Football
CLEMSON LEGEND C.J. SPILLER NOMINATED FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
- 2019-06-03 15:43:48
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The National Football Foundation announced the candidates for the College Football Hall of Fame Monday, and Clemson Hall of Famer C.J. Spiller was among the impressive nominees on the ballot that includes Eric Dickerson, Eric Bieniemy, Ray Lewis, Julius Peppers, Tim Couch, Eric Crouch and David Pollack. Spiller, the rightful Heisman for 2009, played that entire season with turf toe and led Clemson to its first ACC Championship Game, where he set a record with 401 all-purpose yards & 4 touchdowns! I've always been of the opinion that Clemson was robbed of its first Heisman in 2009 when it went to Alabama RB Mark Ingram, who was a great college RB but not nearly as special as Spiller. He was the only player in the country to score a TD in every game that season, and he scored them in FIVE different ways. Spiller is 4th all-time in NCAA all-purpose yards and 1st in ACC history. Coincidentally, Clemson was robbed of another Heisman in 2015, again by an Alabama RB, and Deshaun Watson should have also won it the next year in 2016, but it went to Lamar Jackson, who had a miserable finish to the season while Watson played out of his mind, leading the Tigers to a national title.
Fittingly, Spiller's #28 recently went back into retirement with the transfer of Clemson RB Tavien Feaster. I was the only member of the media from the state of South Carolina to go to New York to cover the induction of Danny Ford into the Hall of Fame a year and a half ago, and I plan to be there again next December to cover C.J. for you. The NFF press release with the list of candidates is below.
IRVING, Texas (June 3, 2019) - The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced today the names on the 2020 ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, including 76 players and five coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 101 players and 33 coaches from the divisional ranks.
"It's an enormous honor to just be on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot when you think that more than 5.33 million people have played college football and only 1,010 players have been inducted," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "The Hall's requirement of being a First-Team All-American creates a much smaller pool of about 1,500 individuals who are even eligible. Being in today's elite group means an individual is truly among the greatest to have ever played the game, and we look forward to announcing the 2020 College Football Hall of Fame Class in January."
The ballot was emailed today to the more than 12,000 NFF members and current Hall of Famers whose votes will be tabulated and submitted to the NFF's Honors Courts, which will deliberate and select the class. The FBS Honors Court, chaired by NFF Board Member and College Football Hall of Famer Archie Griffin from Ohio State, and the Divisional Honors Court, chaired by former Marshall head coach, longtime athletics director and NFF Board Member Jack Lengyel, include an elite and geographically diverse pool of athletic administrators, Hall of Famers and members of the media.
"Having a ballot and a voice in the selection of the College Football Hall of Fame inductees is one of the most cherished NFF member benefits," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, a 1989 Hall of Fame inductee from Mississippi. "There is no group more knowledgeable or passionate about college football than our membership, and the tradition of the ballot helps us engage them in the lofty responsibility of selecting those who have reached the pinnacle of achievement in our sport."
The announcement of the 2020 Class will be made in January 2020 in the days leading up to the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship in New Orleans. The January announcement will be televised and/or streamed live, and specific viewing information will be available as the date draws near. Several of the electees will also participate in the pregame festivities and the coin toss before the championship game.
"We cannot thank CFP Executive Director Bill Hancock and his staff enough for the opportunity to continue the tradition of announcing our Hall of Fame Class in conjunction with the National Championship," said Hatchell. "Our presence at the title game has significantly raised the profile of the announcement, allowing us to shine a much brighter light on the accomplishments of our game's greatest legends."
The 2020 College Football Hall of Fame Class will officially be inducted during the 63rd NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 8, 2020, at the New York Hilton Midtown. They will also be honored at their respective schools with an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the 2020 season.
The criteria for Hall of Fame consideration include:
- First and foremost, a player must have received First-Team All-America recognition by a selector organization that is recognized by the NCAA and utilized to comprise their consensus All-America teams.
- A player becomes eligible for consideration by the Foundation's Honors Courts 10 full seasons after his final year of intercollegiate football played.
- While each nominee's football achievements in college are of prime consideration, his post-football record as a citizen is also weighed. He must have proven himself worthy as a citizen, carrying the ideals of football forward into his relations with his community and his fellow man, with love of his country. Consideration may also be given for academic honors and whether the candidate earned a college degree.
- Players must have played their last year of intercollegiate football within the last 50 years.* For example, to be eligible for the 2020 ballot, the player must have played his last year in 1970 or thereafter. In addition, players who are playing professionally and coaches who are coaching on the professional level are not eligible until after they retire.
