58 Days to Miami football: Two-time National Champion DL Willis Peguese

Willis Peguese played defensive line for the Miami football program in the middle of their dynasty in the late 1980s.

Willis Peguese started at left defensive end on an elite defensive line for the Miami football team that won the 1989 National Championship. Pegeuse is the only member of that defensive line not in the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame. Greg Mark was the other DE with Cortez Kennedy and Russell Maryland at DT.

The 1989 title was Miami’s third in seven seasons. in the middle of a dynasty that won four titles in nine seasons and three in five years. Peguese was on the Miami football roster from 1986-89 during the Hurricanes dynasty years. Before becoming a starting DE, Peguese was the deep (long) snapper on the 1987 Championship team.

Peguese was part of elite Miami defenses during his four seasons with the Hurricanes. Miami finished in the top four in points allowed during each of his four seasons. Miami allowed 10.8 points per game combined in the four seasons with Peguese as a force on the defensive line for the Hurricanes.

Peguese played four seasons in the NFL. Following his four year career with Miami, Peguese was drafted into the NFL with the 72nd overall pick in the third round by the Houston Oilers in the 1990 NFL Draft. Peguese spent parts of three seasons with the Oilers and three with the Indianapolis Colts in a five year NFL career.

In 35 games, Peguese started five times in the NFL with two sacks. According to his LinkedIn profile, since 2007, Peguese has had his own company, Pro Player Protection Group that provides services to professional athletes. Peguese can get lost in the shuffle as a part of one of the greatest defensive lines in Miami history.

Willis Peguese was a key part of two National Championship Miami football teams and the greatest player to wear number 58 in Hurricanes history.