Jimmy Graham is the only Miami Hurricane shown slam-dunking a basketball in this year's media guide -- football media guide.

The 6-8, 260-pound former power forward, with bright orange hair and a face full of freckles, also is likely the only Hurricane who reveled in spilling his fascinating story to a flock of reporters last weekend.

``He raved about media day,'' UM basketball coach Frank Haith said Wednesday about Graham, UM's most inexperienced tight end but extremely experienced athlete. ``He thought it was cool. First guy in and last guy to leave. You could tell how excited he was by his voice.''

Simply put: Graham, of Goldsboro, N.C., played football through ninth grade. He doesn't have contact with his birth father and was abandoned by his birth mother for much of his childhood -- though the two have reconnected. He quit football when he was adopted at age 15 by a woman -- Becky Vinson -- he met in church, and went to a school with only basketball.

Graham went from an angry teenager to a polite, appreciative young man. He earned a basketball scholarship to Miami, earned his bachelor's degree as a double major in business management and marketing, and is now in graduate school studying for a master's in liberal arts.

Graham is widely recognized on campus, and expects more attention as a tight end. ``My dad is black and my mom is white with red hair, so I'm a little different looking. People notice me everywhere.''

NFL DREAM

The last time Graham played football, he was a 6-1 wide receiver and defensive end. Now, seven inches and eight years later, Graham dreams of playing in the NFL. Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (California) and San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (Kent State) are two examples of former college basketball players who went to the NFL.

``I'm not doing this to look pretty on the sideline,'' Graham said with a smile Wednesday after donning pads for the first time this fall. ``First, I want to help us win a ring. I've been here four years and this is another opportunity to win a title. The ultimate goal is to have a great season and take it to the next level.

``I know I'm young, and obviously I'm having fun, but I'm willing to learn.''

`A BEAST'

The Hurricanes are thrilled, because Graham was a gift that fell to them just when they needed it. With projected starter Dedrick Epps practicing, but being watched closely after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery in late January, Graham's surprising early success has elicited several positive remarks by UM coach Randy Shannon.

Linebacker Colin McCarthy called Graham ``a beast.'' McCarthy should know. During a summer 7-on-7 drill, Graham leaped for a catch, came down on McCarthy above his left eye and ``split him'' with his elbow. The gash required a few stitches.

The towering, muscular tight end has made catches and big blocks every day since camp opened Saturday, including a touchdown reception Tuesday and one Wednesday from quarterback Jacory Harris in red-zone drills.

``Typical Jimmy,'' Shannon said Wednesday.

On media day, the coach simply said, ``He's not afraid.''

`I'M EXCITED'

Since then, Graham's huge hands have been hauling in passes while his huge frame has boxed out -- so to speak -- defenders. He was an intimidator on the basketball court and ranks eighth in UM history with 104 blocks. Used mostly as the sixth man, he started nine games and averaged four points and 5.9 rebounds a game last season.

``I guess I play a little aggressive because that's the kind of person I am. And now I can't foul out. I'm excited.''

UM tight ends coach Joe Pannunzio is a basketball fan, and wondered while he watched Graham play if he could one day help in football. ``He's a good athlete and a great person and he really wants to do well,'' Pannunzio said.

``We're lucky.''

`IT'S AWESOME'

Haith said he and his wife can't wait to see Graham play. ``When the basketball season ended, we talked about him interviewing agents and playing some basketball in Europe. He probably could have made six figures and gone to Spain and had a long career.

``Then I got a call from [UM defensive line coach] Clint Hurtt and those guys that maybe he could play in college. One time even [UM] president Donna Shalala mentioned something about Jimmy maybe wanting to play football.

``I think it's awesome. I talked to Jimmy [on] Tuesday night and he's really attacking this thing full speed ahead.''