HONOLULU - Its been a few years since the University of Miami has basked in the national glory of the college football spotlight.
But it only takes a short glimpse at the respective Pro Bowl rosters this year to remember the influx of talent that matriculated through Coral Gables in the first half of this decade and beyond.
There are five former Hurricanes in the Aloha State this week to play in the NFLs annual all-star showcase, and a sixth member, New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey, will not participate due to injury. Fortunately for the Texans, arguably the best player of the Miami bunch wears Battle Red and Deep Steel Blue every Sunday during the fall.
With his low-key demeanor and shy-guy persona, wide receiver Andre Johnson doesnt fit the stereotypical Hurricanes mold. But dont get it wrong: Johnson bleeds his schools colors and could not be more proud to represent The U this Saturday in his second-career Pro Bowl.
Its something that we believe in a whole lot (at Miami), Johnson said of continuing his schools prolific football legacy. Me and (Baltimore Ravens safety) Ed Reed were sitting by the pool the other night and he was like, How many guys do we have here? We were sitting there trying to count. So its definitely something that we take pride in. And when were out on the field we just try to do the best that we can.
One of Johnsons New Years resolutions was to be more sociable. Whether or not he was kidding, Johnson could have trouble getting a word as he hangs out with characters such as Reed, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne, Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor and San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore. Thats not to mention lovable Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson, who hails from Miami but attended school elsewhere.
Full article below:
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/detail.php?PRKey=3310