Miami Hurricanes coach Al Golden's tweet fuels Hall of Fame talk

It looks as if former Miami Hurricanes defensive tackle Russell Maryland is heading into the College Football Hall of Fame.

On the eve of Tuesday morning's announcement of the 2011 Class at the NASDAQ MarketSite in Manhattan, Hurricanes coach Al Golden tweeted "Exciting news on a Miami alum just hit my inbox," adding "Formal announcement is coming tommorrow."

Maryland was one of 79 players placed on the ballot in March. Former UM Coach Jimmy Johnson, an Arkansas alum, also is on the ballot as one of nine coaches nominated.

According to the National Football Foundation, the 2011 class will include 14 players and two coaches – three of the inductees will ring the Opening Bell at NASDAQ.

The first member of the 2011 class – former Ohio State running back Eddie George -- was announced Monday during the telecast of ESPN's College Football Live.

Maryland won two national titles at Miami, as well as the Outland Trophy in 1990 as the nation's best lineman. He recorded 96 tackles and 10.5 sacks that season. Johnson was 52-9 as UM's coach from 1984-88 and led the Hurricanes to the 1987 national championship.

sgorten@tribune.com. Follow him on Twitter @sgorten