NFL Draft indicates a fading Miami Hurricanes tradition

The legacy of the University of Miami football program is in the hands of the many players who entered the National Football League and became legends. Since the 1980’s, the Hurricanes have been known and celebrated for mass producing NFL talent year in and year out.

The 2020 NFL Draft has proven that their proud tradition is fading. The Hurricanes used to be part of the Sunshine State’s big 3 with Florida and Florida State but it seems as if they are closer to Florida Atlantic and Florida International.

Florida has sent at least one player in the top three rounds of the draft. Miami was never mentioned in the first two days. Hurricane fans had to wait until the fourth round to see four-year starting linebacker Shaq Quarterman’s name be called but not before FAU and FIU saw one of their players be selected.

Who would have imagined there would be a time where Florida Atlantic would have a player drafted before Miami? Who would have imagined there would be a time where Florida International would not only have a player drafted before Miami but also a quarterback drafted higher than any Hurricane quarterback in the 21st century?

Probably the same people who thought Miami losing to FIU would never happen.

This is actually the second consecutive year that Miami has been behind their South Florida rivals in the draft. The last time the Hurricanes have seen one of their own selected in the first round was in 2017. Even when the Hurricanes won 10 games and went to the Orange Bowl, it didn’t result in a player drafted in the first round.

The Hurricanes finished the previous season 6-7 with three straight losses to FIU, Duke and Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl. Four players were drafted this year but in the later rounds where players usually don’t make it past the preseason. Miami always seems to be the winners on National Signing Day and have made recent waves in the transfer portal.

The program needs to return to the point where they develop professional talent in order to return to gridiron glory.