NFL Draft Preview: Allen Hurns

The University of Miami has been an NFL factory for decades and the wide receiver position has been a pipeline to professional stardom.

Miami has produced over 30 NFL wide receivers including Pro Football Hall of Famer, 1987 national champion and three-time Super Bowl champion Michael Irvin.

The long list of standout wide receivers from Miami also includes 2001 national champion and Pro Bowler Andre Johnson as well as Pro Bowlers Reggie Wayne, Santana Moss and Devin Hester.

The most recent Canes drafted at the receiver position include 2012 selections Travis Benjamin (Browns) and Tommy Streeter (Ravens), as well as 2011 third rounder Leonard Hankerson (Redskins).

While a majority of Miami’s NFL star receivers have been high selections, senior Allen Hurns has the makings of a late round steal for whatever team selects him in this weekend’s NFL. Draft.

Hurns was a three-year starter for the Hurricanes, making 26 starts while missing just one game over his final three seasons in Coral Gables.

The Miami native was productive as a sophomore and junior, tallying four touchdowns and over 300 yards in each of those seasons. But Hurns emerged as a go-to receiver in his senior season, recording 62 catches for a Miami single-season record 1,162 yards and six touchdowns.

His stellar play in 2013 earn him second team All-ACC honors and the 2013 Jack Harding Team MVP Award. Hurns, who accomplished several impressive feats as a senior, became fourth Hurricane with 1,000-yard receiving season, joining Eddie Brown (1984), Andre Johnson (2002) and Leonard Hankerson (2010).

NFL Draft experts view Hurns as a reliable receiver with intangible qualities that make him an attractive option for teams looking for help at the receiver position.

NFL.com’s Nolan Nawrocki had this to say about Hurns, “An underneath, zone receiver, Hurns emerged as the Hurricanes’ top go-to receiver as a senior … Good length and competitive speed. Runs hard after the catch. Adjusted well to frequent errant throws.”

DraftInsider.net’s Tony Pauline values Hurns’ toughness, maturity and dependability.

“Hurns flashed ability during his sophomore and junior seasons then took his game to another level last year,” Pauline said. “Three-year starter coming off a career season which included 62 receptions, 1162 yards, and 6 TDs. Dependable receiver who significantly elevated his game last season. Fluid releasing off the line, quickly gets into breaks, and runs sharp routes. Uses the sidelines well and displays good hand-eye coordination. Easily adjusts to errant throws running full speed and smooth making the deep reception in stride. Makes the difficult over the shoulder catch and keeps the play in bounds running after the catch.”

Hurns, who played at the East-West Shrine Game following the 2013 season, met with the New York Jets at that All-Star game. Should he be selected by the Jets, he would be the third Canes receiver selected by New York, joining Dale Dawkins and Santana Moss.

After performing for scouts at the NFL Combine, Hurns also put his skills on display at Miami’s Pro Day, where he met with both the Bengals and Texans.

Cincinnati has had success with Miami receivers in the past, selecting 1985 NFL Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowler Eddie Brown.

The Texans have had several impact Hurricanes over the years, including superstar wideout Andre Johnson. 

No matter where Hurns lands, he is certain to use his talent, maturity and toughness to challenge for a roster spot.