- A coach becomes eligible three full seasons after retirement or immediately following retirement provided he is at least 70 years of age. Active coaches become eligible at 75 years of age. He must have been a head football coach for a minimum of 10 years and coached at least 100 games with a .600 winning percentage.
- Nominations may only be submitted by the athletics director of a potential candidate's collegiate institution; by the head coach or sports information director (SID) representing a dues-paying college/university; or by a dues-paying chapter of the National Football Foundation.
*Players who do not comply with the 50-year rule may still be eligible for consideration by the Football Bowl Subdivision and Divisional Veterans Committees. Veterans Committee candidates must still meet First Team All-America requirement.
Once nominated for consideration, all FBS player candidates are submitted to one of eight District Screening Committees, depending on their school's geographic location, which conducts a vote to determine who will appear on the ballot and represent their respective districts. Each year, approximately 15 candidates, who are not selected for the Hall of Fame but received significant votes in the final selection, will be named automatic holdovers and will bypass the district screening process and automatically appear on the ballot the following year. Additionally, the Veterans Committee may make recommendations to the Honors Court for exceptions that allow for the induction of players who played more than 50 years ago. The Honors Court annually reviews the Hall of Fame criteria to ensure a fair and streamlined process.
Of the 5.33 million individuals who have played college football since Princeton first battled Rutgers on Nov. 6, 1869, only 1,010 players have earned induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, or less than two one-hundredths of a percent (.02%) of those who have played the game during the past 150 years. From the coaching ranks, 219 individuals have achieved Hall of Fame distinction.
2020 FBS PLAYER CANDIDATE CAPSULE BIOS
Flozell Adams, Michigan State-Offensive Tackle-1997 First Team All-American and Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year...Three-time All-Big Ten performer who helped Spartans to three consecutive bowl appearances...Helped running backs rush for more than 100 yards in 21 games throughout career and allowed only two QB sacks in 1997 season.
Morten Andersen, Michigan State-Placekicker-1981 First Team All-American who left MSU as the Big Ten's all-time leader in field goals (45)...Set still-standing conference record with 63-yard field goal in 1981 and was a three-time All-Big Ten performer...Led the Spartans in scoring for three seasons.
Aaron Beasley, West Virginia-Defensive Back-1995 consensus First Team All-American led the nation in INTs (10) in 1994...Two-time First Team All-Big East selection who led WVU to an undefeated regular season and a 1993 Big East title...19 career INTs and holds two of the top five single-season PBU performances in Mountaineer history.
Eric Bieniemy, Colorado-Running Back-1990unanimous First Team All-American and finished third in 1990 Heisman voting...Played in two national championships, leading Buffs to 1990 national title...Two-time All-Big Eight pick, still holding eight CU records.
Jerome Brown, Miami (Fla.)-Defensive Tackle-1986 unanimous First Team All-American and finalist for both the Outland and Lombardi trophies as senior...Helped Canes to four consecutive New Year's Day bowl games...Ranks 10th in school history with 21 career sacks.
Lomas Brown, Florida-Offensive Tackle-1984 consensus First Team All-American and two-time All-SEC performer...Led Gators to three consecutive bowl berths and top 10 national final rankings in 1983 and 1984...Recipient of Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the SEC's top blocker in 1984.
Larry Burton, Purdue-Split End-First Team All-American and Outstanding College Athlete of America in 1974 and a First Team All-Big Ten selection...Led the team in receiving in both 1973 and 1974...Named team captain and team MVP in 1974.
Keith Byars, Ohio State-Running Back-Unanimous First Team All-American and Heisman Trophy runner-up who led nation in rushing (1,764), all-purpose yards (2,441) and scoring (144) in 1984...1984 Big Ten MVP and two-time All-Big Ten selection...Ranks fifth all-time at OSU with 4,369 career all-purpose yards and 3,200 career rushing yards.
Gregg Carr, Auburn-Linebacker-1984 consensus First Team All-American and NFF National Scholar-Athlete...Three-time First Team All-SEC selection and 1984 SEC Lineman of the Year...Twice led Auburn in tackles, helping the Tigers to the 1983 SEC title and three consecutive bowl wins.
Mark Carrier, USC-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-American (1988-89) - unanimous in 1989... Jim Thorpe Award winner (1989)...Two-time First Team All-Conference selection...Led the Pac-10 in interceptions in 1989 with seven.
