Duke Is Legend

More than once, the familiar chant rang through the stadium.

And every time he heard the Miami Dolphins faithful shouting “Duuuuuke,” Duke Johnson couldn’t help but recall how often he’d heard the same when he played at Hard Rock Stadium as a Miami Hurricane.

“It just reminded me of college,” Johnson said with a grin. “It felt like my college days again.”

In many ways, Johnson’s performance in the Miami Dolphins’ 31-24 win over the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon was reminiscent of the kind of effort Hurricanes fans cheered for years.

The seven-year NFL veteran, who made his first start as a Dolphin on Sunday, finished with 22 carries, 107 yards and two touchdowns. All were career bests.

That he was able to put together a game like that in the same stadium where he starred as a Hurricane and not far from where he grew up only made the day that much sweeter.

“I think for me it means a lot to do it in the area I grew up in, the college field I played on,” said Johnson, who was a standout at nearby Miami Norland High before signing with the Hurricanes in 2012. “I think the most important thing is that I did it and it led to a win. If it had led to a loss, it wouldn’t have mattered as much as it does now.”

Said Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, “He played well. Definitely gave us a spark. Ran it well, ran hard and picked up first downs and tough yardage in a lot of instances when they knew we were running…I thought he definitely gave us a spark.”

Johnson, of course, had plenty of family and friends cheering him on during his big day, though he joked he wasn’t sure quite how large that crowd actually was.

One thing he did know? His cheering section included a group of fans from Charles Hadley Park, where he played youth league football and first learned the importance of making an impact in his community.

“I think the biggest thing I learned from Charles Hadley was support, from top down,” Johnson said. “At the time, no one really thought those kids could make it to where we are now, except for the commissioner of the park. And he pushed us and made sure we were the best people, as well as football players, we could be.”

Johnson carried that mentality with him to Norland, where he became a five-star recruit and the nation’s top running back prospect.

He brought it with him to Miami, too where as a Hurricane, Johnson was a record-breaking force.

His 3,519 career rushing yards at Miami are the most in school history. During his career, he totaled 14 100-yard rushing performances – a record he shares with Clinton Portis.

And in 2014, Johnson had six straight 100-yard games – a feat matched by only two other Hurricanes: Willis McGahee in 2002 and Edgerrin James in 1998.

 

The NFL, of course, eventually came calling, with the Cleveland Browns selecting Johnson in the third round of the 2015 draft. He spent four seasons in Cleveland before joining the Houston Texans for two seasons in 2019.

In October, Johnson’s NFL journey brought him home, initially as a member of the Dolphins’ practice squad. He saw action in Miami’s win over the Jets in November, but was limited to just four carries.

With the Dolphins dealing with COVID-19 issues this week, he was called on to carry a much heavier load on Sunday.

He responded in dominating fashion – and the Dolphins teammates he’s still getting to know thought it was all pretty neat stuff.

Read more at: https://miamihurricanes.com/news/2021/12/19/football-feature-duke-johnson-comes-home/

Comments

[86Cane]

It’s being reported Frank Ladson from Clemson has signed with UM out of the portal. That’s a 5 star S. Fla. kid for those keeping track.

Posted by: toledocane | December 20, 2021 at 09:42 AM

Fun fact. Miami’s projected blue chip count next season is at 57%....the highest that it has been prior to 2007. More than double what it was in Golden’s first year.

Posted by: TonyCane | December 20, 2021 at 11:09 AM

I LIKE IT!!!

[Old Skool]

Frank better deliver big on the field to avoid constant mea culpa questions for ditching the U and his crib by signing with Clemson.

[AfriCane]

This sports website r a hustle. These guys, rival and 247 sports for canes know little about football. But they r making money from these sites.

[roachcane77]

D-U-U-U-U-K-E!!!!!

Duke ran HARD! Had a "signature" stiff arm on one nice gain, was the spark the Dolphins needed to get that win!

Great to see him complete the MIAMI Trifecta!

Miami Norland, (my alma mater),
The U, 🙌🏼, (also my alma mater), and now
the Miami Dolphins. (Didn't go there, 🤪, but I was a Senior in high school when they had THE ONLY undefeated season in NFL history!)

[AeroCane]

It’s being reported Frank Ladson from Clemson has signed with UM out of the portal. That’s a 5 star S. Fla. kid for those keeping track.

Posted by: toledocane | December 20, 2021 at 09:42 AM

I mentioned a few days ago that we were his most likely destination. Where are you seeing that he actually signed? It’s not in the herald, inside the U or canesport. Just curious

[nemo2020]

Fake news?

