All-Miami Team Since 1983

Published August 28, 2003 for the 20th Anniversary of UM’s 1st Championship Team
By: St. Petersburg Times

OFFENSE:

Ken Dorsey
POSITION: Quarterback.
HOMETOWN: Orinda, Calif.
YEARS: 1999-2002.

STATISTICS: 580-of-1004 for 8,216 yards, 78 TDs, 24 INTs.

OF NOTE: All Dorsey, who arrived on campus as a scrawny-looking teen, did was rewrite the UM record book - and win. The soft-spoken Dorsey owns records for completions, passing yards, total offense and TD passes. Dorsey lost his first big road game as a sophomore at Washington in 2000, likely preventing UM from playing for the national championship in all three years he took the snaps from center. Then, he didn't lose again until his final game, January's Fiesta Bowl double overtime loss to Ohio State. No other UM QB comes close to his 38-2 record as a starter. Heisman Trophy candidate as a senior widely praised for his leadership and poise on the field. Dorsey won the Maxwell Award in 2001 as College Football's Outstanding Player as he led the Hurricanes to their first national championship in a decade with a 37-14 win over Nebraska in the Rose Bowl in which he threw for 362 yards. The three-time All-Big East selection led a Miami offense that averaged 43.2 points a game in 2001.

HONORABLE MENTION: Bernie Kosar (1983-84); Steve Walsh (1987-88); Craig Erickson (1987-90); Gino Torretta (1989-92); Vinny Testaverde (1982, 1984-86).

Edgerrin James
POSITION: Running back.
HOMETOWN: Immokalee.
YEARS: 1996-98.

STATISTICS: 474 carries for 2,960 yards; 3,590 overall yards, 35 TDs.

OF NOTE: Perhaps the best power back to come out of Coral Gables, James helped lead UM back to respectability after NCAA sanctions decimated the program. Ranked second all-time on Miami's career rushing list. Only player in school history to post consecutive 1,000-plus rushing seasons. Ranked second in school history with 497 carries for 2,960 rushing yards despite starting only 17 games. In 1998 James rushed for 17 touchdowns to shatter 60-year old school record set by RB-Eddie Dunn (14) in 1938. Best performance came in regular season finale when he rushed for 299 yards on 39 carries and scored three TDs in huge upset over undefeated and No. 3 ranked UCLA. Went on to be top NFL rusher for Indianapolis Colts.

Alonzo Highsmith
POSITION: Running back.
HOMETOWN: Miami.
YEARS: 1983-86.

STATISTICS: 387 carries for 1,914 yards; 2,935 all-purpose yards, 25 TDs.

OF NOTE: Powerful fullback, who was also a receiving threat, went on to be the No. 3 pick in the 1987 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. One of his best big-game performances (18 carries for 119 yards) will always be overshadowed by a loss to Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl - amid a five interception performance from QB Vinny Testaverde - a game that cost Jimmy Johnson's 'Canes a national championship after the 1986 season. Went on to try his luck at professional boxing and is now an NFL scout.

HONORABLE MENTION at RUNNING BACK: Willis McGahee (2001-02); Clinton Portis (1999-2001); Danyell Ferguson (1992, 94-96); Stephen McGuire (1989-92); Melvin Bratton (1984-87).

Michael Irvin
POSITION: Wide receiver.
HOMETOWN: Fort Lauderdale.
YEARS: 1985-1987.

STATISTICS: 143 receptions for 2,423 yards, 26 TDs.

OF NOTE: The first of the flashy, trash-talking, big-play UM receivers, Irvin set the standard for all who followed at his position before becoming an NFL superstar for the Dallas Cowboys. Irvin's 26 TDs remain the UM career mark. Led Miami in receiving three years in a row. Had perhaps his biggest game against rival Florida State in Tallahassee in 1987 when he had two huge TDs as Miami came back from a 19-3 deficit to beat the Seminoles 26-25 en route to its second national title.

Andre Johnson
POSITION: Wide receiver.
HOMETOWN: Miami.
YEARS: 2000-02.

STATISTICS: 88 receptions for 1,777 yards, 20 TDs.

OF NOTE: Left UM after junior season when he caught 52 passes for 1,092 yards and nine TDs and was top draft pick of the Houston Texans. Only second player in UM history to gain 1,000 yards or more in a season. Was the co-most valuable player (with QB Ken Dorsey) of the 2002 Rose Bowl national title win over Nebraska with career highs in receptions (seven) and yards (199). Led the nation in yards per catch at 21.0 in 2002. Was Big East's TD leader with 10 in 2001. With 35-inch vertical leap, often made defensive backs look silly in attempts to keep him from making a catch. Former Parade All-American also was standout kickoff return specialist.

HONORABLE MENTION at WIDE RECEIVER: Lamar Thomas (1989-92); Randal Hill (1987-90); Brian Blades (1984-87); Reggie Wayne (1997-2000); Santana Moss (1997-2000).

