College football is still a few weeks away, giving us plenty of time to rank and list almost every aspect of the sport.
ESPN has done just that, ranking the top 100 college football players ever by uniform number. And considering the historical success of the Miami Hurricanes, there is plenty of representation from The U.
Five former Canes landed on the list, three of which were born-and-raised out of the state of Florida and all of which personify the deep talent the program has enjoyed over the last 45 years in Coral Gables.
From national champions in the trenches to all-time defensive stars and one of the most electric receivers in program history, Miami’s presence on the list reflects the talent, swagger, and winning tradition that helped build one of college football’s most iconic programs.
#78 Bryant McKinnie | OT | 2000-01
McKinnie was a star offensive tackle for the Miami Hurricanes from 2000–01 and played a big role in the team’s national championship success. McKinnie won the Outland Trophy and Jim Parker Award, was a unanimous All-American, and made first-team All-Big East twice. When he became a starter in 2000, Miami’s offense improved by nearly nine points per game.
#76 Warren Sapp | DT | 1991-94
Sapp was one of the most dominant defensive tackles in Miami history, leading the team’s defense during his unforgettable 1994 season. Sapp put everything together in his final year at Miami, recording 84 tackles and 10.5 sacks from the defensive tackle spot. He won the Lombardi Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy, earned unanimous All-American honors, and was a two-time first-team All-Big East selection.
#67 Russell Maryland | DT | 1987-90
Maryland was a dominant defensive tackle for the Hurricanes and helped lead the program during one of its most successful eras. He won the Outland Trophy, earned All-American honors and was named UPI Lineman of the Year during his standout senior season in 1990. Maryland finished his career with 279 tackles and 20.5 sacks while helping Miami win two national championships and post a 44-4 record.
#52 Ray Lewis | LB | 1993-95
After arriving on Miami’s final scholarship spot in 1993, Lewis made an immediate impact with his intensity, speed and strength. He set a school record with 160 tackles in 1995 and totaled 388 career tackles in just three seasons. Lewis earned All-American honors, was a two-time All-Big East selection, and finished as the runner-up for the Butkus Award before becoming a first-round NFL draft pick.
#47 Micheal Irvin | WR | 1984-87
Known for his confidence and big-play ability, Irvin became a starter in 1985 and quickly made his mark with highlight catches and clutch performances. He finished his career with 2,423 receiving yards and a school-record 26 touchdown catches, a mark that still stands. Irvin was also a Freshman All-American and later earned a place in the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Who are the greatest Miami Hurricanes ever? ESPN goes by the numbers
