Miami Hurricanes Football: 25 Most Beloved Figures in Team History

The Miami Hurricanes have a tradition like no other.

They include multiple All Americans, NFL Pro Bowlers, Hall of Famers, five National Championships, and countless NFL draft picks.

The players and coaches that came into Miami and went into the NFL are staggering.

Here is a list of the most beloved figures (including one stadium) that ever came from the Miami Hurricanes.

It doesn't necessarily mean they were the best, but more of what they meant for the school and the community.

Enjoy.

#25 - Dennis Erickson

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20 NOV 1993: UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI HEAD COACH DENNIS ERICKSON WALKS OFF THE FIELD DURING THE HURRICANES 17-14 LOSS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS AT MOUNTAINEER FIELD IN MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA. Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger/ALLSPORT

Erickson had huge shoes to fill coming in after Hurricane coaching legend Jimmy Johnson.

Johnson had recruited a great class and Erickson was to be the guy to coach these players into champions, which he did, twice.

Erickson to this date has the highest winning percentage over all Hurricane coaches, going 63-9 (an .875 winning percentage).

However, near the end of his time as Hurricane coach, he started to lose fans. The 1993 team marked the first season with fewer than 10 wins for Miami since 1985 and lost its bowl game 29-0.

In September 1994, the Hurricanes lost 38-20 to Washington at the Orange Bowl, snapping the Canes' NCAA record 58-game home win streak, a record that still has not been beaten.

#24 - Melvin Bratton

Melvin Bratton was a true definition of a work horse in football, playing both running back and full back during his tenure at Miami.

Bratton ended his Hurricane career in the records books with 192 points scored (third all time) along side a list of top 10 records in Miami's history.

However what people really remember is the 1987 championship game against the Oklahoma Sooners where Bratton was dominating the game until he got his knee injured, which would eventually cost him a solid NFL career.

Although Miami won the championship game, Bratton was unable to ever perform in the NFL. After skipping the draft, he went to play for Denver for a few season before he finally called it quits.

#23 - Alonzo Highsmith

A feared fullback at 6'1, 220+ pounds, Highsmith tore through opposing teams with attitude.

Highsmith finished his UM career with 1,914 yards, ranking third in school history and 2,935 all-purpose yards, the fifth highest total for a Hurricane and scored 25 touchdowns.

Highsmith garnered a lot of attention after his stint with Miami and was drafted as the third overall pick in the 1987 NFL draft.

Highsmith was inducted into Miami Hall of Fame in 1997.

#22 - Vinny Testaverde

In 1986, Vinny Testaverde became the first Miami Hurricane to win the Heisman Trophy.

At the time, Testaverde won the award by the second largest margin in the awards history, gathering 678 of the 790 first place votes.

Testaverde threw for 2,557 yards and 26 touchdowns during his Heisman campaign that led Miami to an undefeated season.

Going into the national championship game, there was no doubt in any ones mind that Miami wasn't the best team in the country, but an under rated Penn State team came in and shocked the Hurricanes, 14-10.

Testaverde got most of the blame as he threw five interceptions.

Testaverde was inducted into the Hurricanes Hall of Fame in 1998.

#21 - Russell Maryland

A two time national champion at Miami, Russell Maryland was one of the most dangerous defensive lineman ever to hail at Miami.

During the 1990 season Maryland had over 10 sacks and won the Outland Trophy for the best lineman in college football.

Although, statistically he will not go down as one of the greatest, he was a physical and mean specimen that opposing teams feared and played a huge part in helping Miami become the team of the decade.

#20 - Edgerrin James

James, or "Edge," as people called him was one of the Hurricanes' best running backs in history.

Edge, at one time, held the records for most 100 yard rushing games, two consecutive years over 1,000 yards rushing, and 14 games with over 100 yards rushing; all records would end up being broken by Willis McGahee.

The way James ran the ball was simply heroic, as he ran around and through many defenders. Although he wasn't a flashy running back, he played the game a lot like Walter Peyton did, with vigor.

