2000 Miami Hurricanes Roster: A Look At The Championship Team

Introduction

The Miami Hurricanes football team has a long and storied history, but one of its greatest seasons came in the year 2000. Led by head coach Butch Davis, the Hurricanes went undefeated and won the national championship. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 2000 Miami Hurricanes roster, examining the key players and moments that led to their historic season.

Offense

The 2000 Miami Hurricanes had a high-powered offense, led by quarterback Ken Dorsey. Dorsey threw for over 2,600 yards and 25 touchdowns, and was named a Heisman Trophy finalist. He had a number of talented receivers to throw to, including Santana Moss, Reggie Wayne, and Andre Johnson. The running game was also strong, with Clinton Portis and Najeh Davenport combining for over 1,800 yards on the ground.

Quarterback

Ken Dorsey was the heart and soul of the Miami Hurricanes offense in 2000. A junior at the time, he had already established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the country. He had a great arm, excellent accuracy, and the ability to make plays when the team needed them most. Dorsey’s leadership and poise were also key factors in the team’s success.

Wide Receivers

The Miami Hurricanes had a trio of talented wide receivers in 2000: Santana Moss, Reggie Wayne, and Andre Johnson. Moss was the top target, with 1,604 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. Wayne added 753 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Johnson had 682 yards and 10 touchdowns. All three players went on to have successful NFL careers.

Running Backs

The Miami Hurricanes had a strong running game in 2000, with Clinton Portis and Najeh Davenport leading the way. Portis was the top rusher, with 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns. Davenport added 621 yards and 7 touchdowns. The two players provided a balanced attack that helped keep opposing defenses off-balance.

Defense

While the offense was certainly impressive, the 2000 Miami Hurricanes were also known for their dominant defense. Led by standout players like Ed Reed and Dan Morgan, the defense was one of the best in the country. The Hurricanes allowed just 9.75 points per game, and shut out three opponents over the course of the season.

Defensive Backs

Ed Reed was the star of the Miami Hurricanes defense in 2000. A safety, he had 9 interceptions and was named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year. He went on to have a Hall of Fame career in the NFL. The Hurricanes also had talented cornerbacks in Mike Rumph and Phillip Buchanon, who combined for 6 interceptions.

Linebackers

Dan Morgan was the heart and soul of the Miami Hurricanes defense in 2000. A linebacker, he had 138 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He was named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year and won the Butkus Award as the best linebacker in the country. Morgan went on to have a successful NFL career as well.

Defensive Line

The Miami Hurricanes defensive line was led by tackles Damione Lewis and William Joseph. The two players combined for 17 tackles for loss and 9 sacks. End Cornelius Green also had a strong season, with 7 sacks.

Special Teams

The Miami Hurricanes had a solid special teams unit in 2000 as well. Kicker Todd Sievers was one of the best in the country, making 22 of 27 field goal attempts. Punter Freddie Capshaw averaged over 40 yards per punt, and the return game was also strong with Santana Moss and Phillip Buchanon.

Conclusion

The 2000 Miami Hurricanes were a dominant team that will be remembered for years to come. Led by a high-powered offense and dominant defense, the Hurricanes went undefeated and won the national championship. The key players on the roster, including Ken Dorsey, Ed Reed, and Dan Morgan, went on to have successful NFL careers. The 2000 season will always be a special one for Miami Hurricanes fans, and it remains one of the greatest seasons in college football history.