Oregon TE Cam McCormick Granted 9th Year of Eligibility by NCAA; Undecided on Future

The NCAA granted a ninth year of eligibility to the tight end.

James Crepea of The Oregonian reported that McCormick requested the extra year of eligibility after he tore his Achilles. He isn't sure if he'll return for another season in college.

It's a difficult decision. I don't know what my decision will be. After the game, I'm going to make a decision. I wouldn't think of doing nine. I applied for it because I wanted it after Ohio State. Thankfully, I was able to recover from my injury. I have the option. It is in the air. I'm thinking about coming back for eight years.

The Holiday Bowl will be McCormick's last game at the University of Oregon if he chooses to pursue a career in the National Football League.

McCormick missed nearly four full seasons due to a broken ankle, three surgeries, and a torn Achilles, according to Crepea.

He had six catches for 89 yards and a touchdown as a freshman. He played in a career-high 12 games this season after only two in the previous four years.

In 2022, he has nine catches for 64 yards and three touchdown.

He's 24 years old and already older than most college football players. He has the option of staying at the University of Oregon for another year.

He would have to try to make a team as a free agent because he is unlikely to be invited to the NFL Scouting Combine or drafted in the draft.

Attempting to play in another professional league such as the XFL is one option.

If he leaves Oregon, he will be remembered as the recipient of the Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award.

The award has been given annually to players or teams that display "courage on or off the field, including overcoming an injury or physical handicap, preventing a disaster or living through hardship."

The award will be presented on the field at the Orange Bowl in Miami on December 30.