70 Days until Miami Hurricanes Football: Top Canes to Wear #70

Famous Hurricanes to Wear #70

Tony Cristiani

- Picture Courtesy: Miami Sports Hall of Fame

A University of Miami Sports Hall of Famer, Tony Cristiani wore the orange and green from 1970-1973. Cristiani was a two-time All-American selection during his time as a ‘Cane, and was a stopper in the middle of the defensive line. Cristiani was dominant during his time at Miami, and after a game against Houston, the Cougars head coach said he didn’t “know anybody who blocked him all night.” Cristiani brought down 15 and 17 sacks respectively during his junior and senior seasons, and was a starter from the moment he stepped on campus as a freshman.

Jon Feliciano

A fourth round draft pick by the Oakland Raiders in 2015, Feliciano started on the offensive line for Miami since his redshirt freshman year. Feliciano was an All-ACC Honorable Mention his sophomore year, and earned the same honor as a junior in 2013. Feliciano helped paved the way for Miami’s all-time leading rusher Duke Johnson throughout his career, and helped lead the offense to over 400 yards in the final game of his career against South Carolina. While his era is frowned upon by fans due to the coaching staff, Feliciano was always a fan favorite during his time at Miami. At 6’5”, 315 pounds, Feliciano developed into a force on the offensive line, and is a memorable ‘Canes to wear the #70.

Joel Rodriguez

Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Out of Monsignor Pace High School, Joel Rodriguez was a local force at the University of Miami. After learning from Miami great Brett Romberg during the first two years of his career, Rodriguez started ten games at center and only allowed 2 sacks with 25 pancakes. Rodriguez suffered a devastating leg injury at the end of the year, but fully recovered to help Miami defeat Florida State his senior season. Rodriguez never lost to Florida State while at Miami, and was an offensive MVP in the 2003 rivalry matchup after racking up 5 pancakes and 2 metro rails. After a short stint in the NFL, Rodriguez came back to Miami in 2015 and is currently the Director of Player Development.

Claude Jones

Jones is one of the most successful Miami alumni, leaving the ‘Canes in 1991 with multiple championships. Jones had a great career with the ‘Canes, and had a two year stint in the NFL with the New York Jets until being released due to an ankle injury. Jones famously became a doctor after leaving the NFL, and still proudly represents the ‘Canes with a national title win in 1987,1989, and 1991.

Current Number 70: George Brown Jr. -- Class of 2015 three star recruit who transferred from LSU last season. Brown will look for snaps behind a revamped offensive line in 2017, after sitting out last season due to NCAA transfer rules. Brown will compete for playing time on the offensive line this fall.