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Exploring the 2002 Miami Hurricanes Roster
The 2002 Miami Hurricanes football team is widely regarded as one of the greatest college football teams of all time. Coached by Larry Coker, the Hurricanes finished the season with a perfect 12-0 record and won the national championship. Let’s take a closer look at the talented roster that made this historic season possible.
The Offense
Led by quarterback Ken Dorsey, the Hurricanes’ offense was a force to be reckoned with. Dorsey threw for 3,369 yards and 28 touchdowns during the season, earning him a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist. He was supported by a talented group of receivers, including Andre Johnson, who finished the season with 1,092 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
The Defense
The heArt of the Hurricanes’ defense was their dominant front seven, which featured future NFL stars like Vince Wilfork and Jonathan Vilma. The defense allowed an average of just 9.75 points per game, the lowest in the nation that season. They also led the country in turnovers forced, with 45 takeaways over the course of the season.
Key Players
In addition to Dorsey, Johnson, Wilfork, and Vilma, the 2002 Hurricanes roster was stacked with talent at every position. Running back Willis McGahee rushed for 1,753 yards and 28 touchdowns, while safety Sean Taylor anchored the secondary with five interceptions and 77 tackles.
- Ken Dorsey – Quarterback
- Andre Johnson – Wide Receiver
- Vince Wilfork – Defensive Tackle
- Jonathan Vilma – Linebacker
- Willis McGahee – Running Back
- Sean Taylor – Safety
Legacy
The 2002 Miami Hurricanes team is remembered as one of the most dominant in college football history. Their national championship victory over Nebraska in the Rose Bowl cemented their place in the annals of the sport. Many players from that team went on to have successful careers in the NFL, further solidifying their legacy.
Conclusion
The 2002 Miami Hurricanes roster was a collection of some of the most talented players to ever grace the college football field. Led by a potent offense and a suffocating defense, they steamrolled their way to a perfect season and a national championship. Their legacy lives on as a shining example of what a truly great team can achieve.