Edge entered the Miami Hall of Fame in 2009.

#19 - Ottis Anderson

Ottis Anderson came into Miami from West Palm Beach and left Miami as one of the best that ever played the position.

He was the first Miami Hurricane to ever post a 1,000 yard rushing season in 1978, while rushing for 1,266 yards.

Anderson ended his career at Miami with multiple records including the most all purpose yards by a Hurricane, with 3,331 yards.

He was voted first team All American by The Sporting News and the American Football Coaches in 1978 after eclipsing eight 100 yard rushing games during the season.

#18 - Bernie Kosar

In 1982 Bernie Kosar had picked Miami as his school of choice.

Recruited by multiple colleges, there was no better fit than Miami's pass happy scheme.

After a redshirt season, Kosar started for the Hurricanes in 1983 and led his team to it's first national championship, beating the "unbeatable" Nebraska Cornhuskers 31-30.

The Huskers entered that game winners of 22 straight, but behind Kosar's 300 yards passing and two touchdowns, there was no denying the freshman from destiny.

Kosar still owns records at Miami including most yards thrown in a season with 3,642 yards and the highest career completion record of 62.3 percent.

#17 - The Orange Bowl

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CORAL GABLES, FL - NOVEMBER 10: A view from inside the stadium prior to the last college football game played in the Orange Bowl as the Virginia Cavaliers take on the Miami Hurricanes at the Orange Bowl November 10, 2007 in Coral Gables, Florida. The Uni

I know the Orange Bowl isn't a figure, but when the Hurricanes used it as a "12th Man," there really wasn't a more important factor than the ugly, old stadium.

There was some magically playing in the Orange Bowl that many players and fan's can't explain.

The Orange Bowl was home to an NCAA record for most consecutive home game wins at 58, a record that still stands.

Many opposing teams hated the facilities, in fact a couple teams even changed and got ready on the team bus before games, it was that bad for them.

Miami used it towards their advantage and it almost seemed that any team that came into the Orange Bowl, would leave with a loss.

When Miami decided to move the team's home games to the NFL Dolphin Stadium, a little bit of Hurricane lore came crashing down with the building.

The Orange Bowl will always be considered an advantage when talking about previous Hurricane teams.

#16 - Bennie Blades

There are some legitimate arguments over Bennie Blades being the best Hurricane ever. Not only with his play, but his leadership.

Blades played for the Hurricanes from 1985 to 1987. He was named first-team All-America in both 1986 and 1987. He received the Jim Thorpe Award as college football's best defensive back in 1987.

That year, he led UM to the national championship and a 12-0 record. He made 124 tackles, intercepted five passes and was named a consensus All-American.

He ended his UM career as the school's all-time leader with 19 interceptions and 305 interception return yards (both have been broken).

He also set school records for most consecutive games with an interception (five), total tackles by a safety (286), and unassisted tackles by a safety (155).

Blades had a rare combination of size, speed, and toughness and will always be remembered for his dedication both on and off the field.

Blades was inducted in both Miami and NCAA Hall of Fame.

#15 - Jim Kelly

Miami wasn't even the first pick of schools for Kelly, as he wanted to go to Penn State and play for the Nittany Lions, after not getting a football scholarship, he joined Miami, thankfully.

Kelly ended his career at Miami with 5,233 yards passing and 32 touchdowns, but it was a lot more to it than statistics.

Kelly came in when Miami was down and out and helped build Hurricanes into the program they were in the 1980's.

For his dedication to Miami, he was inducted into the Hurricane Hall of Fame in 1992.

#14 - Butch Davis

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4 Nov 1995: Coach Butch Davis of the Miami Hurricanes watches his players during a game against the Baylor Bears at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. Miami won the game 35-14. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport

In my eyes, Butch Davis was one of the best coaches in history of college football. Especially for never having won a national championship as head coach.

What he did while he took over the program, was legendary.

The program was in horrible shape, they had violated multiple NCAA rules during the tenure of previous coach, Dennis Erickson. They lose 31 scholarships over several years and was ineligible for post season play the first year Davis was coach.

