If you ever find yourself looking for a few good men then there are three names that I would like to submit for your consideration:
Eddie Dunn
Bennie Blades
Steve Walsh
Last Friday, these three Hurricane legends were inducted into the University of Miami Ring of Honor, and by anyone's definition or criteria, they are a few good men.
The Ring of Honor was established during the 1997 season as a way to recognize the outstanding players that have played for the Hurricane football program. A total of 16 players have been inducted into the Ring of Honor, with the first class being selected in 1997, and subsequent classes in 1999 and 2008. The three players chosen in 2009 comprise the fourth class of players to be inducted into this illustrious group.
The event, which was absolutely top shelf in every aspect, was held at the Four Seasons Hotel on Brickell Avenue in Miami. Canespace was on hand to capture this prestigious gathering of Hurricane players and fans that was coordinated and sponsored by the UM Hurricane Club. We met Amy Ferguson, the UM Assistant Athletic Director for Development, who was on hand to help make sure everything went according to plan.
As a Hurricane fan and Hurricane Club member I have to say that this is a rare and special event that must be attended if possible. We met UM Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt who welcomed everyone to the event, and WQAM radio personalities Joe Zagacki and Don Bailey Jr. who introduced the players and recounted the inductees' many accomplishments while playing at Miami.
At the event I was able to take photos and record the following quotes from Blades, Walsh and Gary Dunn (seen above) who accepted the honor for his father, Eddie Dunn, who passed away in 1980 at the age of 64. Gary also played football at Miami from 1973-75 and went on to play 11 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers where he won two Super Bowl rings.
Here are some quotes from former UM Safety Bennie Blades' (1985-87) acceptance speech:
"I never thought I would have the opportunity to stand before you today and receive such an honor. I want to thank the University of Miami for taking a chance on some kid from Fort Lauderdale and giving me the opportunity to play football at Miami."
"I also want to thank my brother Brian (who played WR at UM) who inspired me. He gave me support and encouragment. I would never have made it without Brian. You see, I really wasn't the most talented athlete in the family, that was Brian. "My parents even joked with me: "Now Bennie, now you might not make it as an athlete" [pause for laughter], but one thing they always did say was: "You better focus on your academics if you want a chance to play."
"I also want to thank my family. Whenever the Miami game is on, they know not to say anything to me because I take it so seriously. I have broken remote controls (throwing them), TVs and furniture from being so upset if UM is losing [more laughter]. They put up with me all these years so I want to thank them."
"I remember when I was playing ball at UM my teammate, Jerome Brown would always get me in a headlock in practice and tell me that during games I better make a play. You see Jerome was a player who didn't want to stay on the field too long. The whole defense wanted to get off the field quickly, but Jerome especially. He would get me in a headlock and tell me: "Bennie, you better make a hit or get an interception and get us off this field." Jerome was a big guy, so I tried to listen to him!"
"My grand kids think I'm old. I'm only 43 but they think that's old. They think there's no way I could have ever played football. But now with my name up there on the stadium they will know that I did play some ball. I can just point to it up there and say: That's me right up there. You see I could play."
"I just want to say that wherever I go, I will always be a part of this U."
Quotes from Gary Dunn's acceptance speech on behalf of his father, former UM Running Back, Head Football Coach, Head Baseball Coach and Athletic Director, the late Eddie Dunn (1935-39):
"When Randy Shannon called me to tell me that my Dad was selected to be in the Ring of Honor, I told him to shut up. [pause for laughter] No seriously I did. I thought it was one of my friends trying to pull my leg. He told me like four times before I finally said: It really is you Coach!"
"The first time my Dad played in a game (at UM), the first time he touched the ball on a kickoff return he scored a TD. The next time he touched the ball as a running back he scored a TD. Later in the game he threw a TD! That's how talented he was; he was a great, great player."
"In 1938 he played in the first ever game against the Gators. For 10 years they wouldn't schedule Miami. My Dad used to call them "The Damn Gator". Anyway, he scored all three touchdowns in the game that Miami won. Dad always hated The Damn Gator."
