Miami football: 25 greatest Hurricanes of all time
By Joe Romano
22. Santana Moss
Wide Receiver, 1997-2000
Santana Moss was a feel-good story for Hurricanes fans. He arrived on campus as a walk-on after a strong senior season for a local high school. By the team’s third game of his first season, Moss had earned a scholarship. It was not until his second season that it became clear how special this guy was at the receiver position.
By the time his career ended he was Miami’s all-time leading receiver with 2546 yards, breaking a mark held previously by Michael Irvin (don’t worry he’s coming!). Moss also finished inside the top-five of Hurricanes in all-purpose yards, punt return yards and receiving touchdowns.
Overshadowed by the uber-talented Reggie Wayne, Moss was the perfect partner and dominant in his own right. Moss was the speedster and special teams ace to the all-around Wayne. He used that speed and explosion to also excel for Miami at track and field, winning the triple jump at the 2000 Big East Championship.
Like Wayne, Moss would be a first round selection in the 2001 NFL Draft. The New York Jets made Moss the 16th pick in the first round. In fact, despite the disparity in production, Moss was picked 14 picks before his teammate. That draft saw an impressive four first round picks from the Hurricanes.
Fourteen seasons in the NFL, most with the Redskins, and 10,000 yards later, Moss hung up his cleats following the 2014 season. Currently, he sits at seventh in receiving touchdowns, fourth in receptions and first in receiving yards for his career with the Hurricanes. Moss will be remembered as one of the best receivers to wear “The U”.