[HerbieIbis]

Mario looking for bigger guys with length. Good to have speed but not if u are getting pushed around. Man, will we be set at DE if we land Stewart and Moss.
Looking at Jason Jones at DE. Dude is mammoth.
Got to find some Oh Linemen.
Dee was the soft spot. Some coaching moves could be interesting because of outstanding recruits still pondering where they are going.
Mario has his shyt wired tight.

[HerbieIbis]

Just read where Moss, who was originally supposed to have signed Friday but not announce it until the All star game, instead will not sign until Feb.
The good thing is 2 of his favorites us and USC he busted his visit. Bama also in the mix.
Mario will now have his work cut out to get this dude. Looking like S.C. to me.

[VA Cane]

D was weak last year...but the OL has been horrible since Fiesta 03...they did not protect KD11 that game...yea he had a couple picks...and he owned them...but he was in the hornets nest....surrounded. They were a big reason we struggled...and since then we have had horrible offensive line play. big fat lazy slow doughboys....shuffle the feet guys...never pick them up....soft shoe shufflers...thank you George Harrison.....we got to get better up front. Cannot run the damn ball...how do you win.

I want to throw the ball, and thats where the game has gone...and I do not believer run to throw...both set each other up and compliment each other.

Get some big bad mean ass hating MFers Mario....guys like you certainly played with and were...looking good coach!!

[HerbieIbis]

Well, back to the drawing board, Marcus Banks is going to Miss St.
Mario gets his first L.
In the portal wars.
Position needs help. Like yesterday. Don't think Stevenson will be playing.

[Terrance Sullivan]

Outstanding So Happy For Duke Johnson!

[AeroCane]

Herb - BIG loss and I think Mario needs to step up his time line of hiring his assistants!

[nemo2020]

Herb - BIG loss and I think Mario needs to step up his time line of hiring his assistants!

Posted by: AeroCane | December 21, 2021 at 12:28 PM

I have a feeling that nothing material will be announced until after the bowl game(s).

[AeroCane]

Agreed but still hate the waiting and I’m sure these kids want to know who their position coach will be

[nemo2020]

CRAPPY BOWL NEWS

Several Miami Hurricanes football players have tested positive for COVID-19, The Miami Herald learned on Tuesday, and Sun Bowl and University of Miami officials will discuss the situation on Wednesday. UM is scheduled to play Washington State in the Sun Bowl at noon on Dec. 31 in El Paso. The game remains scheduled, but the situation is fluid. Sun Bowl executive director Bernie Olivas was told by the Miami Herald on Tuesday afternoon that sources informed the Herald that several Miami Hurricanes players had tested positive for COVID-19.

Read more at: https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/acc/university-of-miami/article256765677.html#storylink=cpy

[HerbieIbis]

Well we are playing in Texas, where omicron virus is like the flu. As long as there are no underlying conditions, they should be okay. Now if we were in New York or Cali, we would be seen as leopards and shut down the whole campus.

[nemo2020]

MORE CRAPPY BOWL NEWS

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The University of Miami football team has entered COVID protocols with 10 days to go before its bowl game.

The athletics department confirmed the news, adding that the football program “is adhering to the outlined guidelines within the ACC Medical Advisory Group report.”

The team is scheduled to play against Washington State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, on Friday, December 31.

The athletics department said the university is committed to making sure that still happens “while ensuring the continued health and safety of its student-athletes, coaches and staff.”

No word on how many players, coaches or staff have tested positive.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaafb/um-football-team-enters-covid-protocols-10-days-before-bowl-game/ar-AAS1Xrp?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=U531

[TJL]

Quarterback Kedon Slovis announces transfer from USC to Pittsburgh

He's not Pickett but they will be ok

[HerbieIbis]

Well, it ain't no Max Browne either,that's for sure. He'll be tough to deal with.

[toledocane]

Quarterback Kedon Slovis announces transfer from USC to Pittsburgh

He's not Pickett but they will be ok

Posted by: TJL | December 21, 2021 at 07:59 PM

His girlfriend goes to Pitt. This was a slam dunk.

[CGNC]

I am going to plan on coming to SFL to a game....see the team play

Posted by: VA Cane | December 20, 2021 at 01:32 PM

Yes. You need to. One big Canespace party

[CGNC]

Nice article on the Duke of Coral Gables lol. Can't believe he left 7 years ago!

[Old Skool]

3 days and counting

[AeroCane]

Per inside the U

‘According to multiple sources, Joe Salave'a is the lead candidate to be the defensive line coach for Mario Cristobal’s staff at Miami.

Salave’a coached with Cristobal at Oregon since 2017. When Cristobal was named head coach, Salave’a stayed with the program and added co-defensive coordinator and run-game coordinator to his title.’