Jeremy Shockey
POSITION: Tight end.
HOMETOWN: Ada, Okla.
YEARS: 2000-01.

STATISTICS: 61 receptions for 815 yards, 10 TDs.

OF NOTE: Was one of three finalists for the John Mackey Award, recognizing the finest tight end in college football. Played just two seasons at Miami, but finished his career ranked sixth on the school's career record list for tight ends. First-team All-Big East Conference pick by the league's coaches. Led the team in 2001 with a career-high 40 receptions for 519 yards (13.0 avg.) and seven touchdowns. Broke onto the college football scene in 2000 against FSU when he caught the game-winning TD pass from Ken Dorsey, giving UM its first win against the rival 'Noles after five consecutive losses. Was leading receiver down the stretch of 2001 championship season. Was a first-round pick (14th overall) of the New York Giants.

HONORABLE MENTION: Willie Smith (1984-85); Bubba Franks (1997-2000); Kellen Winslow (2001-present).

Bryant McKinnie
POSITION: Tackle.
HOMETOWN: Woodbury, N.J.
YEARS: 2000-01.

OF NOTE: Never allowed a sack at UM. Was the 2001 Outland Trophy winner as college football's outstanding interior lineman. Was a consensus first-team All-American by every national service in 2001, including AP, Football News, Football Writers Association, the Sporting News, Walter Camp and the National Football Foundation. Was named 2001 National Player of the Year by CNNSI.com and the Offensive Player of the Year by Football News. Was seventh overall selection in 2002 NFL draft by Minnesota Vikings.

Leon Searcy
POSITION: Tackle.
HOMETOWN: Orlando.
YEARS: 1988-91.

OF NOTE: Started every game his last three seasons. Earned first-team All-America honors in 1991 from the Football Writers Association of America, and second-team honors from the Sporting News. Played for two national champions teams at UM. Went on to star in the NFL for the Steelers and Jaguars.

HONORABLE MENTION at TACKLE: Matt Patchan (1985-87); Mike Sullivan (1987-90).

Richard Mercier
POSITION: Guard.
HOMETOWN: Montreal, Quebec.
YEARS: 1995-96, 1998-99.

OF NOTE: Started 23 consecutive games before sustaining a torn ACL in the 1997 season opener. Earned All-America honors in 1999 from the Sporting News. Two-time All-Big East selection was considered one of the best pulling guards in the country. Was the team leader in pancake blocks during his junior and senior seasons in which he didn't miss a down. Returned from injury in 1998 to start every game for the 'Canes as offense rolled up 36.5 points an 451.5 yards a game. Started as a true freshman at right guard when Ricky Perry was injured and became a fixture on the line, helping pave the way as Danyell Ferguson ran for over 1,000 yards. Came to UM as a defensive tackle. Was a top junior skier in Canada.

Martin Bibla
POSITION: Guard.
HOMETOWN: Mountaintop, Pa.
YEARS: 1998-2001.

OF NOTE: Never gave up a sack in his college career. Collected 102 knockdowns and graded 84.9 percent for blocking consistency during senior campaign. Started every game at right guard from 1999-2001. Was overshadowed on team with bookend star tackles in Bryant McKinnie and Joaquin Gonzalez but was consistent; started 40 of 46 games and never missed a game to injury. Upended Nebraska linebacker Jamie Burrow on a 49-yard touchdown strike from Dorsey to Andre Johnson as Miami gained 472 yards in a 37-14 victory in the Rose Bowl on the way to the national championship.

HONORABLE MENTION at GUARD: Sherko Haji-Rasouli (1999-2001); Gregg Rakoczy (1983-86).

K.C. Jones
POSITION: Center.
HOMETOWN: Midland, Texas.
YEARS: 1993-96.

STATISTICS: Started 41 games.

OF NOTE: Along with Ken Dorsey, only player in UM history to be All-Big East first-team selection three consecutive years. Associated Press All-America selection his senior year. Semifinalist for Lombardi and Outland awards. Part of resurgent offense that led way to Miami's first bowl game victory in five years, a 31-21 defeat of Virginia in Carquest Bowl. Intense competitor known for ripping face mask off the helmet of a defensive teammate during a practice.

HONORABLE MENTION: Bobby Garcia (1987-89); Brett Romberg (1998, 2000-02); Ty Wise (1985-87).

Carlos Huerta
POSITION: Kicker.
HOMETOWN: Miami.
YEARS: 1988-91.