"My Dad was my toughest critic. He would watch the games or film and break down what you did wrong. He would always criticize me if I missed a tackle. He used to tell me that he never missed a tackle during his entire career. One year when the 1938 reunion team got together they played a highlight film of one of their old games. And I saw him playing and I saw him miss a tackle (Dunn also played some defensive back at UM). So I asked him: I thought you said you NEVER missed a tackle? He looked me straight in the eye and said just as serious as he could: "That's the ONLY one I ever missed". [loud laughter]
"My Dad was a true leader. He taught me little things like you should always run onto and off of the football field, you never walk on the football field. He fought for the orange, green and white. He always said to me: "Love the U, lift up those that follow U." My Dad was all about The U."
Quotes from former UM QB Steve Walsh's (1985-88) acceptance speech:
"Before I get started just let me say that the camaradarie here at Miami is unbelievable. During my highlight film (they played before the players took the podium) Bernie Kosar was ripping me because they showed a screen pass. Kosar said: "That's your highlight film? Is that the best you got?" [loud laughter]
"Talking about Bernie he inspired me in two ways. The first time he inspired me was when I saw the UM vs Boston College game in 1984. Even though Miami didn't win the game it was the passing attack and display of talent that day that made my mind up for me. I said to myself: I want to go to a school that throws the ball like that."
"The second time he inspired me was when I came to Miami on my recruiting visit. I mean it didn't take much coming from Minnesota during the Winter with snow on the ground to convince me that Miami was for me. [laughter] But I went to eat with Bernie and he showed me his National Championship ring. I said to myself right then: I have to get me one of those!"
"I want to thank my high school coach up in Minnesota. Not many schools go to Minnesota to recruit QBs, but my coach had a relationship with (UM QB Coach) Marc Trestman and that's how I got noticed and recruited to Miami. I also want to thank Georg Mira Jr. who spent time watching me during and after practice. He would always give me advice and tips on things technique wise that helped me. He was very intsrumental to my development."
"When I enrolled at UM I became friends with Kenny Calhoun who tipped the pass that won the first National Championship in 1983. He was the GA (Graduate Assistant) at the time and he would always tell me at practice and in the film room: "Throw it here, don't throw it there". He was very helpful in my development and gave me the confidence that I could play at this level."
"Gary Stevens is another coach who played a big role in my development. We would sit in offensive team meetings and it would be like a fire drill! Vinny Testaverde was the starter when I arrived at UM and Gary would pepper him with a thousand questions: "What coverage are they in? Where is the weakness? Where do we want to throw the ball?" I was overwhelmed, but Vinny would answer all the questions and that's how I learned how to be a QB."
"As you know Jimmy Johnson was our coach at the time and he led the team. He got all of the egos out of the way and started the whole "Big T, little me" slogan. He always emphasized the team and he brought accountability to all of the players. Jimmy was always known as a great motivator and the biggest thing that motivated me was that I didn't want to let my teammates down. Compete, compete, compete. Jimmy always drove that home."
Three good men. Many more to follow...
The defense gave up 26 and scored seven of their own. That's 19 points net.
Special Teams were -7 net.
The offense scored 30 and gave up 7. That's 23 net.
The team lost by 3. Who lost the game?
Posted by: Texascane | October 28, 2009 at 01:50 PM
Posted by: canesteeler | October 28, 2009 at 01:00 PM
more concern with our defense than our offense. You score 37 points and lose means your defense is shat.
canesteeler deserves credit for that one macjones
Posted by: DZ8 | October 28, 2009 at 01:53 PM
Some gems of knowledge from CBSSportsline college football pundit Dennis Dodd.
He says it's HIGHLY POSSIBLE that Miami can get a B.C.S. bowl bid, IF they win out!
He made mentioned of the fact, that Miami and the A.C.C. championship winner would make the first time in A.C.C. history, that the conference had 2 B.C.S. bowl teams.
Dodd also said it's HIGHLY POSSIBLE that Wake Forest Senior QB Skinner could CARVE up Miami's secondary, IF the Cane's D-line doesn't get any FREAKIN' pressure on the Life of Riley.
