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There’s 23 days left until the first kickoff and the Canes don’t practice today. So what else is there better to do today than read a bit about the best Hurricanes to wear #23. Here we go.
James Lewis
Lewis was a safety out of New Jersey who played on the 2001 championship team. While he played in every game of his career, 2001 was his first season as a starter where he took over for Al Blades. In that season, Lewis tallied 3 INTs and 59 tackles. His career highlight was a pick-six against Nebraska in the 2001 Rose Bowl.
Robert Bailey
One of the featured interviews in Billy Corben’s documentary ‘The U’ Bailey described one of his fondest plays and all time Miami highlights in which he vowed to knock out the opposing return man on the opening kickoff of the 1991 Cotton Bowl. Shortly after kickoff, Bailey did exactly that. Bailey played defensive back for the Hurricanes and took his turn to shine until senior year where he amassed 75 tackles and an INT. He was drafted in the fourth round by LA Rams where injuries interrupted most of his tenure in Los Angeles. Bailey won Super Bowls with the Cowboys (1995) and Ravens (2001) and also played cornerback for the Dolphins and Lions. Bailey was also a return man who set an NFL record for longest punt return (103 yards).
Duane Starks
You may also recognize Starks as another former star defensive back featured on ‘The U’ documentary. More famously, Starks lined up at cornerback for the Hurricanes in the mid 90s where he was lethal on the defensive side and return game. He was drafted in the first round 10th overall by the Ravens where he became an interception machine playing alongside Ed Reed. On a Miami Hurricanes heavy Ravens defense, Starks was a key component to their Super Bowl XXXV victory. After 4 years in Baltimore, Starks moved on to play in Arizona, New England, and Oakland before retiring in 2006. He finished with 25 career NFL interceptions.
Quadtrine Hill
From 2002-2005, Hill was a stout, downhill running back/fullback who was on third down and as a pass protector. After a short attempt at professional football, Hill decided to focus on boxing where he made his professional debut in 2010.
Larry Jones
Running Back 1991-1994, Fourth round draft pick by Redskins in 1995
Christopher Herndon IV
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No longer overshadowed by David Njoku, Herndon will finally put his talent on full display in 2017. Herndon is the best tight end in the ACC and will be a critical target for Miami’s QB TBD. Already blessed with tremendous athletic talent, a productive season could catapult Chris into becoming the next great Miami tight end to segue into the NFL. Herndon has been a quiet contributor as a pass catcher and blocker for years, so now is his time to make his name known and take that next step.
Terry McCray
McCray is a redshirt Junior who is not likely to make much of an impact on this year’s team. A questionable take by Al Golden from the start, McCray has never been able to earn much playing time but has nevertheless stuck around.