All-American Running Back Seasons for the Miami Hurricanes…
Throughout the history of the Miami Hurricanes, four running backs have achieved the honor of being named All-Americans during their collegiate careers. These players are Jim Dooley, Chuck Foreman, Cleveland Gary, and Willis McGahee. Each of these athletes earned their All-American status in different decades and under different head coaches.
Jim Dooley, recognized as an All-American halfback, notably had 10 interceptions in 1951 according to the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame. In the previous year, he led the team with 532 rushing yards. The Hurricanes ended the 1951 season with an 8-3 record, culminating in a victory over Clemson in the Gator Bowl. Dooley was the first Miami player to rush for over 1,000 career yards and to have his number (42) retired. He played ten seasons with the Chicago Bears and later served as an assistant and head coach for them from 1968 to 1971.
Chuck Foreman, known for his versatility, had an All-American season in 1972, rushing for 484 yards and four touchdowns, and catching 37 passes for 557 yards and three more scores. Foreman had an eight-year NFL career, earning All-Pro honors four times.
Cleveland Gary brought a similar skill set to Miami as Foreman. After transferring from Georgia and sitting out the 1985 season, Gary played a limited role in 1986. During Miami’s 1987 National Championship season, he had 288 yards on 48 touches. In 1988, Gary led the team with 57 receptions for 655 yards, 488 rushing yards, 1,175 total yards, and 11 touchdowns, earning him a first-team All-American spot from The Football News. His 57 receptions in 1988 remain the highest for a Miami running back. Gary was a first-round draft pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 1989.
Happy Birthday Cleveland Gary
Gary was instrumental in a Miami comeback over Michigan#TheU pic.twitter.com/Zi0jweqaor— Old Time Football 🏈 (@Ol_TimeFootball) May 4, 2024
Willis McGahee’s 2002 season stands out as the best in Miami’s history for a running back. He set single-season records with 1,753 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns, including a single-game record of six touchdowns. McGahee was Miami’s only consensus All-American running back and a Heisman Trophy finalist, finishing fourth. In 2002, McGahee had ten 100-yard games and twice surpassed 200 yards in a game. He is one of only five players in college football history to rush for over 1,500 yards and 25 touchdowns in a single season.
This impressive list highlights the exceptional talent Miami has had at the running back position. Notably, other great players like Super Bowl XXV MVP Ottis Anderson, Clinton Portis, Edgerrin James, and Miami’s all-time leading rusher Duke Johnson, did not achieve All-American status despite their stellar careers. Miami’s tradition of outstanding running backs is truly remarkable.