Nonetheless, he likes Miami in this A.C.C. showdown. However, he picked the Canes against Clemson. Go figures.
Posted by: macjones de Albuquerque | October 28, 2009 at 01:56 PM
The defense gave up 26 and scored seven of their own. That's 19 points net.
Special Teams were -7 net.
The offense scored 30 and gave up 7. That's 23 net.
The team lost by 3. Who lost the game?
Posted by: Texascane | October 28, 2009 at 01:50 PM
In my fantasy football world the defense and special teams are connected, so I blame the defense. j/k, It was a team loss. Coaches and players. Plenty of room for improvement from everyone.
Posted by: DZ8 | October 28, 2009 at 01:58 PM
The defense gave up 26 and scored seven of their own. That's 19 points net.
Special Teams were -7 net.
The offense scored 30 and gave up 7. That's 23 net.
The team lost by 3. Who lost the game?
Posted by: Texascane | October 28, 2009 at 01:50 PM
This is a FREAKIN' moot point of the Hurricane sort, because it was an absolut TEAM SHANNON lost. Capice!
Posted by: macjones de Albuquerque | October 28, 2009 at 01:58 PM
Then don't say that "you score 37 and lose , you're defense is shat".
The defense gave up 26. And scored 7.
ST's are there for field position purposes...not to give up points.
The offense certainly is not supposed to score points for the other team.
You can only hold the defense accountable for what they can control...19 points net.
If ST's don't give up a score and the pick 6 doesn't occur, we win 30-26.
All you ask of the offense and ST's is that if you can't score, just don't give up points.
Posted by: Texascane | October 28, 2009 at 02:07 PM
Why U always yellin macjones?
Can't we discuss? lol
Posted by: DZ8 | October 28, 2009 at 02:08 PM
Pardon me, we win 34-20, in regulation.
Posted by: Texascane | October 28, 2009 at 02:11 PM
I think we should think about moving Orlando to defense. Anyone see that tackle on the pick 6...I got a kick out of that.
Now we know why Jacory and AJ weren't all "man on fire" to make the tackle. Too much collateral damage possible when BIG O Franklin is coming with a head of steam.
Posted by: DZ8 | October 28, 2009 at 02:11 PM
Free Damien Berry! (this coming from a two time JJ as LOF nominee)
Posted by: DZ8 | October 28, 2009 at 02:12 PM
Just don't let Big Orlando play LTackle anymore
Keep him inside as a guard and watch him smother people like Larry Allen used to do with the Cowboys
And no, I am not comparing Big Orlando to Larry Allen skill wise ... just comparing size and engulf your opponent wise
Posted by: Six | October 28, 2009 at 02:18 PM
Agreed on Franklinstein. If he could play tackle he would've been there by now (Pipho?).
Posted by: DZ8 | October 28, 2009 at 02:58 PM
Just don't let Big Orlando play LTackle anymore.
Keep him inside as a guard and watch him smother people like Larry Allen used to do with the Cowboys
Posted by: Six | October 28, 2009 at 02:18 PM
Preach on brother! That man is a whif-O-matic on the outside. He ain't got the feet or balance for it. If every fan I know sees it why can't the coaches?
Posted by: SOUP | October 28, 2009 at 03:03 PM
it wasn't just one unit that lost this game, it was EVERY unit.
the offense lost the game because the QB threw three picks, one which resulted in a score for Clemson. we also had a fumble by Collier deep in our own territory that gave them easy points. it's amazing to think we still had this game in check despite 4 turnovers.
the defense lost the game because they had too many blown assignments. we completely shut down the run, but we were horrible against the pass in the second half. you give a team like Clemson big plays you should lose every single time. that big, slow, white tight end for Clemson was open almost every play.
special teams hasn't been very special for many years. this unit probably had the least fault out of the three. they did give up a return, but for most of the game they did a nice job. and Bosher was his usual solid self.
if you think that return TD by Spiller lost the game than consider this: last year when Clemson played Alabama, Spiller returned a kickoff 96 yards for a score. Bama went on to win that game 34-10. big difference huh?
