Greatest Recruiting Classes In Miami History: 1999

With the incoming freshman of the 2018 recruiting class all in Miami and ready to live up to expectations, exactly what expectations are they trying to live up to?

Its no secret that Miami has had some amazing recruiting classes over the years, I mean, how else do you win 5 national championships?

Over the next few weeks, I'll be re-counting some of those great classes, how they had an impact on the program, and how their legacy continues to live on.

1999 remains one of the greatest, if not the greatest classes in school history. Butch Davis finally had the school going in the right direction, and it seemed that the Canes finally could be back. This class, would serve as a

Ken Dorsey: When you think of early 2000’s Miami, the name that automatically comes to my mind is Dorsey. Growing up in that time period, you worshipped number 11.

The winningest quarterback in the history of the program, Dorsey finished his career with a record of 38-2. A perfect season in 2001 and a national championship cemented his status, in my mind, as the greatest quarterback in school history.

Though he wasn’t the most talented in the country at his position, Dorsey’s greatest attribute was his leadership, and ability to stay calm under pressure. Two game winning drives against FSU throughout his career proves that.

Clinton Portis: The starter for the 2001 national championship season, Portis was a staple in the Dorsey-led offense. His 01 campaign was one of the best in school history, with over 1,200 yards.

Whats even more impressive for Portis, is who the running backs he started over during his time in Miami. His final year in Miami, Portis started over guys like Frank Gore and Willis McGahee.

Andre Johnson: In terms of talent, there may not be another receiver ahead of Johnson in the history of UM. One of the greatest wide-outs in school history, Johnson destroyed secondaries during his time in Miami.

Johnson’s shining moment was the 2001 National Championship game against Nebraska. Finishing with 199 yards and two touchdowns, Johnson was named co-MVP, helping the Canes capture their fifth title in school history.

He would also go on to have a Hall of Fame career with the Houston Texans.

Phillip Buchanon: This standout cornerback was a first team All-American during the historic 2001 season. Buchanon finished his career at UM with seven interceptions, and five total touchdowns, also scoring on punt returns.

Bryant McKinnie: A JUCO transfer from Pennsylvania, this offensive tackle was one of the greatest lineman in the history of the school. Throughout his three years at Miami, McKinnie never allowed a sack. Another crazy stat, he finished eighth in the Heisman voting in 2001.

McKinnie, during his time at UM, was a two-time All-American, won the Outland Trophy, was voted as the CNN Sports Illustrated Player Of The Year, and was a key component of the 2001 championship team.

The rest of the class was also incredibly impressive. Jason Geathers, Kevin Beard, Jarrett Payton, Vernon Carey and Maurice Sikes were role players and crucial starters, that contributed to a national championship in 2001, a trip to the title game the next year in 2002, and 34 consecutive wins.