Best Miami football players: Modern-era Mount Rushmore – From Michael Irvin to Ed Reed
Ed Reed, safety – 1997-2001
No player means more to the Miami football program than Ed Reed. Reed spent five seasons with the Hurricanes after redshirting as a true freshman in 1997. On the field between 1998-2001, Reed broke Bennie Blades 14-year old Miami record with 21 career interceptions. As Miami returned to prominence Reed was significant.
Reed was the unquestioned leader on the 2001 Miami National Championship team that is considered as one of the greatest teams in the history of college football. Reed could have turned pro after his redshirt junior season in 2000 when Miami finished second in the country but he returned to Coral Gables with unfinished business.
The 2001 Miami defense led by Reed and with legendary linebackers, D.J. Williams and Jonathan Vilma allowed opponents just 9.8 points per game. Reed saved the season in a November victory at Boston College. Reed raced 80 yards to the end zone after ripping the ball from defensive lineman Matt Walters following an interception.
FS Ed Reed led the nation with 9 INTS and finished his career with a school record 21. Yet the pick he will be most remembered in the hearts of Miami fans was one he didn’t even make.
— Вⷡ (@SpurgeonsCigar) March 31, 2020
Brian St.Pierre ➡️Mike Rumph knee➡️Matt Walters➡️E Reed 80 yards to the house. BALL GAME. 🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/QBvqclKe4Z
The play sealed an 18-7 victory for Miami when Boston College was driving for a potential game-winning touchdown. The following weeks against No. 14 Syracuse and No. 12 Washington, Reed and the Hurricanes defense allowed only seven points while the Miami offense cranked out 124.
The margin of victory in back to back weeks is the largest in the history of college football. It was just one of the records the 2001 Miami football team set during a special season with an extraordinary leader like Reed. Reed could be completely retired enjoying his life but has shown his dedication to the U earlier this year.
Miami head coach Manny Diaz and athletic director Blake James hired Reed to return to Coral Gables to become the Director of Football Operations for the Miami Hurricanes. His role is more of an advisory one and doesn’t allow coaching or remote recruiting, but having Reed on staff is tremendous for the Hurricanes players.