Vote Kennedy For President!

Former University of Miami All-American Cortez Kennedy will officially be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame tonight. The induction ceremony will be broadcast on both ESPN and the NFL Network at 7 p.m. ET. 

The defensive tackle is the fifth Hurricane to earn the honor, joining Jim Otto (1980), Ted Hendricks (1990), Jim Kelly (2002) and Michael Irvin (2007) in Canton. 

Kennedy registered 58 sacks and scored one touchdown on a fumble recovery in his 11-season career with the Seattle Seahawks. The No. 3 overall pick in the 1990 NFL Draft, Kennedy had a streak of 116 games played, earned selection to eight Pro Bowls (1992-97, 1999, 2000) and missed just nine games out of a possible 176 in his career.

As a senior defensive tackle in 1989, he emerged as a dominant force on what many considered to be the nation's top defensive line unit.  Kennedy started all 12 games and his tenacious defense helped lead UM to a 11-1 season, a victory in the Sugar Bowl over Alabama and the 1989 National Championship. He earned second team AP All-American honors.

Here is a brief summary of the Hurricanes' 1989 Championship season:

By the time head coach Dennis Erickson arrived in Coral Gables to take over the UM football program prior to the 1989 season, Miami football had established itself as the “Team of the ‘80s”. With a new coaching staff in place, Miami switched to a one-back offense, but the Hurricanes remained in their trademark 4-3 defense and had the talent on both sides of the ball to maintain their level of excellence. Twelve starters returned, but the loss of quarterback Steve Walsh, running back Cleveland Gary, linebacker Randy Shannon and cornerback Bubba McDowell would be felt. Nonetheless, the Hurricanes reloaded and ran off six victories to start the season. 

Quarterback Craig Erickson was lost for three games in the middle of the season — including a 24-10 loss at Florida State — before returning and leading the Hurricanes on an impressive stretch run. 

Miami’s defense didn’t allow a touchdown for one 10-quarter stretch during the regular season, held six opponents without a touchdown and allowed just 9.3 points per game. Miami rebounded from the FSU loss to whip their remaining opponents by an average margin of 18 points, including a 27-10 trouncing of defending national champion and top-ranked Notre Dame (27-10), ending the Irish’s 23-game win streak (the seventh season in a row in which UM had defeated a No. 1-ranked team).

That victory clinched a Sugar Bowl berth against seventh-ranked Alabama. Miami dispatched Alabama by a deceptively close 33-25 score in New Orleans and moved into the top spot of the rankings when Notre Dame knocked off top-ranked Colorado in the Orange Bowl, giving the Hurricanes their third national title in seven seasons. 

Below is a full bio from the Pro Football Hall of Fame:

CORTEZ KENNEDY BIO
Defensive Tackle ... 6-3, 298 ... Northwest Mississippi Community College; Miami (FL) ... 1990-2000 Seattle Seahawks ... 11 playing seasons, 167 games ... Seahawks 1st round draft pick (3rd player overall), 1990 NFL Draft ... First Team All-America choice at Miami in 1989 ... Extremely durable, played in 167 of possible 176 games ... Injury ended streak of 116 straight games played and club record 100 consecutive games started ... Named first-team All-Rookie by PFWA ... Voted to a team-record eight Pro Bowls (1992-97, 1999, 2000) ... Named first-team (1992, 1993, 1994) or second-team (1991, 1996) All-Pro five times ... Named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1992 while playing for a 2-14 team ... That season led all interior linemen with 14 sacks and career best 92 tackles; had four forced fumbles; recovered fumble and batted down two passes ... Recorded one of finest seasons in 1999 recording 73 tackles, 6.5 sacks, intercepting two passes, helping Seahawks reach playoffs for first time since 1988 ... In all, registered 58 sacks, intercepted three passes and scored one touchdown on fumble recovery during career ... He twice led the team in sacks (1992 and 1995) ... Born August 23, 1968 in Osceola, Arkansas. 

For all the latest information on the Miami Hurricanes, follow the official Twitter feed, @HurricaneSports, or “Like Us” on Facebook at facebook.com/MiamiHurricanes. 

Chris Yandle Director of Communications | University of Miami Athletics

Comments

[solarcane]

boink

[Montreal-Cane]

Cortez is a class act. I met him at the VT game 2 years ago when he was honored by UM.

[solarcane]

"Named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1992 while playing for a 2-14 team "

as astounding as Paul Hornung winning the Heisman on a 2-8 team

Cortez is true badazz

[Hassan]

The Pipe said our teams looks the best getting off the bus of any team he has ever seen. I think we look pretty good. Give these 32 Freshman til next fall under Golden and the new strength program and see how good we look, Our freshman actually look bigger then our Seniors. Go down the roster and compare.

[Hassan]

FIF

Blue hit me back says the 194 lbs is from his Junior year of H.S. He is 223 lbs right now

[Jlott6]

Is blue still 6'?

