Linebackers
This is another position that’s very deep in depth for the ‘Canes, so unfortunately, I left off players such as: Jon Beason, D.J. Williams, Darrin Smith, Rocky McIntosh, Winston Moss, Michael Barrow and Denzel Perryman.
Jonathan Vilma
Vilma played for the ‘Canes from 2000 to 2003 and stepped up big at the middle linebacker position when Dan Morgan left for the NFL.
He helped lead the defense to two National Title appearances, becoming champions for the 2001 season.
In 2000, Vilma was a Freshman All-American. In 2001, he made First-Team All-BIG EAST. And the next year in 2002, he was a unanimous First-Team All-BIG EAST selection. In his final year, he was named an All-American (Walter Camp Foundation & American Football Coaches Association).
Vilma was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round (12th overall) and played in the NFL for 9 seasons with both the Jets and the New Orleans Saints.
He’s a Super Bowl Champion (XLIV), made the Pro Bowl three-times and was the NFL Rookie of the Year in 2004.
He was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.
Jessie Armstead
Armstead was a member of the Hurricanes during two National Championships (1989 & 1991).
Though Armstead played alongside Barrow and Smith (who were beasts in their own right), considered by many as the best linebacker corps in college football history (“The Bermuda Triangle”), I chose Armstead simply because he made the most Pro Bowls on the next level, proving he could not only overcome, but persevere.
In fact, Armstead wasn’t even drafted till the eighth round (207th overall) by the New York Giants. However, if it wasn’t for a torn ACL in his sophomore season, Armstead would’ve most likely been drafted much earlier.
He played primarily for the Giants and Washington Redskins and during his time in the NFL, he made the Pro Bowl five-times and was an All-Pro selection four-times.
Armstead was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
Next: Defensive Backs