The University of Miami football program has taken a step back since the late 1990s, but they haven’t stopped churning out NFL stars. Recent success stories include Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell, Packers cornerback Sam Shields, Saints tight end Jimmy Graham, Giants safety Kenny Phillips, and Panthers linebacker Jon Beason.
Miami sends nine players to this year’s Scouting Combine, and PFT had the chance to speak with two of them Wednesday.
First up was cornerback Demarcus Van Dyke, a projected middle-round selection. Van Dyke earned an invite to January’s Senior Bowl, and has been mentioned as a candidate to run the fastest forty-yard dash in Indianapolis.
A humble Van Dyke wouldn’t get specific about projections, saying his goal is to “just run a fast time.” Van Dyke mentioned Fort Valley State receiver/returner Ricardo Lockette and Kentucky running back Derrick Locke as also in the mix to blaze the track in Indy. “D.V.D.,” as he’s known, helped break the University of Miami record in the 4x100 sprint relay as a Canes track star.
Van Dyke had two pass breakups and four tackles in the Senior Bowl game. He said the Bills and Cowboys, especially, have shown interest in him.
Running back Damien Berry was impressive to speak to, recalling his early-career days as a kickoff coverage ace for The U.
“I love special teams,” stressed Berry.
Berry believes he’s been unfairly pegged as a 4.5-type athlete, but is confident he’ll hit the 4.4s at the Combine. He said the Dolphins and Jaguars have seemed keen on him so far, but it “really doesn’t matter” where he lands.
“I just love to win,” he said.