How Miami Hurricanes' Camdin Portis Handles Family Legacy Pressure

MIAMI, Fla. – It’s not every year a Miami Hurricanes legend has a son who decides to add to the family legacy, but that’s exactly what freshman cornerback Camdin Portis decided to do.

Despite having several other Power Four scholarship offers, including another opportunity to stay in the Sunshine State with the Florida Gators, the former four-star recruit decided to join familiar territory. Portis is the son of former Hurricanes running back and 2001 National Champion Clinton Portis. In that same year, he rushed 220 times for 1,200 yards and scored 11 total touchdowns.

Portis was inducted into the University of Miami’s 46th Sports Hall of Fame on April 10, 2014. He is currently sixth in Hurricanes all-time rushing with 2,523 yards. Senior star Mark Fletcher Jr. surpassed Portis this season for fifth, currently at 2,620.

Great expectations come with carrying a household name, especially when it returns to that same roof. However, in a recent episode of the Greentree Made show, hosted by Fletcher Jr., Portis (Camdin) embraced it rather than shy away.

“There’s been pressure my whole life,” he said. “I came here knowing what the last name brought. I tried to wear his number here. That’s even more pressure I’m adding to myself. It’s not like I didn’t have a choice to go anywhere else. I decided to come to his stomping grounds and wear the same last name on the back of that jersey.”

Graduate student safety Isaiah Taylor, son of defensive line coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, currently wears No. 28.

Despite the Hurricanes suffering injuries in the secondary, especially at cornerback, Portis hasn’t gotten many in-game opportunities. He’s played in all five games, but primarily on special teams. Portis is listed at 5-11, 180 pounds, and has a 57.6 Pro Football Focus grade.

The 18-year-old joins a defensive back room with Romanas “OJ” Frederique Jr., Xavier Lucas, Damari Brown, Zechariah Poyser, Ethan O’Connor, Omar Thornton, and Bryce Fitzgerald. Portis has a plethora of veterans to learn from this season as he stands on the sidelines and absorbs.

However, the Hurricanes don’t shy away from playing freshmen, like wide receiver Somourian Wingo, running back Javian Mallory, safety/nickel JJ Dunnigan, and left guard Ben Congdon. Portis could be called upon at any point of the season, but it will be up to him to stay ready for that moment.

Along with having a well-known father, Jamilla Wade (mother) was a Miami Hurricanes track and field athlete. She earned three total All-American honors for both indoor and outdoor.

Portis attended Myers Park High School, a public institution located in Charlotte, North Carolina. He logged 59 total tackles, 30 solos and 29 assists, a tackle for loss, and three interceptions as a senior, according to MaxPreps. While Portis develops, the Hurricanes have returned to National Championship contention. Perhaps it's a pattern with the final results awaiting in the upcoming months.

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