Herndon steps into the spotlight

Senior tight end inherits important role for team

CORAL GABLES — Miami Hurricanes tight end Chris Herndon doesn’t want this to be about him.

Sure, he instantly became the team’s top threat at tight end themomentDavidNjoku decided to declare for the NFL draft last December. The expectations grew. His name appeared on various preseason awards.

While the accolades are great, Herndon feels his job is more than just being one of the Hurricanes’ top targets. It entails much more.

“I try to embrace it,” Herndon said. “I don’t try to think too much of it because I have young guys behind me. I don’twant to just focus on myself and make it all about me. I have to get better every day and bring them along with me, too. It’s just not about me.”

Herndon would prefer to stay humble while serving as a solid mentor for the younger tight ends who will ultimately replace him when he leaves after this season. A senior, he caught 28 passes for 334 yards and two touchdowns last year.

Big things are expected from Herndon, but he is thinking bigger picture in terms of theUMprogram.

“I’m just taking it day by day,” Herndon said. “It’s also part of me being a leader. I have a bunch of young guys behind me. It’s not justme. I have to bring them along with mebecausewe are going to need more than one this season.”

Herndon saidhewants to help groomthe likes of Michael Irvin II, his probable backup, Malik Curry and Brian Polendy. The players have combined for zero catches.

“They’ve been thrown into the fire but they’ve handled itwell,” Herndon said. “It’s a few missed assignments, a few errors, but