Senior Sendoff
By David Villavicencio
Corn Elder and the Duke Blue Devils will forever be linked in college football history.
The University of Miami defensive back was the exclamation point on Miami’s game-winning eight-lateral kickoff return for a touchdown at Duke a year ago.
The play, which was named the Play of the Year by the Associated Press, has been a hot topic this week as Miami prepares to face Duke. It is also Elder’s favorite memory of his time as a Hurricane.
“The Duke play. That’s just something that happens not too often,” Elder said. “It’s just one of those plays that you never think you’ll see, much less be a part of it.”
Elder and his fellow University of Miami football seniors will run through the smoke at Hard Rock Stadium for the final time on Saturday. For the 18 players, Saturday’s 3:30 p.m., matchup against Duke will be the culmination of their Hurricanes home careers.
“They’ve been great,” Miami head coach Mark Richt said of the seniors. “You get a new coach, you can have an attitude about it or resist this or resist that. I really never felt that from the seniors. I felt that they were part of the group that was trying to make the best of it and kind of get excited about it, and I think for the most part did. And I am thankful for that, and I’m thankful that this relationship is going to last for more than 11 months, or whatever it is, 12 months. They’re going to be a part of this family for good, just as I am, and we’re going to help take care of them in the future, too.”
Gage Batten, Kevin Carroll, Jamal Carter, Sr., Wyatt Chickillo, Adrian Colbert, Stacy Coley, Standish Dobard, Elder, Frank Gabriel, Alex Gall, Danny Isidora, Rayshawn Jenkins, Hunter Knighton, Malcolm Lewis, Austin Pfenninger, Justin Vogel, Michael Welch and Marquez Williams each have had a unique experience at Miami.
A year ago, Coley was weighing the decision to forego his final year of eligibility and become a professional or return to Miami for a final year and earn his degree. He chose to return to Miami and is happy with his decision.
“It means a lot. It means a lot to me and my family, especially my mom,” Coley said of coming back and finishing his degree. “Just finishing my school year and education and having another year with my teammates has been great.”
Dobard had been a selfless Hurricane, contributing at tight end for three years before making the move to defensive end during his senior campaign to help the team when it needed depth at the position. The Louisiana native is grateful for all the opportunities he has been given at Miami and knows he will miss his time playing for the Hurricanes.
“I’m going to miss it a lot,” Dobard said. “I’m going to miss being around the players, being around the building. It’s going to be tough. I’m just thankful for the guys. Having these guys around is like having a different family. I’m just so thankful to be around and be able to play with these guys.”
Vogel transferred to Miami after initially beginning his college football career at Florida. The punter has developed into one of the best in the ACC and the country and he is grateful for the opportunity he has been given and the success he has earned as a urrHurr
Hurricane.
“It’s been pretty remarkable, I would say,” Vogel said of his career. “I didn’t expect any of this from the start. First, I wasn’t really recruited out of high school. I was just trying to make it out on the field and then when one place didn’t work out, I was like, ‘Do I stop there or do I keep going?’ I said, ‘Might as well keep trying.’ So, I came here and ever since then I started playing, I got a scholarship. There was media day, now I’m running out as a captain for the team sometimes. Maybe there’s potential in the NFL, you never know. I never would have thought that would be an option when I first started this career.”
For a player like Jenkins, his time at Miami is irreplaceable. He has made lifelong friends, played in unforgettable games and developed a connection to the University of Miami that is truly special.
“Just the atmosphere of the place,” Jenkins said. “The players love being here. We like being around the coaches. We feel like we are getting taught a lot. So, it’s just overall it’s a great atmosphere to be around.”
Carter mans the defensive backfield with Jenkins and he knows Saturday’s game will be different than the many he has played for the Hurricanes before.
“It’s going to be crazy,” Carter said. “A lot of emotions. I’m just going to try to keep my composure, stay focused on the game and get the W.”
The entire week has been filled with reflection for Carter and his fellow seniors. The standout safety has spent a lot of time thinking about what it’s been like to play with his fellow Hurricanes and he hopes to have one final great memory in front of his home fans.
“I am going to miss playing with the young bucks, the freshmen,” Carter said. “I’m going to miss playing with the guys I came in with. I’m going to miss all the guys. I’m just going to make the best of this week.”
For a Miami native like Carter, playing for Miami has always been a dream and it has been an honor to wear the orange and green.
“[It means] Everything. Just putting on for our city. All the legends that came through here set a high standard and we are just trying to uphold that and keep the city on the map.”
Williams had no connection to the Hurricanes before joining the team for the 2016 season. The fifth year senior has cherished every moment of his one year with the Canes and considers himself a Hurricanes for life, despite only playing one season at The U.
“It has been quite a ride,” Williams said. “I can say that much. I think I just value most that I was able to have a shot to play Division I football like I always wanted to. I’ve been trying to embrace that every day. It’s been great.”
