Miami Hurricanes Football: 5 Young Players Who Could Become Legends

Leonard Hankerson brought the term, legend, back into the Hurricane football program last year, by having one of the best statistical seasons ever at Miami.

Hankerson had over 1,000 yards, 22 touchdowns, and became only the third person in school history to have 800-plus yards in back-to-back seasons.

In reality Miami hasn't produced many legends like they have in the past, but here is a list of Freshman and Sophomores that have the capability of becoming the next ones.

No. 5: Thomas Finnie, CB (Freshman)

There is a huge shortage at cornerback already for the Hurricanes, losing Brandon Harris to the draft, and Demarcus Van Dyke and Ryan Hill to graduation.

There are no returning starters which means someone will have to step up and that somebody may be early enrollee, Thomas Finnie.

Converted saftey, JoJo Nichols is currently No. 1 on the depth chart, but I truly believe Finnie will end up the starter at some time during the year.

What really gets me excited about Finnie is his awareness in coverage.  I was able to watch the spring game and he really has the ability to stick to the receivers.

He obviously is a little raw, but there is no doubt in my mind that he has the possibility to become a legend.

He has the athleticism, ran a 4.4, now just needs the right coaching.

No. 4: Anthony Chickillo, DE (Freshman)

Anthony Chickillo hasn't even stepped on to campus yet and there are rumblings of how great of a player he can be.

Chickillo will be arriving this summer and many people are excited to see him in action.

The last time we saw Chickillo he was an unstoppable force in the Under Armour All-Star game, winning the MVP award for Team Click Clack, with 1.5 sacks, four tackles, three quarterback knockdowns and a fumble recovery.

During his senior year at Tampa Alonso High, he had 127 tackles and led the state of Florida in sacks, with 18. He was voted first team All-American as a senior.

The 6'4", 245 pound defensive end will be the first ever third-generation football player to play for the Hurricanes.

His size, speed, and understanding of the game will definitely make him a player to keep a close eye on.

No. 3: Storm Johnson, RB (Sophomore)

Some may be surprised by this choice at three, but I truly believe, once and if, Storm Johnson gets a lot of carries, he is going to surprise a lot of people.

Johnson has a tremendous upside and he displayed it last year rushing nine times for 119 yards and a touchdown.

In the game against USF, he carried the ball five times for 75 yards, including the longest rushing touchdown of the year for the Hurricanes, 71 yards.

The problem is he is currently listed at third string behind Mike James and Lamar Miller, and he isn't happy about it.

There are already rumors of Johnson transferring and it would honestly break my heart if he did. I really think if Storm would stay, he would be the starter next year.

I see Miller leaving after this year, because he will have a monster year, and Johnson would take the starting spot over James next year.

If that were to happen, I truly believe Johnson could do special things his Junior and Senior years.

No. 2: Seantrel Henderson, OL (Sophomore)

Everyone already knows who Seantrel Henderson is.

He was the most highly-touted freshman recruit in last year's recruitment board and finally decided to go to USC.

With the ongoing problems at Southern California, Henderson had a change of heart and transferred to Miami.

As a true freshman, Henderson started nine of 12 games last year at right tackle.

Not only did he start, but did such an amazing job he was named on multiple First-Team Freshman All-American teams.

Although this spring has been less then stellar for Henderson (moved to left tackle, injured, and second on depth chart) there is no doubt in my mind he will strive and become an All-American.

If he stays next year too, he may go down as one of the best offensive lineman ever at Miami.

No. 1: Lamar Miller, RB (Sophomore)

Was there really a question of who was going to take the No. 1 spot in becoming a Hurricane legend?

Lamar Miller has the biggest upside of all the Hurricanes, combined. His speed, quickness, and field vision put him in a category by himself.

Need proof?

In just the second game of the year, against the #2 team in the country, Miller ran a kickoff back for a touchdown.

He led the team in rushing touchdowns with six, average six yards per carry on 108 carries, and was named Rivals Rookie of the Week when he ran for 125 yards and touchdown against the Maryland Terrapins.

He against showed how special of a player he could be in the spring game, by rushing for 166 yards on just 10 carries, while scoring three touchdowns.

You don't find many speed guys at running back, but if there is an open hole, Miller has the ability to take it to the house on every play.

He is that special and barring injury, he has the chance to break many Hurricane rushing records this year.