[Hassan]

Blue wears #54

[4-Real]

Hassan, it is a little disturbing that our kickers & qb's are bigger than some of our linebackers. But 2 Golden's credit these boys are a lot bigger than they were.

[4-Real]

I say play ALL freshmen & let the veterans back THEM up.

[Old Skool]

Sounds cool Solar
You'll be the first to know next time I'm back up there.

[86Cane]

im blue

Posted by: solarcane | August 04, 2012 at 05:05 PM

Luv U in blue!

[Hassan]

Hassan, it is a little disturbing that our kickers & qb's are bigger than some of our linebackers. But 2 Golden's credit these boys are a lot bigger than they were.

Posted by: 4-Real | August 04, 2012 at 06:47 PM
-----------------------------------------------

I feel you but lets look at it another way, Sean Spene is 5'11 and checked into UM at 186 lbs and left around 225 lbs Last year.

Blue is also 5'11 but starts his freshman year at 223 already, Denzell is 227 as a Soph. So there is a an upward trending starting with recruiting. Just give Golden 12 more months and you will not be able to say any Bama or LSU is bigger or stronger. those guys might have taller LB's but they will not be better or stronger LB's.

Last year we had a 248 lb freshman DE a 360 lbs out of shape Juco transfer DT a 265 lb converted DE at DT and a flip flop at the other DE spot because of suspensions.

This year our back up freshman at DT are 300+ and 30 rep plus benchers. One more year and you will see the real results, we just need these 32 freshman to eat and lift esp if we take another bowl ban. You can not hold Golden back with his Drive and organization combined with SFLA HS talent.

[SwagGirl]

Tom,
updated my typepad account, Thanks for your help.

[Mcginns ale house]

Amen-----Hassan

[Gin & Tonic]

When Golden can get a couple of bad ass tackles like Mr. Cortez Kennedy, then the canes will be back. All great defenses need a dominant defensive tackle.

[j.w.]

Appreciate all the posts, everyone. I am in Tahoe for softball and would be so out of touch without the Space

[86Cane]

Updated my typepad account, Thanks for your help.

Posted by: SwagGirl | August 04, 2012 at 07:44 PM

No problem. Now get your SWAG on!

[86Cane]

When Golden can get a couple of bad ass tackles like Mr. Cortez Kennedy, then the canes will be back. All great defenses need a dominant defensive tackle.

Posted by: Gin & Tonic | August 04, 2012 at 08:10 PM

There IT is right there.

Can U imagine where UM would be IF they had players like Russell Maryland AND Cortez Kennedy on the '88-89 team?

[86Cane]

Dennis Erickson on Cortez Kennedy:

"Cortez Kennedy, in my opinion, is one of the most dominant defensive linemen to have ever played the game of football. He could dominate a game more than any defensive tackle that I have ever seen play, on any level."

[86Cane]

SKREETZ WALKIN...

1. Hurns really looks good comin off that surgery. His range is back to where he needs it to be. My boi RaShawn is runnin routes sharp and makin catches either low or high. Lockhart needs to keep his concentration. Boi can make grabs that make you say oh sh$# then turn around the next play and either forgets the route or drops a pass. Yah, that boi D'Mauri went up with Nate and Maq and pulled it in. Im tellin you boiz, that ballah will be a playmaker durin his career here at the U. Babyface is comin off the line alot quicker then last year

2. Didnt get to see much of the D cause I know more peoples want that O dime. What little I did see is that boi Pierre is 1 jacked up m fer and his technique is far better then last year. I know I been on the Ports wagon but I gotz to be straight that ballah THE PLUG is 1 badazz boi. Yah his name deserves to be in CAPS.

3. I gotz a chance to get at Bunche on the water break when I was slidin out and boi assured me he is that man and gotz my back when I say to peoples he can dominate the line. Im 100% on my boi so if he dont showout them goons got that freedom to call me out for bein wrong. I can take it, just dont make it personal or I will find you lol

[UpNorthCane27]

Whats going on canespacers???

I cnt wait to be reppin that U against BC, we gonna start 1-0 thats forreal... I think as long as we have that go to WR we gonna be realll good. Im sensing from all the info my boy Soup, Ohio and the other bloggers who
Contribute are putting out that this team def will be going 12-0!!!!!!!!

[CaneRock]

Damn, today is a good day.
CK in the HOF,
Canes in better condition than last year
damn near everybody's name is in blue,
Bob Marley special on VH1.
Yes suh, feelin' IRIE! mon...GANJA MON!!!

[UpNorthCane27]

Hassan my heart and prayers go out to you and your family in such a tough time, tough to really say anything when i havent gone through what you are going through right now bro, but this blog and all of us will be here for you no matter what, were more then just fans, the U is a family.....

[solarcane]

canerock
Marley doc makes you admire hell out guys like bob marley and john lennon no? it aint always about the money

[86Cane]

Solar..what's up with the SolarZone?