Posted by: Daytoncane | October 28, 2009 at 03:06 PM
Franklin has been the last OL player on that side a number of times this season though. They have been moving Fox to the right side to line up next to Pipho all year. Just didn't have as much quick passes with him there this week it seems. Might also be that they ran play action usually when they were in that formation. I don't know for sure though.
Posted by: Esteban | October 28, 2009 at 03:10 PM
"It wasn't just one unit that lost this game, it was EVERY unit."
It sure wasn't the fans at the tailgate parties! We did OUR job.
Trust me on this one...
Posted by: SOUP | October 28, 2009 at 03:38 PM
NEW BLOG TONIGHT AT 8 PM.
Mary Knows Football: Week 6
LIVE chat at 8 PM with The JSQ!
Posted by: 86Cane | October 28, 2009 at 03:39 PM
Free Berry, Free Berry.
Posted by: CaniaK aka True Canes | October 28, 2009 at 03:54 PM
The team better not come out flat and unemotional at the Wake game - I will be there and coaches, players, offense, defense, special teams blah blah blah do they EVER think about how this affects MY life???? LOL!!!!!
Posted by: CGNC | October 28, 2009 at 03:57 PM
Soup I liked the soupcan avatar - very clevah
Posted by: CGNC | October 28, 2009 at 03:57 PM
do they EVER think about how this affects MY life????
Posted by: CGNC | October 28, 2009 at 03:57 PM
LMAO! U and ME both...
Posted by: SOUP | October 28, 2009 at 04:21 PM
Soup I liked the soupcan avatar - very clevah
Posted by: CGNC | October 28, 2009 at 03:57 PM
Why thank U!
Posted by: SOUP | October 28, 2009 at 04:23 PM
I had to pick up a case of these to add to my Canes room
http://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2009/10/20/2248914/MIAMIHURRICANESCB2009edit.jpg
Posted by: Sebastian | October 28, 2009 at 04:42 PM
...
Posted by: canesteeler | October 28, 2009 at 04:50 PM
The defense failed to stopped Clemson from scoring the tying field goal and the winning TD in overtime. The defense is not good and the results state that!
Posted by: canesteeler | October 28, 2009 at 04:54 PM
do they EVER think about how this affects MY life????
Posted by: CGNC | October 28, 2009 at 03:57 PM
LMAO! U and ME both...
Posted by: SOUP | October 28, 2009 at 04:21 PM
YEAH YOU AND THE NATION OF CANES WERE DEPRESSED ALL DAY SATURDAY..SPORTSCENTER WAS NOT FUN TO WATCH BETTER YET I HAD TO TUNE IT OUT THAT NIGHT....WHEN WE LOOSE IT IS LIKE A WAKE AND A TEA PARTY RALLY AROUND HERE ...VERY SAD AND ANGRY CANES CALLING FOR HEADS. LOL
Posted by: mr troutman | October 28, 2009 at 04:54 PM
Heres the truth we are a lot better than that loss... cause we kick their butts but let them out of the dog house on third downs. We beat the crap out of them and give these young fresh and sophs one more yr of strength training and they are going to back down on us. Our o played to win and we matched their scoring with taking them to the last stand... our o actually put us in the position to win the game but we let them out of the dog house once more on a third and 10 or 15. That is because we are young... period! We are a couple of touches better than them and if we would have had all our horses it would have been another GT. Cause we kick GTs butts into the ground and GT out lasted Clemson... its logical to see that we were not at full strength since we saw that second game as a team that could play like the old Canes!!
Now we are playing a team that is no where near Clemson. If we come out and smack them in the mouth early ... i am looking for JH to have one of those record breaking days... its time to play like we are capable!!
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | October 28, 2009 at 04:55 PM
this Whipple Shannon thing. Doesn't it happen all the time? Is it not getting blown out of proportion?. I predict a much more harmonious and positive board after a win on Saturday.
