Devin Hester - Collegiate Career

Collegiate Career

After completing high school, Hester enrolled at the University of Miami. As a sophomore, he earned national recognition after being named onto the "Walter Camp All-America Team" and "The Sporting News' All-America team." Hester’s recognition was influenced by his prodigious success as a kick returner. His ability to thrust laterally and break away from pursuers made him one of the nation’s most dangerous return specialists. During his freshman year, Hester returned an opening kick for a 98-yard touchdown against the University of Florida. In a game against Duke University in 2005, Hester broke six tackles while returning an 81-yard punt. Ultimately, Hester completed his college career with a total of six touchdowns from kick returns, including one blocked field goal return. He also scored one rushing and receiving touchdown and recorded five interceptions as a defensive back.

Hester became the first football player in Miami Hurricanes' recent history to play as member of the special, offensive, and defensive teams. He was known as "Hurricane Hester" by his fans and teammates. During his productive tenure at the University of Miami, Hester befriended Deion Sanders through Ed Reed, one of Sanders’ teammates who was an alumnus of the University of Miami. Deion Sanders counseled, advised, and encouraged Hester. Hester was also known as "Anytime" in college, which is a tribute to Sanders’ nickname, "Prime Time". He also adopted Sanders’ signature touchdown dance, and showboating maneuvers, which he carried to his future NFL career.