Ronald McKinnon piled up many prestigious awards during his days as an All-America linebacker at the University of North Alabama.

He was a team leader in the Lions' sweep to three consecutive NCAA Division II national championships in 1993, '94 and '95. As a result, he was a three-time consensus All-American, won the Harlon Hill Trophy and numerous other accolades.

McKinnon received word Wednesday that he will be included in a place reserved for elite players who have played college football.

McKinnon has been chosen for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

He will be inducted into the 2008 Divisional Hall of Fame class, which includes players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA), Divisions II and Division III and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.

"It's unbelievable," McKinnon said. "All I can say is 'wow.' Being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame is something I certainly never imagined."

McKinnon will be inducted during the hall of fame's enshrinement festival July 18-19 in South Bend, Ind.

The hall of fame is near the Notre Dame campus.

He becomes the first UNA player to be selected to the College Football Hall of Fame.

The new class was announced Wednesday by Hall of Fame chairman Archie Manning.

In addition to McKinnon, the other players chosen are Mount Union quarterback Jim Ballard (1991-93), Texas A&M-Kingsville defensive end John Randle (1988-89), and McMurry College halfback Brad Rowland (1947-50).

Coaches being inducted as part of the class are W.C. Gorden, of Jackson State, who was 119-47-5 at the school from 1976-91, and Doug Porter, who had a 166-107-5 record during his career at Mississippi Valley State (1961-65), Howard (1974-78) and Fort Valley State (1979-85, 1987-96).

"The (National Football Foundation) prides itself on honoring the very best in college football history," Manning said in a statement. "This year's divisional class is no exception, and it's our duty to reward them for their outstanding accomplishments on the gridiron, earning them a spot among the greatest to ever play or coach our sport."

McKinnon, after leaving UNA, went on to a 10-year career in the NFL, with all but one of those years being played with the Arizona Cardinals.

The Elba native was a four-year starter at UNA from 1992-95 and led the Lions to a 48-5-1 record in those four years. UNA won three consecutive Gulf South Conference and Division II championships.

He is one of just a handful of three-time consensus All-Americans in NCAA Division II history.

McKinnon closed his career as the GSC's all-time leading tackler with 621 total tackles, including 407 primary stops. He also intercepted 11 passes.

During his senior year in 1995, McKinnon recorded 139 tackles, four interceptions and four fumble recoveries and was selected the winner of the Harlon Hill Trophy. He was the first - and so far only - defensive player to win the award, which goes to the best player in Division II.

McKinnon's 10 NFL seasons produced more than 1,000 tackles, 12 sacks and 10 interceptions.

McKinnon said it is an overwhelming feeling to be included with such an amazing group of athletes as those in the College Football Hall of Fame.

"It is such a great honor to even be considered in that company," McKinnon said. "I haven't looked at all the names yet, but I know there are so many great ones who are a part of the hall of fame. I'm just overwhelmed to be a part of it."

Now a business owner, McKinnon resides in Bessemer with his wife and daughters.

This will be McKinnon's third hall of fame induction within the past 10 months. He was inducted into the UNA Athletic Hall of Fame in October and into the Division II Football Hall of Fame in December.

"It will be a great honor for me and the University of North Alabama," McKinnon said. "I was just a guy that worked hard to excel and always tried to get better. My coaches always stressed working hard and showing good character.

"My whole family is so excited, and we can't wait until July for the induction. It's going to be a lot of fun."

Jeff McIntyre can be reached at 740-5737 or jeff.mcintyre@timesdaily.com.