A mere 73 days remain until the Miami Hurricanes’ 2017 season opener. And today, we look at the great players who have donned #73 for the Canes.

Leon Searcy

A 3-time National Champion at The U (1987, 1989, 1991), Leon Searcy was dominant in his collegiate career. He anchored the line for years, and was a 1st team All-American in 1991. Following his senior season, Searcy was the 11th pick in the 1992 NFL Draft, selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Over the next 11 seasons, Searcy played for 4 teams (Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, and Miami Dolphins) in 126 NFL games, starting 111 of them. Searcy played in Super Bowl XXX with the Steelers, where they lost 27-17 to the Dallas Cowboys. He was a 2nd team All-Pro in 1999 for the Jaguars, representing his finest professional season.

After his playing career ended, Searcy was the OL coach at FIU from 2004-2006. Following that, he has started “Real Men Block”, an apparel brand for those who take pride in being a lineman.

Searcy was recognized for his stellar collegiate career by being inducted into the UM Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.

Joaquin Gonzalez

A local standout from Miami (FL) Columbus HS, Gonzalez turned down several Ivy League schools to attend Miami back in 1998. In his time at Miami, Gonzalez earned a reputation for his outstanding intellect and solid play along the OL. Gonzalez started all 49 games in his Miami career, a testament to his longevity and skill.

Gonzalez earned 1st team All-American honors in 2000 and 2001. He was a member of the Greatest College Football Team Ever — the 2001 Miami Hurricanes — and helped lead the Canes to their 5th National Championship in the 2001 season.

Gonzalez was also a renowned vocal leader for the Canes. That status was immortalized during Ed Reed’s emotional halftime speech at Florida State in 2001.

After his UM career, Gonzalez was a 7th round pick of the Cleveland Browns in the 2002 NFL draft. Gonzalez played 4 seasons between the Browns and the Indianapolis Colts.

Gonzalez was inducted into the UM Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.

Fellow UM Sports Hall of Famers Eddie Edwards (everybody’s All-American in 1976 after a stellar senior season) and Lester Williams (who was a dominant force with 210 career solo tackles from the DT position) also wore #73 for the Canes.

Trevor Darling

The current player wearing 73, senior OL Trevor Darling has been a solid if unspectacular player for Miami to this point in his career. A 4-star recruit from local Miami (FL) Central HS, Darling has been in the starting lineup for the last 3 seasons.

In his time at Miami, Darling has bounced between Left Tackle and Guard. For the 2017 season, Darling figures to slot in as a starting Guard for the Canes as Miami continues to rebuild and reshape the offensive line.

At 6’4 300lbs, Darling has good size, and has a wealth of game experience. Hopefully he will use those gifts, along with continually improving skill thanks to working with OL Coach Stacy Searels, to help Miami take a big step forward in the 2017 season.

Lots of great players have worn 73 for Miami. Vote in the poll and leave a comment letting me know who your favorite is.

Go Canes