 He was recruited by Howard Schnellenberger to play college football at the University of Miami, but Schnellenberger left for the USFL before his freshman season started, making Jimmy Johnson his new head coach.As a sophomore, he was moved from outside linebacker to defensive end, becoming a starter midway through the season and finishing with 12 sacks (led the team).As a junior, he had 97 tackles and 17 sacks.