Despite all the sanctions, Davis coached Miami to a 51-20 record during his six years at Miami, including an 11-1 season in 2000.

What happened while Davis was there was incredible, his scouting and recruiting was second to none and his players were honored all six years for being outstanding student athletes, something Hurricane players never were.

While he left for the Cleveland Browns after the 2000 season, his players that he recruited went on to win the national championship in 2001, while being tagged by many people, as the greatest team in history of college football.

#13 - Gino Torretta

Gino Toretta made a mark during a season in which he hardly played.

Toretta sat behind Craig Erickson in his freshman and sophomore seasons but when Erickson got hurt in a game against San Diego State, Toretta showed what he could do by throwing for 485 yards, still the most by any Miami Hurricane in one game.

Toretta took the reigns as a starter in 1991 and led the Hurricanes to a co-national championship with the Washington Huskies.

During Toretta's senior season though is when the star really shined, taking home every MVP award available for a quarterback.

Although Miami lost the national championship to Alabama that year, Toretta was voted the Heisman Trophy winner while throwing for 3,060 yards.

He also took home the Davey O'Brien award, Walter Camp Award, Johnny Unitas Award, and the Chic Harley award.

All in all, besides not winning the championship game, Toretta's season may go down as the most prolific season by any Hurricane quarterback.

#12 - Reggie Wayne

Wayne was a beast at Miami.

In his freshman year, he broke the record for most receptions by a freshman with 48.  He went on to break Miami's all time reception record with 173.

His knack for the ball was exemplified during his college career as he ended up being a four year starter with the Hurricanes.

It will be a long time before someone comes along with the consistency that Wayne was able to show on the field.

He will be inducted in Miami Hurricanes Hall of Fame this year.

#11 - Warren Sapp

Sapp was a stud linebacker for Apopka High School, so much so he was named to the Florida High School Association All Century Team.

He decided to pick Miami and every Hurricane, past and present, are happy that he did.

Sapp was converted to defensive lineman and never turned back, simply dominating opposing offensive lines.

Sapp would go on to win about every award a defensive lineman could win, including the Nagurski Award (best defensive player), Lombardi Award (best lineman or linebacker), and the Ben Willis Award (best defensive lineman).

Sapp's flamboyant style and swagger epitomized Hurricane football.

#10 - Devin Hester

There may never be a play maker like Hester.

Every time he touched the ball there was a chance Hester could go all the way, in which he proved later he could by breaking the NFL record for touchdown returns.

His quick and speed were untouchable, but his field vision is what made Hester a standout at Miami.

He quickly became a fan favorite in his freshman year when he returned an opening day kick off return for a touchdown against the Florida Gators.

The only problem, which was a coaching error, is that he never had a set position. They used Hester as wide receiver, running back, and cornerback, along with special teams.

If the coaching staff was a little better, there was no way Hester shouldn't have touched the ball a dozen or so times per game.

#9 - Ted Hendricks

Although only true football fans will remember Hendricks, many will forever remember him as one of the best defensive ends not only in Miami, but in college football history.

Hendricks was a ferocious player that towered over many offensive lineman, standing 6'7 and weighing over 220 pounds.  A very big defensive player back in the 1960's.

Hendricks went on to become a two time first-team All-American and a second-team All-American in 1966.

He also garnered votes for the Heisman Trophy in 1968 and took fifth place as the best college football player of the year.

Hendricks, nicknamed "The Mad Stork," because of his tall lanky body made 327 tackles the most ever by a Hurricane interior lineman.

Hendricks was inducted to both the Miami and College football Hall of Fame.

#8 - Ken Dorsey

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SYRACUSE, NY - NOVEMBER 30: Ken Dorsey #11 of the University of Miami rolls out to pass during the game against Syracuse University at the Carrier Dome on November 30, 2002 in Syracuse, New York. Miami won 49-7. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Dorsey was a winner from start to finish with the Hurricanes.

