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Miami football one of two schools with two top 10 all-time recruits

By Alan Rubenstein

MIAMI - NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Ryan Hart #13 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights attempts to avoid contact from linebacker D.J. Williams #17 of the Miami Hurricanes during the game on November 22, 2003 at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. The Hurricanes won 34-10. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
MIAMI - NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Ryan Hart #13 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights attempts to avoid contact from linebacker D.J. Williams #17 of the Miami Hurricanes during the game on November 22, 2003 at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. The Hurricanes won 34-10. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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The Florida and Miami football programs are the only two that have had two players who are among the top 10 recruits in history to have played for them.

Former Miami football players, inside linebacker D.J. Williams and QB Brock Berlin tied for eighth highest-ranked recruits ever with current Ohio State QB Justin Fields and former Missouri wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham. Berlin and defensive end Ronald Powell were the two players in the top 10 recruits to play for the Gators.

In two seasons at Miami Berlin completed 58.0 percent of his passes for 5,099 yards, 34 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. Berlin transferred to Miami after playing two seasons with Florida. Berlin completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 653 yards, 11 TDs and two INTs in two seasons in Gainesville.

Like Berlin, Williams was a part of the 2000 signing class. Williams was the eighth-ranked player, the second-ranked ILB and second-ranked player in California from legendary DeLaSalle high school in Compton. One of the most versatile players in Miami football history, Williams began his Hurricanes career as a fullback.

During his freshman season in 2000, Williams recorded 16 carries for 50 yards and one TD and added 12 receptions for 143 yards and a memorable TD in the Hurricanes Sugar Bowl victory over Florida. Williams added two more carries for 92 yards and a second TD in 2001. Williams was primarily a LB in 2001 and ’02.

In two seasons at LB Williams finished with 151 tackles. Williams had 108 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, four sacks, eight pass breakups and forced two fumbles during his final season with Miami as a junior in 2002. Williams and linebacker

Jonathan Vilma

teamed to lead a dominant Miami defense in 2001 and ’02.

During the Hurricanes National Championship season in 2001, Williams, Vilma and safety Ed Reed led a Miami defense that finished first in the nation allowing 112 total points and an average of 9.8 points per game. The 2002 Hurricanes allowed 248 points and 19.1 PPG. Williams was exceptional in the 2002 Rose Bowl victory.

As Miami won a National Championship, Williams had four tackles, one sack and a forced fumble as the Hurricanes dominated Nebraska 37-14 in Pasadena. Williams played 11 years in the NFL with the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears. Miami is the only program to have two top-10 all-time recruits at the same time.

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Berlin’s most iconic moment in college came when he led the Hurricanes comeback against Florida from a 33-10 deficit to a 38-33 victory. Berlin completed 18 of his last 21 passes, which included 12 in a row. Revenge on his former team was sweet for Berlin as he completed 27-41 for 340 yards with two TDs and two interceptions.

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