The ‘Ring Of Honor’ welcomes five more legends…

After a nine-year hiatus, the University of Miami’s “Ring of Honor” just landed five more legendary Canes, bringing the grand total to 13.

The 2008 class includes RB Edgerrin James (1996-1998), QB Jim Kelly (1979-1982), DT Cortez Kennedy (1988-1989), C Jim Otto (1957-1959) and QB Gino Torretta (1989-1992).

James rushed for 1,416 yards and 17 touchdowns his junior season of ’98. After a productive career with the Indianapois Colts, James has spend the past few seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.

Kelly passed for 5,228 yards as a Cane, reached four Super Bowls and four Pro Bowls with the Buffalo Bills and was inducted into the 2002 Pro Football Hall of Fame.

At The U, Kennedy played for the No. 1 defense in the nation, earned All-American status and was the MVP of the 1989 National Championship team. With the Seattle Seahawks, he made it to the 1991 Pro Bowl and earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1992.

Otto was a two-year starter at Miami and was inducted to the 1980 Pro Football Hall of Fame after a 15 year career with the Oakland Raiders. Otto was a 13-time All-Pro and earned a dozen Pro Bowl berths.

Torretta captured the 1992 Heisman Trophy and passed for 7,690 yards and 47 touchdowns in his four years as a Cane. He helped lead Miami to the 1991 National Championship and undefeated season.

James, Kelly, Kennedy, Otto and Torretta joint eight other legendary Canes in the Ring of Honor.

1999’s class included FB Don Bosseler (1953-1956), RB Ottis Anderson (1975-1978), QB Bernie Kosar (1982-1984) and DB Burgess Owens (1970-1972). In 1997’s inaugural class, Miami inducted QB George Mira (1961-1963), HB Jim Dooley (1949-1951), DE Ted Hendricks (1966-1968) and QB Vinny Testaverde (1982-1986).

With two years between the first and second class and now nine years between the second and third class, there is no timetable for another induction. Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt did say that it will take less than nine years.

”We won’t have an induction every year,” said Hocutt. “But it’s a process we hope to continue in the years to come.”

The five newest Ring of Honor members will have their names unveiled on a banner displayed at all home games, starting November 13th in an ESPN nationally televised match up against Virginia Tech.

With so many legendary Canes, which four or five would you choose for the next Ring of Honor induction ceremony. Do note that James is the youngest Cane in this mix, having left the program in 1998. If the next ceremony is in three years, that’d make the 2001 class a logical cut off point for inductees.

A few names I’d throw in the ring – Ray Lewis, Warren Sapp, Ed Reed, Michael Irvin and Russell Maryland.

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