Brandon Meriweather
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inducted 2024 |
One of the most talented defensive backs of his era for the Hurricanes, All-American Brandon Meriweather carved out an impressive portfolio at The U before embarking on a successful nine-year professional career as a first- round NFL draft pick. Meriweather, who earned first-team all-conference plaudits in 2005 and 2006, was a four- year contributor and three-year starter as Miami transitioned from the BIG EAST into the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Florida native finished his Miami career with 293 tackles – a record for a defensive back at the time of his departure.
A 2005 All-American by the Football Writers Association of America and ABC Sports/ Cingular, Brandon enjoyed a breakout junior season that saw him earn a semifinalist spot for the Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s best defensive back. He led the team that season in tackles with 115, including 13 tackles for loss, plus seven passes defensed, and three interceptions. In his final season at The U, Meriweather totaled 91 tackles, one sack, and eight PBUs. Brandon went on to earn his second straight Thorpe Award semifinalist recognition and was invited to the Senior Bowl at the conclusion of the season and his dominant collegiate career.
A standout high school player who helped lead Apopka to the Florida Class 6A state championship as a senior in 2001, Meriweather was a two-time first-team All-State selection during his high school career. Brandon garnered Central Florida Player of the Year and Orange County Player of the Year honors by the Orlando Sentinel, finishing with six interceptions and four kick returns for touchdowns during his final year.
A first-round selection in the 2007 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots (24th overall pick), he spent nine seasons in the league. A two-time Pro Bowler (2009 and 2010) with the Patriots, Meriweather finished his NFL career with 414 total tackles, six sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and 17 interceptions. Brandon spent time with New England, Chicago, Washington, and the New York Giants.
A 2005 All-American by the Football Writers Association of America and ABC Sports/ Cingular, Brandon enjoyed a breakout junior season that saw him earn a semifinalist spot for the Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s best defensive back. He led the team that season in tackles with 115, including 13 tackles for loss, plus seven passes defensed, and three interceptions. In his final season at The U, Meriweather totaled 91 tackles, one sack, and eight PBUs. Brandon went on to earn his second straight Thorpe Award semifinalist recognition and was invited to the Senior Bowl at the conclusion of the season and his dominant collegiate career.
A standout high school player who helped lead Apopka to the Florida Class 6A state championship as a senior in 2001, Meriweather was a two-time first-team All-State selection during his high school career. Brandon garnered Central Florida Player of the Year and Orange County Player of the Year honors by the Orlando Sentinel, finishing with six interceptions and four kick returns for touchdowns during his final year.
A first-round selection in the 2007 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots (24th overall pick), he spent nine seasons in the league. A two-time Pro Bowler (2009 and 2010) with the Patriots, Meriweather finished his NFL career with 414 total tackles, six sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and 17 interceptions. Brandon spent time with New England, Chicago, Washington, and the New York Giants.
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