It's proven by his 38-2 overall record as starting quarterback for the Cane, which actually could have easily been three if not for the 2000 snub for the championship game and the 2002 controversial call against the Buckeyes.

He holds or shares multiple records in Hurricanes history such as touchdown passes thrown (86), passing yards (9,565) and total offense (9,165 yards).

Dorsey was named BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week seven times during his career (three times in 2002), the most ever by a Miami Hurricane.

He was a two time Heisman Trophy Finalist, two time Walter Camp Player of the Year finalist, and a Maxwell Ward winner; which is an award given to the best college quarterback.

He will always be a Hurricane legend.

#7 - Sean Taylor

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PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 29: Sean Taylor #26 of the Miami Hurricanes puts a hit on Kris Wilson #83 of the Pittsburgh Panthers November 29, 2003 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Sean Taylor, perhaps one of my favorite Hurricanes of all time, was an legend and one of the most beloved Hurricanes ever.

Taylor was one of four true freshman that played during the Hurricanes 2001 national championship campaign. He earned a Big East Special Teams Player of Week against the Pittsburgh Panthers.

In 2002, his first season as a starter, Taylor was a second-team All-Big East selection by the league's head coaches. He finished third on the team in tackles with 85 (53 solo), broke up 15 passes, intercepted four passes, forced one fumble, blocked one kick and returned a punt for a touchdown. He led all Miami defensive backs in tackles, interceptions and passes break ups.

The 2003 season was where he really shined.

Taylor was a 1st team All-American pick, was the Big East Defensive Player of the Year award, and a finalist for the Jim Thorpe award, given to the best defensive back.

Taylor was first in the country in interceptions with 10, tying a school record with Bennie Blades for the most interceptions in a season. He also finished the season with 77 (57 solo), first on the team. He also finished the season with another record, three touchdown returns of interceptions.

Sean Taylor's life was cut short in November of 2007, when Taylor's home was burglarized and while Sean was trying to protect his family, he was shot in the leg.

He died one day after being shot.

He was 24.

#6 - Art Kehoe

Kehoe was a Junior College transfer from Lainey College in 1979.

He was Miami's offensive guard and tackle captain from 1979 to 1980 and played on the Peach Bowl winning team in 1980.

Kehoe ended up coaching the Hurricanes in 1981 as a student assistant and progressively moved up the coaching staff until 1995 when he became the Hurricanes offensive lineman coach.

He is the only person in Miami history to be part of the coaching staff on all five national championships.

He truly bleeds orange and green and every Hurricane fan has been begging for his coaching abilities since the firing, by then coach Larry Coker, in 2006.

Al Golden realized that Kehoe was a vital part of Hurricane lore and hired Kehoe in January of this year.

#5 - Ed Reed

Heart and passion is what made Ed Reed one of the greatest safeties in Hurricane history. Besides Ray Lewis, never was there a player that gave more to Miami and its football program then Reed.

Reed wasn't too shabby of a player either. Reed was a three-time consensus All-American selection.

In 2001, he led the nation with nine interceptions for 209 yards (a school record) and three touchdowns. He also earned the league's Co-Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2001 and was named National Defensive Player of the Year by Football News.

He was one of three finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award and was one of 12 semifinalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy.

Reed set several records during his time at Miami. He holds the record for career interceptions with 21, career interception return yards with 389 and interceptions returned for touchdowns with five.

He will forever be remember for his hard work and dedication to winning, which was proven in 2001 when he lead the Hurricanes to their fifth national championship.

#4- Jimmy Johnson

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Miami Hurricanes head coach Jimmy Johnson looks on during a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Illinois.

After Howard Schnellenbeger left Miami as champions, the Hurricanes needed a coach who could handle a big time team that Schnellenerger created.

There was no doubt Jimmy Johnson would be that man.

The previous year, he turned around a horrific Oklahoma State and made them bowl winners and ended with an 8-4 season.

This was going to be perfect, right?

