Miami football: 25 greatest Hurricanes of all time
By Joe Romano
10. Reggie Wayne
Wide Receiver, 1997-2000
We already discussed a few of the most dominant receivers in the program’s history with Andre Johnson and Santana Moss. At one time both of those players shared the field with the tenth player on the list, Reggie Wayne. The only four-year starter of the bunch, Wayne was a stable force during the times where Miami desperately needed it.
His first year on campus was a start to what was going to be a memorable career as his 48 receptions were a freshman record until Ahmmon Richards broke it during the 2016 season with 49 receptions. It was longevity that made Wayne’s career great with the Hurricanes. He never broke 1000 yards receiving but was always averaging over 12 yards per catch. His record of 36 consecutive games with a reception is a record that still stands and may never be broken with fewer players staying all four years.
Wayne’s final season in 2000 was his best. He had 10 receiving touchdowns on only 43 catches and 755 yards. That 17.5 yards per catch were the best of his career. Unfortunately, the team success did not translate that year at a shot for the National Championship for the Hurricanes. The team’s lone loss to Washington was enough for the BCS computers to keep them out of the top two spots even with the Hurricanes beating both the first and second ranked teams during the season. Computer models were eventually changed because of this team.
Indianapolis selected Wayne with the 30th pick in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He was part of a historic class both for the Hurricanes and NFL. Wayne was the fourth member of the 2000 Miami team to be selected in the first round joining Dan Morgan, Santana Moss and Damione Lewis. He was one of eight receivers in that draft to eventually be Pro Bowl players. He would call the Colts home for his entire 13-year NFL career. By the time it was done he had won a Super Bowl, made six Pro Bowls, was a three-time All-Pro and named to the Colts Ring of Honor. Wayne ranks in the top-ten in NFL history for receptions and receiving yards.