Posted by: USAFCane | October 28, 2009 at 04:55 PM
an upper right that got lost in the shuffle
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj201/solarcane/oktoberfest.jpg
peace
Posted by: solarcane | October 28, 2009 at 05:12 PM
Solar...the bad news with the avatars is that the TOP RIGHT is connected to my 86Cane blog name. No more fun unless I want it ot be my avatar.
Posted by: SOUP | October 28, 2009 at 05:22 PM
Will the Canes win out? I sure hope so. Do I think that the Canes will win out? I think its 50-50 chance. Mid season evaluation puts it at a 50-50 chance with the remaining schedule. At NC or at S. Fla one of those could get away.
Must add the Canes could have been a one loss team this yr in retrospect quite easily. Whipple did his job. But the defense did not and I put that all on the coaches not the players. A top professional on the defensive side as DC could have been just enough for a one loss season. No team the Canes lost to va tech or clemson were unbeatable by any means. So all the nonsense about the Canes could not , should not, were not ready is just that nonsense, it was all on the defensive coaching to keep those games in check.
Posted by: dlu | October 28, 2009 at 05:22 PM
...
Posted by: canesteeler | October 28, 2009 at 05:24 PM
soup yea i saw that, too bad.
we will get around it somehow, someway.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | October 28, 2009 at 05:26 PM
I was on a cruise ship in the Bahamas when I checked the score on my cell phone and found out we had lost to Clemson. I was in a shitty mood the rest of the cruise. My girlfriend said I would be unbearable if my Steelers had lost. Yea, I admit, I am a 47 year old man hooked like an addict on crack to our CANES!
Posted by: canesteeler | October 28, 2009 at 05:27 PM
we end up 9-3 0r 10-2 win a bowl,
with Jacory being a Junior and Heisman candidate we should start the season in the top 5.
that was the long term plan, a shot at a NC by Randys 5th year.
The other plan was Marve and Nix winning the ACC the first year and us winning the NC the next year.
Seems almost everyone realizes now how near impossible going undefeated, or 11-1 the third year really was.
The only thing that can stop us next year is if the players are too old
im jus sayin
peace
Posted by: solarcane | October 28, 2009 at 05:33 PM
Yea, I admit, I am a 47 year old man hooked like an addict on crack to our CANES!
Posted by: canesteeler | October 28, 2009 at 05:27 PM
Hi, I'm 86Cane, and I'm an addict too.
Posted by: SOUP | October 28, 2009 at 05:34 PM
dlu, if we had a defensive coordinator on par with whipple as oc, we might be undefeated, or at least we would have been in a better position to win that v-tech game.
Here's where shannon is learning or needs to, if you know pat hill being out has hurt us a whole lot more, than why are trying to ram the ball up in their 3 times against a very good front 7. I keep reading shannon talking about that's how we ended a few games this year and that's not all the way accurate, on the key third downs against oklahoma a few times we stayed aggressive because we had to being up only by 1, the coaching staff didn't let the team down than.
Against ucf, we were up by 20 points so it didn't make a difference if we ran the ball alot of times and didn't get the 1st down, but when you're only up by three points against an offense that was moving the ball up and down the field all day against the defense, you stay aggressive on third down and get the damyum third down. We could habve lined up in that same formation where we faked the toss sweep, or this time actually do the toss and have coop throw to someone for 3 yards, hell, we get conservative, we lost.
If the game was sloppy all game long than why take a chance that the defense is going ot hold it down.
THe tight-ends were open all day simply because we all know shaprton and c-mac have never been good in pass coverage, look no further than the play where sharpton lit that tight-end up, watch c-mac on that play.
Posted by: Calvin | October 28, 2009 at 05:44 PM
Soup & Solar
Any word on Ocalacane we miss him & hope everything is ok with him and the Mrs.
Posted by: fran | October 28, 2009 at 05:48 PM
Posted by: solarcane | October 28, 2009 at 05:33 PM
Don't forget the rain, the cold, the referees, thin air, the BCS computers, the human polls, the ignorant hillbillys, the racist rednecks, the cleats...
