WR Devin Hester's football career was impressive even before the NFL. Take a look back at photos from Hester's days playing for the University of Miami Hurricanes.
Devin Hester returns a Louisiana Tech punt 51 yards for a touchdown during a game in 2004. Hester became the first University of Miami Hurricane to return two punts for scores in a game during this game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
Devin Hester dodges University of Houston defenders while running the ball during a game in 2004. Hester played several positions through his college career including start time at cornerback, nickelback, running back and fullback as well as playing wide receiver and returning kicks.
Devin Hester runs during a kick return against the University of Louisville during a game in 2004.
Devin Hester catches a punt during a practice in 2004.
Devin Hester runs past North Carolina State players to score a 105-yard touchdown on the opening kickoff in 2004. Hester was ranked sixth nationally in kickoff return average his freshman year (2003) with 28.7 yards per return.
Devin Hester breaks away from a South Florida University player after intercepting the ball. Hester had five interceptions during his career at the University of Miami.
Devin Hester runs past Temple University players as he scores a 48-yard punt return touchdown during a game in 2005.
Devin Hester runs past Louisiana State University players for a first down after a reception during the Peach Bowl in 2005 played in the Georgia Dome.
Devin Hester runs through the Louisiana State University defense during the Peach Bowl game in 2005 at the Georgia Dome.
Devin Hester runs the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds during the 2006 NFL Scouting Combine. Hester was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears with the #57 overall pick.
For the Atlanta Falcons, WR Devin Hester is the gift that keeps on giving. Between setting the NFL all-time record for total non-offensive touchdowns and becoming another target for Falcons QB Matt Ryan, Hester has shown the Chicago Bears what they are missing.
In the middle of the offseason, Hester was released by the Bears, making him a free-agent for the first time in his nine-year career. Since coming to the Falcons, Hester has proven himself to his teammates, his coaching staff and the Falcons fan base in the first four games of the season, with 12 receptions for 196 yards, one receiving touchdown and one rushing touchdown for 20 yards.
All of that combined is why Hester sits at No. 5 on Around the NFL writer Chris Wesseling's top 10 surprises of the 2014 season thus far.
"Don't be surprised if Hester is one of the reasons that Ryan ends up leading the NFL in passing yards this season," wrote Wesseling. "(He's) perhaps the offseason's most under-the-radar free-agent acquisition…"
