Fansided

Miami football: 25 greatest Hurricanes of all time

By Joe Romano

MIAMI - JANUARY 1: Defensive back Sean Taylor #26 of the Miami Hurricanes attempts to elude wide receiver P.K. Sam #4 of the Florida State Seminoles during the 2004 Orange Bowl game on January 1, 2004 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. The Hurricanes won 16-14. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
MIAMI - JANUARY 1: Defensive back Sean Taylor #26 of the Miami Hurricanes attempts to elude wide receiver P.K. Sam #4 of the Florida State Seminoles during the 2004 Orange Bowl game on January 1, 2004 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. The Hurricanes won 16-14. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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18 Oct 1997: Tailback Edgerrin James of the Miami Hurricanes runs with the ball during a game against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Miami won the game 45-44.
18 Oct 1997: Tailback Edgerrin James of the Miami Hurricanes runs with the ball during a game against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Miami won the game 45-44. /

8. Edgerrin James

Running back, 1996-1998

The highest ranked running back on this list is Edgerrin James. To put that into perspective this is the same college that produced Clinton Portis, Willis McGahee, Frank Gore, Lamar Miller and Duke Johnson. James is the best of the bunch.

His career in college started slowly as many do. James’ freshman season in 1996 only featured seven games and 71 carries. His talent was apparent with an average of over six yards per carry during that span.

James took over the starting role in 1997 and never looked back. His 1098 yards currently ranks eighth all-time for Miami Hurricanes performance in a single season. The 13 touchdowns he scored that season are tied for fifth all-time for the Hurricanes in a single season. Despite only being a sophomore James was given the ball 184 times and still produced over six yards per carry.

The following season, in 1998, James would show just how elite he could be. He racked up a record 1416 rushing yards, a record that would be topped only twice since (Willis McGahee and Duke Johnson). His 299-yard performance against UCLA that season is still the most yards ever by a Miami running back. James’ 17 rushing touchdowns were the Miami record until McGahee’s 28 in 2002 shattered it.

For his career, James currently ranks second in Miami history in rushing touchdowns despite only playing three seasons and two as a starter. His 2960 yards is third all-time in school history for career rushing. James likely would have been clearly atop the record books if he stayed for one more season.

Instead, James declared for the NFL draft where the Indianapolis Colts would select him with the fourth overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft over the Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams. James would make it worth them and lead the league in rushing during his rookie season. His career would last ten seasons with the majority in Indianapolis and the final seasons in Arizona. James was a four-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro. He led the league in rushing twice and won Rookie of the Year. He holds Colts records for most rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, most 1000 yard seasons, most yards per game and most rushing yards in a single season. James is a member of the Colts Ring of Honor along with fellow Hurricane Reggie Wayne.

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