50 greatest college football players this century, ranked

• Outland Trophy (2001)
• Jim Parker Award (2001)
• 2× First-team All-American (2000, 2001)
• 2× First-team All-Big East (2000, 2001)

Bryant McKinnie spent the first two years of his career playing at Lackawanna Junior College. He’d been a defensive lineman in high school but switched to offensive tackle in junior college and after adding 75 pounds, the 6-foot-8, 355-pound McKinnie was one of the most highly touted JUCO transfers in the country in 1999.

McKinnie accepted a scholarship to Miami where he redshirted for one season before becoming the team’s starting left tackle in 2000. He started every game for The U for two seasons, became a two-time first-team All-American, giving up one sack in two seasons as the Canes compiled a record of 25-1. On the ground, McKinnie cleared the way for running backs Najeh Davenport, Clinton Portis and Willis McGahee who all dominated opponents in the running game.

As a senior, McKinnie won the Outland Trophy and Jim Parker Award and is still considered one of the greatest offensive lineman in the history of college football.

Bonus Fact: McKinnie’s college roommate was tight end, Jeremy Shockey. Both went on to become top 15 draft picks.