It began when Jim Kelly signed on with the Canes. After this moment history was made. After being a great QB at Miami, Kelly went on to Buffalo to play in four consecutive Super Bowls. Even though he didn't win a single one. He was a dominating QB with the Bills, and a household name for a decade. Kelly had a career year in 1991 with the Bills passing for more than 3,800 yards, 30 Touchdowns and completing 64% of his passes.

Bernie Kosar lead the Canes to their first National Championship in 1983 with a 11-1 season and an Orange Bowl win over Nebraska. Kosar's top pro season was 1986 in which he threw for 3,800 yards and 17 touchdowns. Kosar is known more for winning the 83 title as a freshman. The next UM QB was a special one. Vinny Testaverde played in two National Championship games, and won the Heisman Memorial Trophy in 1986. Vinny was never was a champion, but he did dominate the college football world in 86. Vinny beat out Oklahoma linebacker Brian Bosworth and BYU QB Jim Harbaugh with his 21-3 record and win over OK in the Orange Bowl in a 1 vs. 2 match up in the regular season.

In 1987 a new QB came to Miami. Steve Walsh was his name, and he went 23-1 as Miami's QB, winning the national title in 87. Walsh wasn't as talented as Kosar, Kelly or Toretta, but was the most "Football Smart." His successor was Craig Erickson. Craig took over the reins from Walsh in 89, and won a NC in his first year as well. Erickson lost 2 games in his UM career, but Miami lost 3 during his tenure while he was injured for the FSU game in 89.

In 1991 Gino Toretta (6-3 200lbs) from California, went 12-0 in his first season starting. He won the NC over Nebraska. Then in 92, Toretta took the Heisman in an 11-1 season featuring wins over FSU (#1), Arizona, Syracuse (#8) and PSU (#2) all by close margins. Gino was big, strong, and had one heck of a team backing him up. The Canes went through a dry spell in QB's after Gino from 1993 (even though Frank Costa lead them to the 94 title game) until last season.

Last year sophomore QB Ken Dorsey came to the table. In his second game of the 2000 season he looked nothing like the Dorsey of today, but after that loss in Washington to the Huskies, he has been perfect. Dorsey (6-5 200lbs) is now 7-0 and was 11-1 last season. Dorsey who is known for his headiness, is about to win the Heisman and National Title. He'll be the first champion since 91, and the first Heisman since 92. The 'Canes look primed and ready with All Americans like Tight End Jeremy Shockey, Strong Safety Ed Reed, and book-ends Bryant McKinnie and Joaquin Gonzalez.

Linebacker U is something that wasn't noticed until just recently. Dan Morgan was Miami's first Butkis award winner, but others have been on the list such as NFL stars Mike Barrow, and Darrin Smith. George Mira Jr. may have been the first Linebacker really noticed at UM. Mira started four straight years at UM, and WAS the career leader in tacklers until Dan Morgan took the record from him last season. Winston Moss was a solid NFL linebacker but not really known in the college world. Maurice Crum was a big UM linebacker making the All-American team in 1990. Crum wasn't an NFL linebacker though, and thus the first two really big names in the college and pro world at Miami were Barrow and Smith.

Barrow was an All-American in 1992 and Smith was on the 91 and 92 AA teams. Smith was drafted by the Cowboys and is currently a Saint. Barrow was drafted by the Oilers, then moved to Carolina, then to his current home in New York with the Giants. The other linebacker to finish off the Barrow-Smith trio was Jessie Armstead. Not really a stud in college, Armstead was highly recruited out of high school. He had 300 career tackles and a 5A State Championship at Dallas-Carter. Armstead has become a 3-time All-Pro in the NFL and the most decorated of the three. That senior class in 92 was amazing in Miami and included other stars: Gino Toretta, Lamar Thomas, Horace Copeland, and Ryan McNeil. After the 92 season, 93 didn't really feature a star linebacker, but a star was born in Ray Lewis.

Lewis was an All-American in 95, and dominated as a Cane in 94 leading the Canes to a 10-2 record and a shot at the national title. Lewis also has lead the Ravens defense, which won the Super Bowl in 2000. Lewis received Super Bowl MVP honors. Lewis is a born leader, and big time play maker. In six seasons Lewis has 17 sacks and 10 INT's. Lewis also has 891 career tackles before the current 2001 season, and 210 tackles in 1997.

The big question you're being asked here is, which is UM? Quarterback University or Linebacker University?