On behalf of the entire Hurricane family I would like to thank Duke Johnson for not only playing here at Miami but for being such a great ambassador and face for the program. Duke chose to come here at a time when it could have been easy and even understandable to go elsewhere.
He chose to come here at a time when many in the sports media were putting The University of Miami in the same sentence as "The Death Penalty". Not only was he not deterred by this. Not only did he remain steadfast in his commitment to Miami when "playing the recruiting game" was all the rage amongst his peers but he decided to be the rock, the foundation and undisputed leader of the class by taking no other visits and inspiring other highly coveted recruits to join him.
Then after signing day he took to social media exhorting his fellow recruits to work hard in order to arrive in the best shape possible. He has been nothing less than a true leader and role model since the day he arrived.
There are many talented football players but few posses the rare work ethic and drive to succeed that define Duke Johnson. It is a travesty that this truly transcendent talent will leave here without ever having the opportunity to play for a national championship or even a conference title. The fact that a legend like Duke was subjected to the worst and most grossly incompetent staff in recent memory is beyond infuriating.
If the members of this administration/BOT had even a fraction of this young man's heart, love and dedication to this program, Miami Hurricanes football would be in a much better place.
So again I say Thank You Duke! Thank you for being a Hurricane. Thank you for all the great memories. Thank you for being an inspiration and role model for all future Hurricanes. Most of all, thank you for giving a **** about and respecting what so many who came before you built in a time when those currently in power apparently don't.
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