Still active?

[4-Real]

If we win the acc ( we should ) or finish high enuff 2 go 2 a decent bowl do we forfeit?

[raizecane]

Heading over to Treasure Island tomorrow for 5 days of much needed R&R.

86 - If any breaking news takes place this week, send me a text. I am going to try and stay away from all social media and enjoy the week, lol.

[86Cane]

Raize...I'll email U if anything breaks.

RELAX and soak in the Gulf waters!

[CaneRock]

canerock
Marley doc makes you admire hell out guys like bob marley and john lennon no? it aint always about the money

Posted by: solarcane | August 04, 2012 at 10:14 PM

Yes sir, those two were ahead of their times, talk about being in a zone.

[Ohio_Cane]

SMD - "OT Seantrel Henderson hasn't been seen today by players. Will update after speaking to golden"

[solarcane]

co, cgnc,
I agree with both your comments about swasey
Maybe hes good coach with weak leadership skills, Golden seems to bring the best out of his coaching ability.

soup,
the solarzone is in limbo for the time being.
Very few times in my life have I had more work than I could do,it's a blessing in this economy so I'm not complaining a bit.
I sure wish I could join you guys for the scallop rodeo.

Maybe for sure I can drive down to your house and go to game with you we can make concrete plans soon.

[solarcane]

skool,
lt was good talking to you glad your doing well, I'm looking forward to seeing your dream boat

off to church catch you guys soon

[usagainsttheworld]

SMD - "OT Seantrel Henderson hasn't been seen today by players. Will update after speaking to golden"

c'mon man!

[usagainsttheworld]

typepad on deck

[usagainsttheworld]

troll-proofing the fort. verey nice maneuver commander 86cane.

[BigTimeCane]

Typepad created signed and delivered. Decided to change name from TheWhat to bigtimecane.

[SwagGirl]

GO CANES!!

[roachcane77]

From The Herald Sports Buzz blog:
An NCAA investigator visited Shelly Bloom Fashion Clothiers in Miami a couple of weeks ago to try to get Bloom to corroborate some of Nevin Shapiro’s claims. Bloom said he told the NCAA “nothing,” but “I did try to sell them some suits.”

Bloom said Yahoo! got it wrong when it reported that Bloom confirmed Shapiro spent thousands on suits and clothing for Devin Hester, Tavares Gooden and Willis McGahee. Bloom insists he never said that.

### A UM Board of Trustee member said the top of the school's administration believes the latest allegations against Al Golden (that he was aware of Sean Allen’s improper involvement with recruits at that time) are NOT true. “I have no doubt he’s not involved,” said one-high level UM official who speaks to Golden a lot. “He’s as clean as you can be.”

Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/#storylink=cpy

I LOVE the quote from Bloom... "I told the NCAA “nothing,” but “I did try to sell them some suits.”

CANES BABY!

[myndraize]

Phillip Dorsett
Eddie Johnson

[CGNC]

Swag girl is that your horse? LOL another horse person - YAY

[Ohio_Cane]

LOF:

Offense: Lamar Miller... Errr, I mean Duke Johnson

Defense: TRACY HOWARD!!!

[BigTimeCane]

LOF

Defense - Ladarius Gunter

Offense - Hurns

[CaneRock]

LOF:
Offense - Stephen Morris
Defense - Denzel Perryman
Special Teams - Phillip Dorsett

[Hassan]

All the people on the blog with their well wishes and prayers THANK YOU AGAIN. Reading about my hobby and fav team the Canes helps take my mind off things, not to mention it is boring as hell sitting in a Hospice room 24/7

BUNCH

"I lost weight and still got stronger. I lost just five pounds and I attacked the weight room every day. I was able to get my 225 pound bench press reps from 30 to 36, so I was happy with that. My bench press max went up to 445 pounds and that went up from 430 last year."

Our OL is big and strong and I think the work this summer helped them to gell a lot more.

[Ohio_Cane]

Hassan, just read back through, and wanted to let U know i'll be praying for U and your family. Hope our prayers give U strength at a difficult time.

[Ohio_Cane]

RIP Andy Reid's son Garrett Reid. Found dead in his room this morning.

[CoCane]

LOF

Defense: Ladarius Gunter
Offense: Rashawn Scott

[BigWIndyCane-Forecast1]

LOF: Offense: Duke Johnson
(Freshmen All AMerican) and Defense: Denzel Perryman (All ACC)

Chick and Morris will also make huge statements. Golden's Canes will surprise a lot of people this year as long as they stay healthy.

The strength and conditioning program will pay off and the Canes will be one of the most physical teams in the ACC. They days of the Canes getting dominated up front are over, and the Canes will also bring that old school Canes speed they are known for.

Golden might be on track for ACC coach of the year.

[86Cane]

NEW BLOG IS UP!