Kevin Carter, Florida-Defensive End-1994 consensus First Team All-American who led the Gators to four-straight bowl games...Three-time All-SEC performer who helped Florida to SEC titles in 1991, 1993 and 1994... Ranks in the top 10 all-time at Florida with 21.8 sacks and 42.5 TFL in career.
Matt Cavanaugh, Pittsburgh-Quarterback-1977 First Team All-American who led the Panthers to a 1976 national title...Led Pitt to three consecutive bowl wins, earning MVP honors in the 1977 Sugar and 1977 Gator bowls...Finished Pitt career ranked second all-time (behind only Tony Dorsett) with 3,916 career yards of total offense.
Dallas Clark, Iowa-Tight End-2002 unanimous First Team All-American and winner of the Mackey Award as the nation's best tight end...Two-time All-Big Ten selection who helped Iowa to a share of the 2002 Big Ten title and its first-ever 11-win season (2002)...Holds record for longest pass reception in school history (95 yards).
Marco Coleman, Georgia Tech-Linebacker-1991 First Team All-America pick...Two-time First Team All-ACC, leading Jackets to the national championship and an 11-0-1 record in 1990...28 career sacks rank 14th all-time in ACC history.
Tim Couch, Kentucky-Quarterback-1998 consensus First Team All-American who finished fourth in Heisman voting in 1998 and ninth in 1997...1998 SEC Player of the Year who led Cats to first win over Alabama in 75 years...Set seven NCAA, 14 SEC and 26 school records.
Eric Crouch, Nebraska-Quarterback-2001 Heisman, Walter Camp and Davey O'Brien Award winner who led Huskers to 2001 national title game at the Rose Bowl...Finished career as NCAA record holder for career rushing TDs by a quarterback (59)...Led team to 42-9 record and four bowl berths.
Brad Culpepper, Florida-Defensive Tackle-1991 consensus First Team All-American and recipient of the NFF Campbell Trophy® as the nation's top scholar-athlete...Two-time All-SEC selection who led Gators to first-ever SEC title in 1991...Ranks sixth all-time at Florida with 47.5 career TFL, a school record among defensive lineman.
Eric Dickerson, SMU-Running Back-Named unanimous First Team All-American and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1982...Twice named SWC Player of the Year, he holds 14 SMU records including career rushing yards (4,450).
Glenn Dorsey, LSU-Defensive Tackle-Two-time First Team All-American, earning unanimous honors in 2007...Led the Tigers to a national title at the 2008 Sugar Bowl after taking home the Lombardi, Nagurski and Outland trophies...2007 SEC Defensive Player of the Year who helped LSU finish no lower than No. 5 nationally his last three seasons.
Tim Dwight, Iowa-Kick Returner/Wide Receiver-Two-time First Team All-American, earning consensus honors in 1997... First Team All-Big Ten who placed seventh in 1997 Heisman Trophy voting...Finished career as Big Ten's leader in punt return yardage (1,102).
Jumbo Elliott, Michigan-Offensive Tackle- Two-time First Team All-American (consensus-'87)... Two-time All-Big Ten First Team selection and member of 1986 Big Ten Co-Champions...Paved the way for Jamie Morris, who had three-straight 1,000-yard seasons.
Kevin Faulk, LSU-Running Back-1996 First Team All-American who finished career ranked fourth in NCAA history in all-purpose yards (6,833)...Three-time First Team All-SEC selection and 1995 SEC Freshman of the Year...Set 11 school records during career and became first LSU back to average 100 yards per game during entire career.
David Fulcher, Arizona State-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-American, earning consensus honors in both 1984 and 1985...Three-time All-Pac-10 selection who led ASU to 1985 Holiday Bowl berth...Recorded 14 interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, and 286 tackles in career.
Moe Gardner, Illinois-Defensive Tackle-Two-time First Team All-American (unanimous-'89, consensus-'90)...1990 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and 1989 Big Ten Lineman of the Year...Three-time First Team All-Conference pick and set school record for career TFL (57).
Tony Gonzalez, California-Tight End-1996 consensus First Team All-American and First Team All-Pac-10 selection...Holds Cal record for receptions in a bowl game (9 in 1996 Aloha Bowl)...Posted 89 receptions for 1,302 yards and eight touchdowns during career.
Dan Hampton, Arkansas-Defensive Tackle-1978 First Team All-American and two-time All-SWC selection...Named 1978 Houston Post Outstanding Player of the Year in the SWC, recording 18 TFL during his senior campaign...Helped Hogs beat No. 19 Georgia in 1976 Cotton Bowl and No. 2 Oklahoma in 1978 Orange Bowl.
