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It’s Sunday, and Hurricanes fans are still celebrating a dominant 70-3 victory over FAMU. You know what else Sundays are for? The NFL, of course.
The U has been dubbed “NFL U” and for good reason. This season, NFL rosters will be spread out with some familiar Canes faces.
Here’s a guide of who to watch on Sundays, and who might be the top performers.
Offensive Star: Allen Hurns, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Other Notable Names: Greg Olsen TE CAR, Andre Johnson WR TEN, Jimmy Graham TE SEA, Lamar Miller RB HOU
From signing with Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent, to finishing last season with 64 receptions, 1,031 yards and 10 touchdowns, former Hurricane Allen Hurns has made a name for himself in the league. He has the record for the most touchdowns in his first two seasons for an undrafted wide receiver (16). He was the only receiver last season to score a touchdown in seven straight games, which he did with a sports hernia. If there is any Cane to watch on Sundays, it has to be Hurns. This off-season, he signed a nice contract. Look for him to earn that money this year.
Defensive Star: Artie Burns, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Other Notable Names: Vince Wilfork DT HOU, Sean Spence ILB TEN, Sam Shields CB GB, Calais Campbell DE ARI
It seems like a reach, naming a rookie corner the best defensive Cane in the league, but think about it. The Steelers invested a lot in Burns based on his “raw” talent. With the proper coaching, he’ll go from raw to star. His body of work has been limited this pre-season thanks to a quad injury, but when he stepped on the field against the reigning NFC Champions, Carolina, he looked poised. In that showdown, Burns finished with four tackles, three solo and an tremendous diving effort that almost led to an end zone interception. The expectations are incredibly high for Burns, but he’s got a good head on his shoulders. He’s a coachable kid who can be the face for Miami players on a team whose history is defined by great defenses.
Still Hanging In There: Devin Hester, WR/KR, Baltimore Ravens
Just when you thought he was done, Devin Hester found a new home, as a return man for the Baltimore Ravens. The 33-year-old former Hurricane was brought in by John Harbaugh to fix the Ravens pitiful return game. Hester owns every single return record in the league. He’s proven that you can make a career out of a specialized skill. Since 2012, he’s only recorded two touchdown returns, but still you gotta respect this NFL and Miami legend.
... And there you have it folks. Short and sweet. Keep celebrating that FAMU win, and as the season progresses we’ll make sure to offer more in-depth analysis.