Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork (75) during Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nose Tackles
Vince Wilfork
Wilfork may be a large hole clogger on the interior of any defensive line, but while at Miami he was also on the track and field team in throwing events.
Wilfork played football at Miami from 2001 to 2003 and was a part of both trips to the National Championship game, becoming a National Champion for the 2001 season.
He was a First-Team All-BIG EAST for his junior season and decided to forgo his senior season to enter the NFL Draft.
Wilfork was drafted in the first round (21st overall) by the New England Patriots where he played with them for 11 seasons.
Jan 31, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks former defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy at the Seattle Seahawks 12Fest fan rally in the Desert at Chase Field prior to Super Bowl XLIX. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
He was a mainstay on the defensive line and thus, was a major factor, helping the Patriots win two Super Bowl Championships (XXXIX & XLIX). He’s reached the Pro Bowl five-times and was a First-Team All-Pro.
Wilfork currently plays for the Houston Texans.
Cortez Kennedy
Kennedy only played at Miami from 1988 to 1989, transferring from North Mississippi Junior College.
As a senior, he helped Miami win a National Championship in 1989 and was named an All-American.
The following year, Kennedy was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round (3rd overall) and played with them for 11 seasons.
In the NFL, he made the Pro Bowl eight-times, was a three-time First-Team All-Pro and the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year (1992).
Kennedy was inducted into the UM Football Ring of Honor in 2008, inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 2004, inducted into the Seahawk’s Ring of Honor in 2006 and inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
Next: Defensive Ends