Miami football continued dominant 2003 NFL Draft after Fiesta Bowl loss

MIAMI - OCTOBER 12: Quarterback Ken Dorsey #11 of Miami pats teammate running back Willis McGahee #2 on the helmet during the game against Florida State on October 12, 2002 at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. Miami edged Florida State 28-27. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
MIAMI - OCTOBER 12: Quarterback Ken Dorsey #11 of Miami pats teammate running back Willis McGahee #2 on the helmet during the game against Florida State on October 12, 2002 at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. Miami edged Florida State 28-27. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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Willis McGahee

Willis McGahee was selected 23rd overall by the Buffalo Bills despite a devastating ACL tear suffered in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl loss to Ohio State. Still being selected in the first round was a testament to the season McGahee had in 2002 and his overall talent. Clinton Portis was a first-round pick at RB 2001.

Having a RB taken two consecutive years shows the depth of talent Miami had at RB in that era. Portis shared the position with James Jackson before becoming the starter in 2001. Pro Football Hall of Famer Edgerrin James preceded Portis and McGahee. McGahee’s record-setting 2002 season was exceptional.

Finishing with 1,753 yards rushing and 28 TDs, McGahee set the school record for rushing yards and TDs in a season. McGahee also set the school record with six rushing TDs in a wild 56-45 victory over Virginia Tech the final weekend of the regular season. McGahee finished that afternoon with 205 yards rushing.

McGahee finished his Miami career ninth all-time in rushing yards, third in TDs and still holds the single-game rushing TD record. After three years in Buffalo to begin his NFL career, McGahee played four in Baltimore, two in Denver and one in Cleveland to conclude a 10-year NFL Career.

After sitting out what would have been his rookie season in 2003 because of the knee injury, McGahee finished his NFL career with 8,474 rushing yards and 65 rushing TDs and added 210 receptions for another 1,339 yards and another five TDs. McGahee had two Pro Bowl seasons and four with 1,00 yards rushing.

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