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While the Miami Basketball program has had their share of NBA draftees in recent years, they’ve also produced 2 quality NFL players in Jimmy Graham and Erik Swoope. Both tight ends turned little-to-no football experience and transferrable basketball skills into productive NFL careers. As the 2019 NFL Draft rolls on this weekend, lets look at 4 members of the 18-19 Canes Hoops squad that have traits that could help a football team at the next level:
Chris Lykes - CB
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While his 5’7” 160lb frame is a concern for most sports other than the other football (soccer), his elite quickness, agility and jumping ability would be very useful covering wide receivers in the slot. His game on-the-court is reminiscent of former NBA talent Nate Robinson, and the Washington-alum also split time as a corner on the Huskies football team.
Anthony Mack - WR
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Mack has a football-ready body at 6’6” 214 lbs, as well as the athleticism to create mismatches against smaller corners. The transfer-guard has also shown flashes of finishing ability at the rim, which would relate to an ability to control his body in the air when attacking the high-point of a pass.
Zach Johnson - S
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Johnson was the most solidly-built player on the team, and at 6’2” 195 lbs appears to be able to lay the lumber on receivers going over the middle. The Florida Gulf Coast-transfer was never shy about laying his body on the line going to the basket, and his team-leading 1.7 steals per game show he has the anticipation to possibly jump routes and break up passes.
Rodney Miller Jr - OT
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Despite redshirting the 2018-19 season, Rodney Miller Jr showed glimpses of raw big man skills in his freshman season (2017-18). NFL-scouts drool over big bodies with basketball footwork, which is crucial for life on the O-line. At 7 feet tall, it may be tough to deal with defensive lineman with a low center of gravity, but it presents plenty of leverage for run blocking. His long arms are another ideal quality for lineman trying to seal the edge.
Which Canes Hoops players do you think could make a potential football player? Let us know in the comments.