Posted by: DallasTX Cane | October 28, 2009 at 05:54 PM
Calvin agree, here is something that should be done. Shannon goes to Whipple and says, score as many pts. as you can, take no prisoners and do not get conservative, and do all that your way.
Shannon then says on defensive I am going to go b*lls out , throw everything at qtbacks on 3rd and long and keep doing dif. things to rattle the qtback.
None of that is going to happen but I can dream.
Posted by: dlu | October 28, 2009 at 05:55 PM
Seems almost everyone realizes now how near impossible going undefeated, or 11-1 the third year really was.
The only thing that can stop us next year is if the players are too old
im jus sayin
peace
Posted by: solarcane | October 28, 2009 at 05:33 PM
Solar I have to disagree with you here. The talent here at one point this season was as good as any team out there.
And even with sloppy play and a brutal injury run we should still be 6-1 with all the games remaining being very winnable. I dont think anyone was out of line thinking 11-1 for this team.
What I don't like is when it doesn't happen those expectations cloud people's thinking about the realities we are facing on this team as far as depth and injuries.
It was possible, but it didn't happen. Nothing wrong with being ok with both at this point.
Posted by: pb(CSROH10) | October 28, 2009 at 05:56 PM
Terrence Cody looked just like the koolaid man as he was running down the field after that blocked kick against Tennessee.
OOO YEEEEEAAAAAAAA!!!
Posted by: Daytoncane | October 28, 2009 at 05:57 PM
fran I haven't heard a word,
ocalacane, loco,mattinny,monte all good guys that don't seem to be around.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | October 28, 2009 at 05:58 PM
Ocala posted a note about a problem that would keep him from canespace I thought You or 86 might be in contact with him. Hope I am not prying
Fran
Posted by: fran | October 28, 2009 at 06:05 PM
pb,
i know what you are sayin.
yes it was very possible, and 5-2 has me happy.
At the same time the wearing down, the lost opportunities,the surprise trap game are all things I expected. and thought 9-3 would be a good improvement.
spence not playing better, arthur not doing anything,jacory throwing a pick every 18 passes are all things I didn't see coming.
We could win out or we could beat ourselves against UNC or USF.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | October 28, 2009 at 06:07 PM
Cody's brother from another mother
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SU8w_1Tnu_A/SUbTun7V_zI/AAAAAAAABAk/Vr8WjVmfwjs/s400/kool%2520aid.jpg
Posted by: Six | October 28, 2009 at 06:08 PM
Theres not a lot of cane fans that are going to be satisfied with an 11 and 1 record cause we have been used to NCs or playing for NCs if not every yr.. every other yr. So if you ask me... everyone is saying here that we are more physical than the down yrs... but the decisions on the d on the field are not good...and it is why we lost last game. Thats got to change. We cant lose games we are suppose to win...we are not there yet.
I really do not think we lost the last game cause we had a lot of d line hurt. But its because we were not aggressive enough in changing up on third downs... we had them were we wanted them.. then they get the 7 or 10 yrs for the first down. If you have someone back where you want them then you can blitz if you are getting the same problems of not being able to stop them on third down. That stupid te down the middle drum beat.... thats the obnoxious feeling i have.
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | October 28, 2009 at 06:08 PM
Canes lost to va. tech and clemson both multiple loss teams, those were both potentially winnable with the right defensive game plans. Lovett himself said basicly , I screwed up at va. tech. Nice , respect taking the blame, but still I would prefer a great DC that does not have to say , I screwed up.
Posted by: dlu | October 28, 2009 at 06:08 PM
dtx LOL!
No team in history has ever played under the burden we face every time we step on the field.
The complete unified conspiracy between God and the BCS to keep us from winning a National Championship is as plain as day to people on here.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | October 28, 2009 at 06:12 PM
Va tech is not that good if you defend their strengths and go after their weaknesses. Neb had them totally beat, on the road until they lost in last seconds on a fluke play. that would have make va. tech a 3 loss team. They are not bad by any means, just saying, right game plan, they can be had.
Posted by: dlu | October 28, 2009 at 06:15 PM