13 Days to Miami Hurricanes Football: Top Canes to Wear #13

Gino Torretta, QB (1988-1992)

Gino Torretta is the only way to lead off the #13’s for the ‘Canes. Gino won the 1992 Heisman Trophy, played in more showcase games than humanly possible during his time at Miami, and won two national titles- one as a starter in 1991. Torretta, the 6’2 220lbs QB from California, finished 26-1 as a starter. His older brother Geoff was also a QB at Miami, and attended the Heisman ceremony with ‘86 award winner Vinny Testaverde as a guest, and again with Gino. Gino’s father passed away in 1988, just after enrolling at The U (thanks to the New York Times which has some amazing Hurricanes coverage from the glory days).

Gino’s 1989 push into stardom was anything but. While he did light up San Jose State for a then record 468 yards, he faltered against FSU. With Craig Erickson out, Gino threw four interceptions in a loss to the Noles. Erickson returned and led Miami to a national title. In 1990, Gino played mostly in mop-up duty.

In 1991 and with Erickson off to the NFL, it was Gino’s time to shine. A natural leader, Gino rallied Miami in every circumstance and always thanked the nation’s best defense when he could. In what would be a Heisman match-up gone soft with Marshall Faulk sitting out in ‘92, the ‘91 version saw Gino light up San Diego State for 4 TD’s and 485 passing yards.

In 1992 Gino played behind one of the worst Miami lines in team history, a patch-work group that saw Gino often running for his life even against FAMU. Gino pushed on against some of the best defenses in the country in FSU, Penn State, and Syracuse before falling to Bama in a turnover filled game.

Over his stellar college career, Gino threw for 7600+ yards and 46 TD’s and took home the Davey O’Brien, Maxwell, Johnny Unitas, and Walter Camp Awards. Gino had an uneventful pro career after being a 7th round pick for the Vikings. He wound up playing a back-up role for multiple teams and spent a minute in NFL Europe. Of course, he’s a member of the Hurricanes’ Hall of Fame.

Freddie Capshaw, Punter (1999-2002)

Freddie came to Coral Gables from Rock Springs, Wyoming (I just drove through there, good lord that’s some culture shock!) and immediately became the #Canes starting punter. A fine athlete, Freddie was all-state at defensive back and punter, and also played running back and returned kicks. At Miami, Capshaw averaged 39.6 yards per punt but also allowed Andy Crosland to focus on kicking duties.

In 2000, he won the Nick Chickillo Award recognizing the team's most improved player by improving his punting average to 43.2 yards per punt. He made first team All-Big East as a punter.

In Miami’s national title winning 2001 season, Freddie was another amongst many players with impressive highlight reels. Freddie was a Ray Guy Award finalists, averaged 41.8 yards per punt, and was named First-Team All-Big East. In his senior campaign he averaged 41.2 yards per punt leading Miami to its second consecutive BCS national title game appearance.

For a funny note, I was at the fan fest thing in 2002 and someone thought he was Gino Torretta and asked him to sign Torretta’s picture. He shrugged it off and laughed and said “I’m not that good.”

Deejay Dallas, Athlete (Current)

Deejay comes to Miami from Georgia’s Glynn Academy where he was the QB, RB, WR, (even a little DB), and returned kicks and punts. He’s a consensus 4* prospect and a cornerstone of the #Canes 2017 class. Dallas is a playmaker with the ball in his hands and while coming to Miami to play WR, has already been rumored to be a back-up running back to Mark Walton. Dallas is the kind of guy that you just have to let touch the football. Since he doesn’t have Miami film, here is his “Ultimate Highlights” from high school.