Nov 22, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Former Baltimore Ravens player Ed Reed stands on the field prior to the game against the St. Louis Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Backs
Ed Reed
One word come to mind when I think of Reed, “Ball Hawk”.
Another future Pro Football Hall of Famer, Reed played for the ‘Canes from 1997 to 2001.
He was a leader on a defense that helped Miami win a National Championship in 2001.
During his time spent at Miami the accolades poured in for Reed. In both 2000 and 2001, he was a consensus First-Team All-American and a consensus First-Team All-BIG EAST. In his final year, Reed earned Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year, National Defensive Player of the Year (Football News), a Jim Thorpe Finalist and a Bronko Nagurski Semi-Finalist.
After college, Reed was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round (26th overall) and played with them for 11 seasons. He later played his last season with both the Houston Texans and New York Jets before retiring.
During his playing days with the Ravens, he earned a trip to the Pro Bowl nine-times, was a First-Team All-Pro five-times, an NFL leader in interceptions three-times, a Defensive Player of the Year and won a Super Bowl (XLVII).
Reed was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.
Bennie Blades
Blades played at The U from 1985 to 1987 and he and his family (Brian Blades and Al Blades) are Miami legends.
Besides being a highly gifted, fast, physical player, he was also able to intimidate his opponents.
Blades earned consensus First-Team All-American honors twice and in his final year, he won the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award and was a major reason for the ‘Canes winning a National Championship.
After college, Blades was drafted in the first round (3rd overall) by the Detroit Lions where he played for 9 seasons. He made the Pro Bowl and was a defensive captain for five years. His tenth season was spent with the Seattle Seahawks where he played with his brother, Brian.
Blades was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006, inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 and UM Football Ring of Honor in 2009.
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