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29 Days to Miami Hurricanes Football: Top Canes to Wear 29

Defensive backs rule #29

Russell Athletic Bowl - Miami v West Virginia
It will not be easy to replace former #29 Corn Elder in the secondary
Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Corn Elder

Elder is an incredible athlete out of Nashville, TN. While receiving an ample amount of attention on the football field in high school, he also turned heads on the basketball court. Football ultimately took over, and for good reason. Despite his success on the football field, he could have had a future in college basketball if he pursued it. At Miami, Elder was a shutdown corner and a player that was unafraid to blitz off of the edge and hit the QB. He left Miami with 11.5 tackles for a loss and 6 sacks. He blossomed into an All-ACC CB over his time at Miami and increased his production each year. Statistically speaking, he increased his number of tackles, sacks, and pass break-ups each season.

It will be tough to not see #29 out there for the Canes this season, but Elder looks to make his mark in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers after being picked in the 5th round of this past NFL Draft.

JoJo Nicolas

Nicolas was a DB at UM from 2007 until 2011. He had a solid career at Miami that was topped off by a 66 tackle season in 2011. He also recorded 2 interceptions that year. He was not drafted after he graduated from Miami, but rather signed an undrafted free agent deal with the New York Giants in 2012. He was chasing his NFL dream when tragedy struck in February of 2014. Nicolas was involved in a car accident on the MacArthur Causeway where he later passed due to injuries sustained in the crash. An outpouring of support was shown on social media for his family in the immediate aftermath. JoJo Nicolas will always be a part of the Cane fam, forever #29.

Virginia v Miami
JoJo Nicolas was one of the best to don 29 at Miami
Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

Other notable Canes to wear #29 include Casey Greer (1990-1992) and Don Ellis (1985-1988).