Miami’s Manny Diaz on Fernandez helmet decals

Miami's defensive coordinator and Miami native Manny Diaz was instrumental in the decision for the Hurricanes to place decals on their helmets on Saturday to honor the passing of Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez.

Fernandez and two friends died in an early morning boating accident on Sept. 25 in Miami Harbor.

“I feel like U of M is Miami’s team and I felt like that was a big thing in our city this week,” Diaz said. “And any small part that we could do to honor his memory, I feel like it was vital to us and Coach (Mark) Richt agreed with that. That was just something that it was our small gesture to what Jose meant to the people of Miami.”

Diaz was unsure if the Hurricanes would keep the decals on their helmets for next week’s game against Florida State.

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