Grand Marshal 2009 Bennie Blades
 

The University of Miami Alumni Association is honored and excited to announce Bennie Blades as the official Alumni Weekend and Homecoming 2009 Grand Marshal!
 

Bennie BladesBennie Blades played defensive back for the Hurricanes from 1985 through 1987. As a junior, he was selected first-team All-American in 1986 by the Associated Press and United Press International after leading the nation in interceptions with 10. The following season, Blades not only helped the Hurricanes win the national championship, but he also was selected first-team All-American by the Associated Press, Kodak, United Press International, The Sporting News, The Walter Camp Foundation and the Football Writers Association of America. The same year, Blades also won the Jim Thorpe Award, honoring the nation's premier defensive back in College Football. While at UM, Blades set school records for interceptions in a career (19), interception return yards (305), consecutive games with an interception (5), total tackles by a safety (286) and unassisted tackles by a safety (155). During his play at UM, he and the defensive secondary he led were nicknamed "Bennie and the Jets," for their speed, power, ability & stand-out defensive play. After being picked third overall by the Detroit Lions in 1988, Blades played 10 NFL seasons and finished his professional career with 14 interceptions and one touchdown. In 2006, Blades was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Bennie Blades has been selected to the UM Football Ring of Honor. Blades will be added to the 'Canes Ring of Honor on October 24th at Land Shark Stadium during the UM home game against Clemson. The Ring of Honor was established during the 1997 season as a way to recognize the outstanding players that have passed through the Hurricane Football program. This becomes the fourth class to be inducted.

During Alumni Weekend and Homecoming, Bennie Blades will be back on campus enjoying in the wonderful festivities.