Fansided

Miami football: 25 greatest Hurricanes of all time

By Joe Romano

MIAMI - JANUARY 1: Defensive back Sean Taylor #26 of the Miami Hurricanes attempts to elude wide receiver P.K. Sam #4 of the Florida State Seminoles during the 2004 Orange Bowl game on January 1, 2004 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. The Hurricanes won 16-14. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
MIAMI - JANUARY 1: Defensive back Sean Taylor #26 of the Miami Hurricanes attempts to elude wide receiver P.K. Sam #4 of the Florida State Seminoles during the 2004 Orange Bowl game on January 1, 2004 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. The Hurricanes won 16-14. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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21 Oct 2000: Bryant McKinnie #78 of the Miami Hurricanes looks on the field during the game against the Temple Owls at the Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Hurricanes defeated the Owls 45-17.Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger /Allsport
21 Oct 2000: Bryant McKinnie #78 of the Miami Hurricanes looks on the field during the game against the Temple Owls at the Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Hurricanes defeated the Owls 45-17.Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger /Allsport /

12. Bryant McKinnie

Offensive tackle, 1999-2001

Another player with a unique journey to the Miami Hurricanes is offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie. He originally started his collegiate career in junior college as a defensive lineman. After bulking up, he received a scholarship as an offensive tackle for the Hurricanes. McKinnie would have to redshirt his first year on campus, 1999.

The 2000 season saw him take over the left tackle spot. He would not relinquish that position until his graduation. During his first season, the Hurricanes were a dominant force and McKinnie refused to let anyone touch star quarterback Ken Dorsey. That talent for pass blocking and a relentless motor run blocking earned him first-team All-American honors.

Following up such a successful first season is no easy task. Somehow McKinnie was able to do it for the 2001 Miami team. This time he was a unanimous All-American selection. McKinnie would also win the Outland Trophy for the nation’s best lineman. Sports Illustrated honored McKinnie by naming him their Player of the Year. All the awards pale in comparison to the fact that a left tackle finished eighth in the Heisman Trophy voting.

McKinnie would join five fellow Hurricanes as first round picks in the 2002 NFL Draft. He was the first of the bunch to be selected, going seventh overall to the Minnesota Vikings. McKinnie would play a total of 11 seasons in the NFL. During that span, he won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens and was named to a single Pro Bowl. Controversy surrounded him in the NFL but he will always be remembered by Hurricane faithful as a stone wall at left tackle.

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