Can the Hurricanes Become ‘Wide Receiver U’…Again?
The Miami Hurricanes have an outstanding reputation when it comes to putting players in the NFL. With five National Championships in a span of less than 20 years and a backyard of endless talent, the Canes don’t just get players into the NFL, they make effective playmakers.
Over the years, many have labeled the Hurricanes as “Running Back U”, “Tight End U”, “Defensive Back U”, “Linebacker U”, “Offensive Tackle U”, “Defensive Line U” and…of course, “Wide Receiver U”.
NFL.com ranked the Miami Hurricanes as the best school in the country for Wide Receivers in 2015 based on the Elite Careers of Miami alums such as Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson and Santana Moss.
"“In terms of overall numbers, LSU has had more receivers drafted over the last 15 years (from 2000-15) than Miami and more picked in the top three rounds, but there is no getting around what the Hurricanes’ first-round picks have done in the NFL,” wrote Chase Goodbread, College Football 24/7 Writer for NFL.com in 2015."
When you think of some of the legendary Canes at the WR position there has been a plethora of talent coming out of Miami and playing in the NFL such as Johnson, Wayne, Moss, Michael Irvin, Brian Blades, Devin Hester, Eddie Brown, Brett Periman, Randal Hill, and the list can go on and on and on.
Phillip Dorsett was drafted in the 1st round (29th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft but has yet to make a huge impact. Rashawn Scott joined the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2016. He only played in two games and did not record a reception.
Stacy Coley should be a late round draft pick in 2017 and Malcolm Lewis might get a look as a free agent. Ahmmon Richards just set the freshman record for most receiving yards in a season. He figures to be a high round pick in 2019.
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Wayne and Johnson finished their careers 10th and 11th in NFL history in receiving yards and receptions and 23rd and 40th in their careers in touchdown passes.
Michael Irvin did not have as a prolific career as Wayne and Johnson did. Despite all the accolades about the Hurricanes Wide Receivers, Irvin is the only Hurricane receiver, running back or tight end in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Irvin finished his career 26th all-time in receiving yards, 38th in receptions and 54th in touchdown receptions.
His numbers are far fewer than Wayne and Johnson because he played in an era where a greater emphasis was placed on the run. He also played with Emmitt Smith who is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher.
Irvin had seven seasons in the top ten in receiving yards per game, four years in the top ten in receptions and three years in the top ten in yards per receptions. His 74.9 yards per reception ranks 13th all-time.
Forty Hurricane Wide Receivers have been NFL Draft picks. Only eight of them have been first round picks. Dorsett was the last Hurricane receiver to be a first round pick.
Dorsett was the first Hurricane Reciever to be picked in the first round since his former Colts teammate Johnson went third overall to the Houston Texans in 2002.
Richt inherited Coley from the Al Golden era. The addition of Richards, the maturation of Dionte Mullins, the rehabbing Lawrence Cager and incoming freshmen Mike Harvey and Jeff Thomas should prime the Hurricanes to regain their title of Wide Receiver U.
Next: Miami Hurricanes QB Jack Allison Could be out Remainder of Spring
The only question remaining over the next couple of seasons will be who is going to throw them the football? That will likely not be answered until right before the Hurricanes open the season September 2.