MIAMI GARDENS, FL - SEPTEMBER 15. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
Al Carapella was the first All-American in 1951 as a defensive tackle in Miami football history.
Defensive tackle Al Carapella was the first All-American in the history of the Miami football program in 1951 while helping lead the Hurricanes to the Orange Bowl against Clemson. Carapella came to Coral Gables via Tuckahoe, New York. While still in high school, Carapella signed a contract with the New York baseball Giants.
Carapella was declared ineligible to play sports as a senior in high school because of the professional baseball contract.