Ex-N. Alabama LB McKinnon leads Divisional Class for Hall of Fame

DALLAS -- Former North Alabama linebacker Ronald McKinnon heads the Divisional Class selected for the College Football Hall of Fame on Wednesday.

McKinnon played linebacker at North Alabama from 1992-95, setting school records for tackles in a season (175) and career (621), leading the Lions to three straight Division II championships. He played 10 seasons in the NFL for the Arizona Cardinals and New Orleans Saints.

McKinnon was the only defensive player to win the Harlon Hill Trophy as the Division II player of the year.

Also elected were Mount Union quarterback Jim Ballard (1991-93), Texas A&M-Kingsville defensive end John Randle (1988-89) and McMurry halfback Brad Rowland (1947-50). They were joined by coaches W.C. Gorden, who was 119-47-5 at Jackson State from 1976-91, and Doug Porter, who won 166 games at Mississsippi Valley State (1961-65), Howard (1974-78) and Fort Valley State (1979-85, '87-96).

The divisional class includes players and coaches from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA), Divisions II, III and the NAIA. This year's class will be inducted July 18-19 during the Enshrinement Festival in South Bend, Ind.