catchers, particularly Henry Parrish.

With an offensive line that took a huge step up (and does have to replace starters Matt Lee and Javion Cohen), the only missing piece appeared to be a playmaking QB.

Now the Canes have that.