Miami has produced pro talent for decades, no surprise there. Wide receiver is a position where the Canes have excelled in, not just at the U but on to the pros, and later into Canton.

From 1980 to now, the amount of talent at the wide-out position that has come through Coral Gables is almost freakish.

Picking the top 5 to play at Miami wasn’t easy, never is.

Again, players accomplishments in the pros won’t be counted in, just their time at the U.

Honorable Mention: Leonard Hankerson (2007-2010)

I’ll be honest, Leonard’s name didn’t ring a bell at first. Probably because he played during a very forgettable time in UM history, and his quarterbacks were Kyle Wright and Jacory Harris.

However, Hankerson was a touchdown machine, and holds the record in single season touchdowns with 13, and ranks third in school history with 22.

Honorable Mention: Stacy Coley (2013-2016)

Anyone who excelled during his time at Miami with Al Golden as coach has a very soft spot in my heart.

If it wasn’t for the blocked PAT following his almost-tying touchdown catch against FSU, it would’ve gone down as one of the most memorable catches in school history.

Still, Coley ranks second in receptions in school history, fifth in yards and tied for fourth in touchdowns.

5. Andre Johnson (2000-2002)

To think that Andre is only number five on this list hopefully makes you realize how difficult it was to make this thing.

A co-MVP of the 2002 Rose Bowl against Nebraska, Johnson was the constant target for quarterback Ken Dorsey, and one of the most crucial members of Miami’s early 2000’s dynasty.

Johnson is tenth in receiving yards, fourth in touchdowns, and helped the Canes win their fifth National Championship in 2001.

4. Lamar Thomas (1989-1992)

Ah yes, ole Lamar Thomas. We love him, don't we? Whenever I think of classic Canes, Thomas comes to mind. One because of his play on the field, and next because he wanted to fight FIU during the 2006 brawl even up in the broadcast booth.

These kids nowadays don't quite realize though how great Thomas was during his UM career, and how much swagger and confidence he played with.

A two-time National Champion (1989 and 1991) Thomas had a key knack for big games, and the Torretta-To-Thomas connection will forever live on in Miami lore.

Thomas is third in receptions, fourth in receiving yards, and fourth in touchdowns.

A Hurricane forever.

3. Santana Moss (1997-2000)

“Big time players, step up in big games, thats all I gotta say.” Not only did he give one of the greatest quotes in school history, he was one of the greatest players in school history.

An incredible athlete, Moss was explosive, not just as a receiver but also as a returner. Only 36 yards ahead of teammate Reggie Wayne, Moss is the all-time leader in receiving yards at UM, and also Miami’s all-time leader in all-purpose yards.

He’s also tied for fourth in receptions, and seventh in touchdowns.

Moss was also a first team All-American in 2000, and finished seventh in the Heisman voting that same year.

2. Michael Irvin (1985-1987)

Is there a more vocal Hurricane in the world today? If there was a list of “Influential Canes” Irvin would stand alone at the top. The leader of his time, and one of the greatest leaders in school history, Irvin is simply Miami.

But not first on this list.

However, Irvin was the first truly great receiver to come out of Miami. A freshman All-American in 1985, and then a two-time All-American in 1986 and 1987, Irvin led some of the most talented teams in school history, helping Miami win their second national championship in 1987.

Tied for third in school history in receiving yards, fourth in receptions, and number one in touchdowns, Irvin was the best receiving to play at Miami during the start-struck era of the 1980’s in Coral Gables.

1. Reggie Wayne (1997-2000)

Yes, there you have it. Reggie stands alone, at the top of the U Mount Rushmore of receivers. Though not as loud as Irvin, Wayne’s presence was felt in the late 90’s, and helped Miami rise back to prominence.

Even today, Wayne’s records speak for them-self at UM. Number one in receptions, number two in receiving yards, and tied for fourth in touchdowns. Wayne did all of this while sharing the receiving position with Santana Moss, another Miami great.

One of the most consistent players in the programs history, Wayne was a four-year starter, and set a school record with a reception in 36-consecutive games.

Again, come at me. I’m ready for the debate, let it rain on.