Canes Honored at ACC Night of Legends

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – University of Miami junior running back Duke Johnson and freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya were honored during the Atlantic Coast Conference Night of Legends at the Charlotte Convention Center Ballroom. 

ESPN sideline reporter Heather Cox served as the Awards Master of Ceremonies, while Raycom Sports Network play-by-by host Tim Brant handled the Master of Ceremonies for the ACC Legends presentation. 

The ceremony also featured remarks from ACC Commissioner John Swofford.

Johnson was the first Miami Hurricane honored Friday night as he was awarded the Brian Piccolo Award after he finished the regular season ranked second among ACC rushers with 1,520 yards in 12 games and moved to the top of Miami’s all-time rushing list with 3,387 career yards.

“This award means a lot,” Johnson said. “I had my teammates pushing me, my family pushing me and our coaches expecting the best, so that really helped me get back.”

The Piccolo Award The Piccolo Award has been given annually since 1970 in memory of the late Brian Piccolo to the “most courageous” football player in the ACC.

Kaaya also was honored as the league’s ACC Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year. The West Hills, California, native was also honored as the ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year.

“To win this award means the world to me especially if you look at the direction the ACC is going – it’s one of the most competive conferences in college football,” Kaaya said. “It’s big honor to me and a big honor to my family.”

Kaaya received the awards after he passed for UM freshman records of 2,962 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also posted a league-best 148.2 passing efficiency rating.

Former Hurricane Darrin Smith also was honored at the event as an ACC Legend. Smith, who played for Miami from 1989-92, is one of the top linebackers in school history. He keyed a Hurricane defense that allowed Miami to win a pair of National Championships in 1989 and 1991.