Miami Football: 15 greatest players of the Jimmy Johnson era

• Fifth Miami history 2,850 yards from scrimmage
• Third pick in 1987 NFL Draft

After playing a key role as a freshman on the 1983 National Championship team, Alonzo Highsmith led Miami in carries during his final three seasons. Highsmith is fifth all-time in Miami history with 2,850 rushing yards and 10th with 25 total TDs. Par for that era of Miami football Highsmith was a versatile RB.

Highsmith began his Miami career as a defensive lineman. Schnellenberger switched Highsmith to fullback before his freshman year. In his first season playing for Johnson, Highsmith ran for 906 yards on 6.2 yards per carry with five TDs and added 37 receptions for 257 yards and another two TDs.

Highsmith ran for 442 yards and four TDs and caught 30 passes for 416 yards and another four scores as a senior in 1986. Highsmith led Miami in rushing yards in two of his final three seasons. During the four seasons with Highsmith playing a key role, Miami finished 40-9. Miami was 29-8 with Highsmith and Johnson.

Highsmith was selected third in the 1987 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. Miami teammate QB Vinny Testaverde went first overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and defensive tackle Jerome Brown ninth to the Philadelphia Eagles, giving the Hurricanes three of the first nine picks in the draft.