Here’s the only Hurricane who made ESPN’s All-Time All-America college football team
As if University of Miami fans needed another reason to hate Florida State.
ESPN released their All-Time All-America team for college football’s 150 anniversary Thursday morning and Canes fans might be disappointed at the results. Only one Hurricane managed to make the cut compared to three Seminoles.
The one Cane holding down the fort? Ed Reed.
A two-time All-American, the hard-hitting safety accumulated 288 tackles, 21 interceptions and was a key part of the 2001 national championship team. Reed was slotted in at the second-team safety spot along with UCLA’s Kenny Easley. Ohio State’s Jack Tatum and University of Southern California’s Ronnie Lott earned the two first-team slots.
For the Seminoles, cornerback Deion Sanders and kicker Sebastian Janikowski received first-team recognition while Fred Biletnikoff was named to the second team.
Sander brought a whole new level of flare to the cornerback position. That flare, coupled with his blazing speed, made him must-watch TV on defense but also as a punt returner. His numbers speak for themselves: 14 interceptions, three punt return touchdowns and 1,429 punt return yards.
Janikowski’s leg brought stability to a program that has had its fair share of misses. His 27 made field goals in 1998 still stands as a school record.
There’s a reason why the top receivers in college football over the past 25 years has received the Biletnikoff Award. Although his career numbers (87 receptions, 1,463 yards and 16 touchdowns) don’t jump off the page, you have to realize these were achieved at a time when passing came second to running the ball. His legacy in Tallahassee, however, is untouchable: he led the Seminoles to their very first victory over the Florida Gators.
While Canes fans will lament the omission of greats like Ray Lewis and Ted Hendricks, they can bond with their Seminole counterparts over one fact: the team is Gator-free.
Click here to view the full team.
