Football

Ring of Honor – Class of 2009

Bennie Blades

Defensive Back (1985-1987)

As a junior, he was selected first-team All-American in 1986 by the Associated Press and United Press International after leading the nation in interceptions with 10. The following season, Blades not only helped the Hurricanes win the national championship, but he also was selected first-team All-American by the Associated Press, Kodak, United Press International, The Sporting News, The Walter Camp Foundation and the Football Writers Association of America. The same year, Blades also won the Jim Thorpe Award, which recognizes the nation’s premier defensive back. While at UM, Blades set school records for interceptions in a career (19), interception return yards (305), consecutive games with an interception (5), total tackles by a safety (286) and unassisted tackles by a safety (155).

Eddie Dunn

Running Back (1935-1939)

Dunn played running back for UM from 1935-39 serving as team captain as a freshman and senior. He went on to coach the team for two years during World War II. In 1938, he played in the historic Miami-Florida game, scoring all three touchdowns in a 19-7 Miami win in the two teams’ first ever meeting on the gridiron. While playing running back for the Hurricanes, Dunn set several game, single-season and career records for rushing, scoring, and punt returns. He is generally considered the Hurricanes’ “first football hero”. Dunn took over coaching the `Canes when the original coach, Jack Harding, was called to serve in World War II. He served as the head football coach from 1943-44 and head baseball coach from 1947-54.

Steve Walsh

Quarterback (1987-89)

Walsh played quarterback for Miami during the late 80’s, leading the `Canes to an undefeated regular season and national championship in 1987. The following season, Walsh was selected first-team All-American by the Associated Press, ESPN, and the Football Writers Association of America after passing for over 3,100 yards and 29 touchdowns. As a starter, Walsh went 23-1 for the Hurricanes and finished his career tied with Vinny Testaverde for the most touchdown passes in school history (48). He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 1989 supplemental draft and played 11 seasons in the NFL for six different franchises.