Carson Beck Brushes Off Pressure of Following Cam Ward at Miami

Carson Beck has been here before — stepping into the spotlight, following big shoes, and answering big questions.

Now at Miami, Beck was asked at ACC Football Kickoff on Tuesday whether he feels any pressure taking over after Cam Ward, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft and left behind a season full of highlights and records.

His answer was calm and direct.

“No, not really. Obviously his success is undeniable. Obviously I don't really know him very well. I've been able to meet him a couple times, but obviously very -- I don't want to say proud. I don't know the kid. But what he was able to do is undeniable.”

Beck isn't downplaying Ward’s impact. But he also isn’t making it bigger than it needs to be — because he’s done this before.

“The last school I was at I followed up the two-time national champion, so I didn't really feel any pressure there. It's a game; I've played football my whole life. I've played quarterback since I was seven years old, and it's something that I love to do and I've got a lot of good talent around me and really good coaches in position to not only help me not only achieve my goals, but be really successful.”

That kind of perspective is why Miami brought him in.