This is the sixth of a seven-part series that examines UIW football, position-by-position, as the Cardinals prepare for their Thursday night, Sept. 2, kickoff against Youngstown State in an ESPN+ nationally televised road game. All games can also be heard on the UIW sports network. Fans desiring to purchase season tickets or single game tickets for an attractive, five-game home schedule are urged to visit: www.uiwcardinals.com/tickets
 
SAN ANTONIO- In University of the Incarnate Word head coach Eric Morris' up-tempo, air raid style offense it all starts with the quarterback. For the Cardinals, Cameron Ward emerged as the leader of the offense during the spring season. Ward shattered passing records, won the Jerry Rice award, and led the Cardinals to 42 points per game in the spring.  

Quarterbacks coach Mack Leftwich said he hopes to see Ward take the next step within the Cardinal offense this fall.

"This offseason we have spent time sharpening some of the fundamentals of his game as well as going more in depth in the playbook," Leftwich said. "We are hoping those things along with him taking on more of a leadership role with the offense should lead to improvement in his game."

In just six games, Ward set the single season record for passing touchdowns with 24, earning him freshman of the year for the Southland Conference. This fall Ward received a preseason second team all-conference nomination. Ward tied the single-game record for touchdown passes twice with six against Southeastern Louisiana and Nicholls. He threw for a career high 431 yards against Northwestern State on April 10.

Leftwich also referenced backups Kevin Yeager and Kannon Williams as players learning and growing inside the quarterback room.

"He [Yeager] works as hard as anyone on our team and has really developed into a guy who we have a ton of trust in," Leftwich said. "We are excited about our freshman signee Kannon Williams. His talent has flashed at times during fall camp and we think his future will be bright as he continues to develop in this system."

Leftwich said he emphasizes comfort within the offense with the QBs.

"The main thing we focus on is becoming the most confident QB we can be," Leftwich said.  "I want a guy out there on game day that has total command of our offense, plays fearless, and has complete confidence in himself and the guys around him to execute their jobs."

The quarterback is just one side of the equation; any QB needs receivers to throw the ball to. On the outside, the Cardinals are led by six-foot two senior Darion Chafin. Chafin established himself as the deep threat for Ward. The two connected on three separate touchdowns over 25 yards, including a 56-yard touchdown in the opening game of the spring season at McNeese on February 20.

Alongside Chafin, Jaelin Campbell finished the spring strong with 19 receptions with three touchdowns. The six-foot one senior returns with a lot of experience on the outside.

In the slot, Robert Ferrel returns after a strong spring campaign. Ferrel tied the single season record for individual touchdown receptions with six. Ferrel was nominated to the preseason all-conference first team.

Inside receivers coach Clint Killough said he believes Ferrel's competitive edge and toughness set the tone for the receiver group.

"Rob is a dynamic player in this offense that has a chip on his shoulder," Killough said.

Two graduate transfers also have the coaches excited for the wide receiver group this fall.

On the outside along with Chafin, Taylor Grimes transferred from Illinois State. Grimes has picked up the offense quickly and is ready to contribute, according to outside receivers coach Jordan Davis.

"He [Grimes] has come in and really impressed with his playmaking ability and how fast he has picked up the offense," Davis said.

In the slot, Trevor Begue transferred from conference rival McNeese to join the Cardinals. Begue played in all seven games for McNeese in the spring with 24 receptions, 404 yards, and two touchdowns. Begue brings a wealth of experience to the Cardinals.

"Trevor has fully bought into and elevated our program in a number of areas," Killough said. "He is a gritty player that has a natural feel and ability to get open and make plays."

Killough and Davis both underlined the competitiveness and depth of the wide receiver group entering this fall.

"They feed off of each other's energy and I believe their playmaking ability is contagious," Killough said.

With Ward at the helm the Cardinals hope their high-flying offense can soar to new heights this fall.

Purchasing season tickets is the best way to experience UIW Football. Season tickets start at $115. Single game tickets are now available for purchase. Fans can upgrade their game-day experience by adding a Cardinals Club membership.
Fans interested in buying new season tickets can do so by visiting www.uiwcardinals.com/tickets or by calling 210-805-3000

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