[HerbieIbis]

Rather have Partridge.
Don't know what kind of recruiter Salave'a is but hey Mario knows best.

[JCane]

Long shot, but strong GA lean DL Christen Miller, from GA, had been offered and is expected to announce at the all-star game in January, too. We'll see what surprises we might yet get soon.

[HerbieIbis]

Hell every top 50 kid seems like a lean to Georgia, OSU or Bama and now Tex. A&M.

[AeroCane]

Herb - yep until 2022
Then it will be: Bama, Georgia, Texas a&m and DA U!

[86Cane]

His girlfriend goes to Pitt. This was a slam dunk.

Posted by: toledocane | December 22, 2021 at 05:37 PM

My Ex-girlfriend went to FSU but I picked Miami. Guess that's why she is an EX? Mrs. 86 worked at UM and is a CANES fan. BTW...We just celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary on 12/22/21.

[Harry Miller]

Congratulations 86 0n 31 yrs and still going. Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year to all Cane Fans
on this Great Blog.

[CaneWarrior]

Congrats Mrs.86 & Mr.86 - may you have many more!
Also Merry Christmas and a Happy , Healthy and Safe New Year to everyone.

[AeroCane]

I’ll Ditto Harry and canewarrior
Congrats to mr & mrs 86 and merry Christmas/happy holidays to all my canespace friends!

[roachcane77]

Ditto, ditto, ditto...

Happy Holidays Canespacers! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[VA Cane]

Same from VA...congrats on many great years together...its special...me and the wife will have 31 in April....Tom, How do they do it...put up with 2 nuts named Tom for 31 years?????...you know the answer....thats what she said!!!!!

Seriously though congrats for the great years together...she must be incredible!!!! Look forward to a fall 22 Canspace party and meet everyone!!!!!!

All be safe, Merry Christmas!!!!!!

[VA Cane]

special shout to all of you...what a great family to have...especially this time of year!

I love each of you in a special special way!!! You are the best!!!!

Harry hope you are well and hope family is well also...that little man...God bless him especially!!!!

[Terrance Sullivan]

Happy Anniversary To Mr and Mrs 86 and Mr and Mrs KY! Love Y'all!

[HerbieIbis]

Merry Christmas to all the Caneites and also happy anniversary Tom, Soup, 86. The Skreetz or however many handles and to your wife. Long and wishing you 2 many more.

[Terrance Sullivan]

Merry Christmas Canespace Family Love You

[Killerbeez41]

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

[CanesgirlNC]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! Happy anniversary Tom and Maria!

C-A-N-E-S Canes!

[Sarasota 'cane]

Merry Christmas Canespace legion!
Happy anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Soup!

🎄🎄Ho Ho Ho ‘canes!🎄🎄

[KYcane]

Merry Christmas all you Caniacs!

[MLALUMNI1970]

Hope Christmas Day is awesome for all of you Canespacers. Health to all of you in this new year. Will be going to Florida in January till June.
Can’t wait for football season to begin!!! I always get my hopes up, big time, and then get kicked in the ass. Hope this year is different. I am 73 now, graduating from the U in 1970. Not good football during those days. Ho, Ho, Ho!

[JCane]

Miller is now waiting til signing day in Feb to announce. Agreed, Herb, for now. If Mario pulls even 1 or 2 4 or 5 star unexpected guys, it's a coup...for this season. The hope is that the U grabbing these guys will no longer be a surprise after this year, as Aero said.

Merry Christmas, C-space, and happy anniversary to you, 86.

[Old Skool]

Happy Birthday Soup, Tom and 86

[CGNC]

Weird how typepad called me CanesgirlNC. Haven't been that for a minute LOL.

Enjoy the holiday weekend everyone!

[Sarasota 'cane]

I need the Ravens, Bills, Steelers, and Raiders to lose today, then I need the Dolphins to beat the Saints tomorrow night.

Dream…the impossible dream…

🐬🐬Go Dolphins!🐬🐬

[AeroCane]

Sota, yes!
Except:
3rd year of the rebuild and we still are no more than average with a bad GM and a coach who has no clue how to hire assistants. And we have an owner and fans that are ok with this! I’m not! With all the resources Grier and Flores had/have (including incredible draft choices) we should at least be in the top 3rd or so of the NFL So disappointing and so depressing that Ross is a clueless, idiot owner!

[Terrance Sullivan]

Happy Birthday Soupster

[DallasTX Cane]

Merry Christmas Canespacers! Wish everyone well!

86 - Great article. Love Duke. Happy anniversary.