STATISTICS: 397 points. OF NOTE: Went from unknown walk-on to a consensus All-America selection and first-team All-Big East as a senior. Set an NCAA record by converting 157 consecutive PATs as a four-year starter. Set tone for career early in freshman campaign when he nailed a 29-yard field goal with 43 seconds left to play as Miami came from behind to knock off Michigan 31-30 before 105,834 in Ann Arbor. Set 12 school records including: career points (397), career field goals (75), career converts (181), and consecutive field goals (11). Scored team-record 107 points as a freshman in 1988 for a national championship team, scored 101 points in both 1989 and 1990. Was Miami's Iron Arrow recipient, the most prestigious award given by the university.

HONORABLE MENTION: Greg Cox (1984-87); Dane Prewitt (1992-95); Todd Sievers (1998, 2000-02).

DEFENSE

Daniel Stubbs
POSITION: End.
HOMETOWN: Red Bank, N.J.
YEARS: 1984-87.

STATISTICS: 39.5 sacks, 267 total tackles and 25 tackles for loss.

OF NOTE: One of the anchors of an outstanding UM defense during his senior season when the Hurricanes went 11-0 in the regular season then defeated Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl for the national championship. A consensus first-team All-America selection in 1987, Stubbs was also one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy and one of four for the Lombardi Award. He is UM's all-time career sacks leader. Stubbs was a second-round draft choice in 1988 by the 49ers.

Greg Mark
POSITION: End.
HOMETOWN: Cherry Hill, N.J.
YEARS: 1986-89.

STATISTICS: 253 tackles, 95 quarterback pressures, 34.5 sacks.

OF NOTE: Mark is second all-time in sacks at Miami to Daniel Stubbs, who had 39.5. Was named to the Associated Press and Kodak All-America teams in 1989, when he led UM's national championship team with 15.5 sacks. Lombardi Award semifinalist. New Jersey College Football Player of the Year. Played on 1987 and 1989 championship teams and was part of a class that won 45 of 48 games under coaches Jimmy Johnson and Dennis Erickson. Is Miami's defensive line coach after a brief NFL career.

HONORABLE MENTION at DEFENSIVE END: Kevin Fagan (1983-85); Kenny Holmes (1993-96); Kenard Lang (1994-96); Jerome McDougle (2001-02); Rusty Medearis (1990-92, 1994).

Jerome Brown
POSITION: Tackle.
HOMETOWN: Brooksville.
YEARS: 1983-86.

STATISTICS: 183 tackles, 21 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, five fumbles caused, four fumble recoveries.

OF NOTE: You could get into a good argument debating who was the best defensive player in UM history, Brown or Warren Sapp. Played on UM's first national title team, one that didn't have many superstars. He soon developed into one. His senior season, when UM lost to Penn State in the national title game, Brown was a consensus first-team All-America selection and finalist for the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award. Played in four New Year's bowl games as a starter: '84 Orange, '85 Fiesta, '86 Sugar and '87 Fiesta. A first-round pick of the Eagles in 1987, Brown was killed in a one-car crash along with his nephew, Augustus Brown, on June 25, 1992. He was 27.

Warren Sapp
POSITION: Tackle.
HOMETOWN: Plymouth.
YEARS: 1992-94.

STATISTICS: 189 tackles, 22.5 sacks.

OF NOTE: The Bucs superstar went from unheralded tight end to the first Hurricane to win the Lombardi Award. Heisman Trophy finalist his junior season, when he was named defensive player of the year by several organizations, including Sports Illustrated, ABC Sports, The Football News and the Football Writers Association of America. In 1994 led a UM defense that ranked No. 1 in total defense, scoring defense and pass defense. After being selected 12th overall in the 1995 NFL Draft by Tampa Bay, Sapp went on to become a six-time Pro Bowl player and an anchor on defense for the Super Bowl XXXVII champions.

HONORABLE MENTION at DEFENSIVE TACKLE: Cortez Kennedy (1988-89); Damione Lewis (1997-2000); Russell Maryland (1986-90).

Ray Lewis
POSITION: Linebacker.
HOMETOWN: Lakeland.
YEARS: 1993-95.

STATISTICS: 388 total tackles.

OF NOTE: Associated Press All-American in 1995, when he came within one vote of tying Illinois senior Kevin Hardy for the Butkus Award. Started all three years at Miami and led the team in tackles in his sophomore and junior seasons. Set consecutive records for solo tackles by a middle linebacker with 91 in 1994 and 95 in '95. Led team in tackles in 22 consecutive games. First-round draft pick of the Baltimore Ravens (26th overall), and led the team to the Super Bowl XXXV title.

Dan Morgan
POSITION: Linebacker.
HOMETOWN: Coral Springs.
YEARS: 1997-2000.

STATISTICS: 532 tackles.

OF NOTE: A tenacious defender, Morgan's tackle total set new marks in the Miami and Big East record books. Was the first player to win the Butkus Award (top linebacker), Nagurski Award (college defensive player of the year) and the Bednarik Award (top defensive player) in the same season (2000). Was a first-team All-American by every major national service his senior season. Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 2000. Came to Miami as a fullback after starring in high school at tailback - he led Broward County's big schools in rushing in 1995 - and safety. He was switched to linebacker in spring practice. Won a starting spot at linebacker as a freshman and immediately showed a knack for finding the ball. Was a first-round draft pick of the Carolina Panthers (11th overall) in 2001.

