The Miami Hurricanes All-Time Team
Running Backs
This slide is when reality strikes and you realize how many backfield beasts I’ve left off of this list such as: Alonzo Highsmith, Melvin Bratton, Chuck Foreman, Jack Losch, Albert Bentley, Najeh Davenport, Cleveland Gary, Frank Gore, and Duke Johnson.
Clinton Portis
One of the more animated Hurricanes, Portis played at Miami from 1999 to 2001.
Portis jumped on the scene early and was named a Freshman All-American by The Sporting News.
But, it was his junior season that would become etched in stone. His ability as a runner helped the ‘Canes win a National Championship in 2001 and he was named First-Team All-BIG EAST.
In three seasons with Miami, Portis rushed for 2,523 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns, capping his junior season with 1,200 yards rushing.
Portis was drafted in the second round (51st overall) by the Denver Broncos in 2002 and was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Portis played in the NFL for 9 seasons primarily with both the Broncos and Washington Redskins. He made the Pro Bowl twice.
Portis was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.
Willis McGahee
McGahee only started one year for Miami as a redshirt sophomore, playing at Miami from 2000 to 2002, but showed how talented he really was.
He redshirted his freshman year, played a backup role as a redshirt freshman and broke out as a ‘Canes top running back in 2002.
McGahee had ten 100-yard gains, rushed for 1,753 yards and 28 rushing touchdowns in his final season. He was a consensus First-Team All-American, First-Team All-BIG EAST, 4th in Heisman Voting and reached the National Championship game against Ohio State Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl.
Despite having a horrific knee injury in his final college game (National Championship game), McGahee was still drafted in the first round (23rd overall) and proved to be a stud in the NFL.
McGahee played 11 seasons in the NFL, was a two-time Pro Bowler and posted four seasons with 1,000 plus yards.
Next: Wide Receivers