Four Miami Hurricanes Football Players Played in Tropic Bowl

Dec 26, 2015; El Paso, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes linebacker Tyriq McCord (17) sacks Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) during the second half at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; El Paso, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes linebacker Tyriq McCord (17) sacks Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) during the second half at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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On January 17th, the 2016 Tropic Bowl (an FBS college all-star game) took place in Miami, Fl and four Miami Hurricanes played in hopes of furthering their careers.

All four ‘Canes players played under head coach Mike Stock on the National Team (Navy): RB Dallas Crawford, CB Tracy Howard, LB Tyriq McCord and DT Michael Wyche.

Though Coach Stock coached for 26 years at the collegiate level and 17 years in the NFL, he was notoriously known for his ability to not win at Eastern Michigan University. In fact, he’s part of a school record that saw his EMU squad go on a 27-game losing streak.

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The American Team beat the National Team, 38-14.

Who cares, it’s just an all-star game, right?

And after a little research, I found absolutely zero praise in regard to any Miami Hurricanes players. Though, I did see on social media Crawford putting on a nice move to get open for a catch during Tropic Bowl practice.

According to NFL Draft Blitz, there were some notable players, including a Florida Gator player and a Florida State Seminole player, but again, no ‘Canes seemed to stand out. Also, on the Tropic Bowl website, there were a bunch of MVP honors going around, but none seemed to find any of the four ‘Canes.

A former 3-star recruit out of Virgina, Wyche never really got going at UM. He had transferred from East Los Angeles College and mainly played reserve duties due to injury and a lack of performance. Though he played in Miami’s first four games of the 2015 season, the redshirt senior was suspended from Miami after being arrested for domestic battery.

Sep 13, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Tracy Howard (3) reacts against the Arkansas State Red Wolves during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Miami won 41-20. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Tracy Howard (3) reacts against the Arkansas State Red Wolves during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Miami won 41-20. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

An all-around player, Crawford was a former 4-star recruit (ESPN) who originally committed to Michigan. Early on at Miami, Crawford primarily played on special teams and running back. During his redshirt junior and senior seasons, he moved to the safety position and was elected a Team Captain prior to his final season in 2015.

Howard was a U.S. Army All-American and prized recruit out of Miramar High School (Miami, Fl). In fact, he was rated a 5-star from both Scout and Rivals and the No. 1 cornerback prospect in the country. Though he never really lived up to his potential under DC Mark D’Onofrio at Miami, he played and contributed in all four years.

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McCord also played and contributed all four years at Miami. He was a U.S. Army All-American and 4-star recruit out of Jefferson High School (Tampa, Fl). McCord primarily plays outside linebacker or defensive end. During the 2015 regular season, the senior McCord was No. 13 on Miami’s defense in total tackles, behind Crawford and in front of Howard.

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Screen Shot 2016-01-19 at 2.54.57 PM /

The Tropic Bowl is an annual all-star game played in N. Miami at North Miami Stadium. It was scouted by 27 NFL teams and 4 CFL teams, totaling 50-plus scouts.

NFL Draft Projections:

Tracy Howard and Tyriq McCord are a late 6th round to 7th round draft picks (at best).

Dallas Crawford and Michael Wyche will most likely end up being undrafted free agents.

More hurricanes: Welcome to the U: Latrell Williams Commits

More college all-star games (featuring ‘Canes players) will be coming up on Jan. 23rd such as: the East-West Shrine Game (WR Rashawn Scott and DB Deon Bush) and the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl (DT Ufomba Kamalu and DT Calvin Heurtelou).