Former Canes Ray Lewis and Edgerrin James Pro Football Hall of Fame Finalists

Two former Miami Hurricanes have been nominated for the class of 2018 for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Ray Lewis and Edgerrin James along with 13 other finalists are on this year’s ballot to be immortalized in Canton, Ohio this Summer.

This is the way the process works. On February 3rd, the day before the Super Bowl in Minneapolis the list will be trimmed from 15 to 10 then to five by the Board of Selectors. After it gets whittled to five all remaining former players will be voted in on a yes or no basis. The former players who get 80% yes will be enshrined in August.

Ray Lewis who is a first time balloter is joined by Randy Moss, Steve Hutchinson and Brian Urlacher as first timers. Other finalists are tackle Tony Boselli, wide receiver Isaac Bruce, safety Brian Dawkins, guard Alan Faneca, tackle Joe Jacoby, running back Edgerrin James, cornerback Ty Law, safety John Lynch, center Kevin Mawae, wide receiver Terrell Owens and cornerback Everson Walls.

Ray Lewis has a very strong chance to make it on the first ballot, alongside Randy Moss. Lewis is a 13 time Pro Bowl selection, two time defensive player of the year and Super Bowl MVP.

As for Edgerrin James he finished his career with 12,246 rushing yards, 3364 receiving yards 80 rushing TDs and 11 receiving TDs. His rushing yards ranks 13th all time ahead of Hall of Famers Marcus Allen, Franco Harris, Thurman Thomas, John Riggins, O.J. Simpson, Jim Taylor, Joe Perry, Larry Czonka and Terrell Davis.

As Ray Lewis seems to be a lock first ballot, James may have a tougher route considering who else is on this list. If he does make the final five, he should probably get in. However at some point James probably does deserve to make it into the hall considering he ranks high enough in most statistical categories to get the look. With that said to at least be named a finalist is still quite an honor