Well a lot of Hurricane fan's never heard of Johnson and he started his career at Miami by posting a sketchy 8-5 record, a far cry from the champion team that Schenellenberger created a year prior.

It is a good thing that Miami never gave up on Johnson as he turned the team around and compiled a 52-9 record during his five year run as coach.

In the five years run by Johnson, Miami played in two national championships, losing one in 1986, but winning it all in 1987.

Johnson was the coach who created "Swagger" as well as "The Miami Rules" due to unsportsmanlike conduct his players would show during the games.

No matter what you thought of Johnson's antics, there was no doubt he was one of the best coaches in college history.

#3 - Ray Lewis

Mike Powell/Getty Images

2 Sep 1995: Linebacker Ray Lewis of the Miami Hurricanes during the Hurricanes 31-8 loss to the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Mandatory Credit: Mike Powell/Allsport

When people talk about Hurricane football, there usually is one name that always sticks out and that man's name is Ray Lewis.

Lewis is the type of linebacker that only comes around once a lifetime.

He immediately contributed to the Hurricanes his freshman year and ended up starting for the Hurricanes in the final five games of the year.  He ended up with 81 tackles, two sacks, and a spot on the Freshman All-American team.

In his sophomore season, Lewis earned 1st team All-American and All-Big East honors. Lewis led the Big East with 153 tackles and also contributed nine tackles for a loss, two sacks, and an interception.

His junior season was basically the same.  Lewis earned First team All-American and All-Big East honors for the second straight year. He also was named runner up for the Butkus Award, given to the best linebacker in the country.

Lewis finished his junior season with 160 tackles, the second highest in University of Miami team history behind only Ed Weisacosky's 164 in 1965. Lewis also totaled eight tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble, four pass deflections and one touchdown.

Despite leaving after his junior season, Lewis ranks fifth on the Hurricanes all time tackle list.

#2 - Michael Irvin

Perhaps no one has done more for the Hurricanes after he has played for them.

Michael Irvin is Miami Hurricane football.  He supports his alma mater like no other, showing up for practices, donating time and money, and being a mentor to the new Hurricane class.

On the field at Miami, he wasn't too bad either.

Irvin set school records for career receptions (143), receiving yards (2,423 - later broken by Santana Moss) and touchdown receptions with 26.

Irvin helped the 1987 Hurricanes win the national championship game.

Irvin also played a major part in Miami's "Swagger," pointing both hands in the air after every touchdown reception.

#1 - Howard Schnellenberger

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LOUISVILLE, KY - OCTOBER 1: Howard Schnellenberger the Head Coach of the Florida Atlantic Owls is pictured during the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Papa John's Stadium on October 1, 2005 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Ima

Schnellenberger will always be remembered for bringing back the Hurricanes from the dead.

You see, Miami almost dropped the football program in 1976 before Schnellenberger was hired as head coach.

He then started a long line of Hurricane tradition, by taking a broken down program and making them winners and in 1980 he had Miami in the AP Top 25 poll; something that hasn't been done since 1966.

Howard was able to do this by using a stronghold attitude and capturing all the talent in an area he called, State of Miami.

He set an invisible wall around south Florida high schools and did everything in his power to keep the vast amount of talent in Miami.

Schnellenberger completed his legacy by leading the Miami Hurricanes to the national championship in 1983.

Every true fan loved what Schnellenberger did to South Florida and he will never be forgotten.

Honorable Mention: Sebastian

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MIAMI - OCTOBER 14: The Miami Hurricanes mascot Sebastian The Ibis runs on the field before the game against the Florida International Panthers at the Orange Bowl on October 14, 2006 in Miami, Florida. Miami won 35-0. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

You know I am not going to talk about the Miami Hurricanes and not bring up their beloved mascot?

Although there are mascots out there that are more common and noticeable, there are no mascots with a tradition and heart of Sebastian the Ibis.

The ibis was selected as the school mascot because of its legendary bravery during hurricanes. The ibis is the last sign of wildlife to take shelter before a hurricane hits and the first to reappear once the storm has passed.