Micheal Barrow
POSITION: Linebacker.
HOMETOWN: Homestead.
YEARS: 1989-92.

STATISTICS: 423 tackles.

OF NOTE: Unanimous choice for 1992 Big East Defensive Player of the Year. Runner-up for the Butkus Award, given annually to the nation's top linebacker. Seventh in 1992 Heisman Trophy balloting. Led UM with 136 tackles (80 solo) as a senior. Finished career as third-leading tackler in school history (now fourth). Plays for the NFL's New York Giants and was a second-round pick of the Houston Oilers.

HONORABLE MENTION at LINEBACKER: Darrin Smith (1989-92); Nate Webster (1998-99); Bernard Clark (1986-89); George Mira Jr. (1984-87); Rod Carter (1985-88); Jessie Armstead (1989-92).

Bennie Blades
POSITION: Safety.
HOMETOWN: Fort Lauderdale.
YEARS: 1985-87.

STATISTICS: 19 interceptions and 305 interception return yards were UM records when Blades ended his career.

OF NOTE: Guided the Hurricanes to a 12-0 record and the 1987 national championship when he made 124 tackles, intercepted five passes and was named a consensus first-team All-America. Also was named to the AP and UPI All-America teams in 1986. Shared the Thorpe Award with Oklahoma's Rickey Dixon. Set UM records for consecutive games with an interception (five), total tackles by a safety (286) and unassisted tackles by a safety (155). Led the nation in interceptions in 1986 (.91 per game). First-round pick, third overall, by the Lions in 1988.

Darryl Williams
POSITION: Safety.
HOMETOWN: Miami.
YEARS: 1989-91.

STATISTICS: 87 tackles, 86 assisted, 173 total tackles, five interceptions, 15 broken up passes.

OF NOTE: One of the hardest hitters ever in UM history, Williams had size and speed. ... As a junior in 1991, led the UM secondary with 84 tackles, including 49 solo. He had 18 tackles, including 10 solo, in UM's victory at Florida State, helping preserve an undefeated regular season. UM went on to share the national championship with Washington. ... Was named to three All-America teams. ... First-round draft pick of the Cincinnati Bengals, 28th overall.

HONORABLE MENTION at SAFETY: Al Blades (1998-2000), Selwyn Brown (1985-87), Tremain Mack (1994-96), Ed Reed (1998-2001), C.J. Richardson (1991-94).

Ryan McNeil
POSITION: Cornerback.
HOMETOWN: Fort Pierce.
YEARS: 1989-92.

STATISTICS: 72 tackles, 49 assists, 121 total tackles, nine interceptions, 33 passes broken up.

OF NOTE: Played on two Hurricane championship teams (1989 and 1991) and another ('92) that lost in the title game to Alabama. ... Made several All-America teams in 1992. ... Semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation's best defensive back. ... Had 36 tackles and two interceptions as a senior and returned one for a 36-yard touchdown against San Diego State. ... Second-round pick of the Detroit Lions in 1993.

Phillip Buchanon
POSITION: Cornerback.
HOMETOWN: Fort Myers.
YEARS: 1999-2001.

STATISTICS: 477 yards in punt returns, scored five touchdowns via returns, seven interceptions.

OF NOTE: A speedy, sturdy player who could cover receivers, make big hits, then go back and return a punt for big yardage. ... Developed into one of the top coverage corners in the country. ... Averaged 31.4 yards per interception (five for 157 yards) in 2001. ... Big East special teams player of the year in 2001. ... Declared for the NFL Draft after the 2001 national championship season. ... A first-round pick, 17th overall, of the Oakland Raiders in the 2002 draft.

HONORABLE MENTION at CORNERBACK: Bubba McDowell (1985-88), Tolbert Bain (1984-87), Leonard Myers (1997-2000), Duane Starks (1996-97).

Jeff Feagles
POSITION: Punter.
HOMETOWN: Anaheim, Calif.
YEARS: 1985-87.

STATISTICS: Averaged 40.8 yards per punt for 1987 national champions.

OF NOTE: Three-year starter for UM after spending a year at Scottsdale Community College in Arizona. Also was an emergency quarterback. Went on to become one of 10 punters in NFL history to reach 1,000 punts and play in 200 games. Has played in the NFL for New England, Philadelphia, Arizona, Seattle and is with the Giants. Feagles hasn't missed a game since joining the NFL in 1988, playing in 208 straight, the most ever by a punter.

HONORABLE MENTION: Freddie Capshaw (1999-2002); Rick Tuten (1983-84).