Jason Hanson, Washington State-Placekicker-Two-time First Team All-American, earning unanimous honors in 1989...Holds numerous NCAA, conference and school records, including longest field goal without a tee (62 yards) and career field goals of 40 yards or more (39)...Four-time All-Pac-10 selection and 1991 NFF National Scholar-Athlete.
Byron Hanspard, Texas Tech-Running Back-1996 unanimous First Team All-American and recipient of the Doak Walker Award...Tech's all-time leader in rushing (4,219) who tied NCAA record by reaching 1,000-yard mark by fifth game of 1996 season...Three-time All-Big 12 selection, helping Red Raiders to first Cotton Bowl since 1938.
Marcus Harris, Wyoming-Wide Receiver-Two-time First Team All-American, earning consensus honors as a senior...1996 Biletnikoff Award winner who finished ninth in Heisman Trophy voting and twice led the nation in receiving yards per game...1996 WAC Offensive Co-Player of the Year who set NCAA record with 4,518 career receiving yards.
Marvin Harrison, Syracuse-Kick Returner/Wide Receiver-1995 First Team All-American as a kick returner and 1995 Big East Special Teams Player of the Year...Three-time All-Big East selection who set a conference record with a 94-yard punt return for a TD in 1995...Left Syracuse as the school's all-time receiving leader (2,718 yards).
Jeff Hartings, Penn State-Offensive Lineman-Two-time First Team All-American, earning consensus honors in 1995...Three-time First Team All-Big Ten selection who helped Lions to the 1994 conference title...Leader of an offensive unit that set 14 single-season school records and led the FBS in scoring (47.8 ppg) in 1994).
Mike Hass, Oregon State-Wide Receiver-2005 First Team All-American and recipient of the 2005 Biletnikoff Award...Two-time First Team All-Pac-10 selection and first receiver in league history with three 1,000-yard receiving seasons...Led the nation with 139.9 receiving ypg (2005) and holds virtually every Oregon State receiving record.
E.J. Henderson, Maryland-Linebacker-Only two-time consensus First Team All-American in Terps history...2002 Bednarik and Butkus award winner who helped Maryland to an Orange Bowl berth and No. 11 final ranking...2001 ACC Player of the Year and two-time ACC Defensive Player of the Year, leading Terps to the 2001 ACC title.
Josh Heupel, Oklahoma-Quarterback-2000 consensus First Team All-American and Walter Camp Player of the Year...2000 Heisman Trophy runner-up who led the Sooners to a national title at the 2001 Orange Bowl...2000 Big 12 Player of the Year who left OU with virtually every school passing record despite only playing two seasons.
Craig Heyward, Pittsburgh-Running Back-1987 consensus First Team All-American who led the nation in rushing his final season and finished fifth in Heisman voting...Left Pitt as the second-leading rusher in school history (behind only Tony Dorsett) with 3,086 career rushing yards...Rushed for at least 100 yards in every game of 1987 season.
Steve Hutchinson, Michigan-Offensive Lineman-2000 unanimous First Team All-American who led the Wolverines to four bowl wins, including the 1997 National Championship at the Rose Bowl...One of only seven players in conference history to be named a four-time First Team All-Big Ten selection...Three-time Big Ten champion.
Larry Jacobson, Nebraska-Defensive Tackle-1971 consensus First Team All-American and Outland Trophy recipient...Led Huskers to back-to-back national titles and three-consecutive conference championships...1971 All-Big Eight performer who led Nebraska to a 33-2-1 record during career.
Ernie Jennings, Air Force-Wide Receiver-1970 consensus First Team All-American, finishing eighth in 1970 Heisman Trophy voting...Led Air Force to 1971 Sugar Bowl berth... Holds every single-season and career receiving record at Air Force.
E.J. Junior, Alabama-Defensive End-1980 unanimous First Team All-American and member of two national championship teams (1978, 1979)...Three-time First Team All-SEC selection and 1980 SEC Lineman of the Year, who led Tide to two conference titles...Member of fabled goal-line stand defense vs. Penn State in 1979 Sugar Bowl.
James Laurinaitis, Ohio State-Linebacker-Three-time First Team All-American (consensus-2006, 2008; unanimous-2007)...Two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year who led the Buckeyes to two national championship games and four consecutive conference titles...2007 Butkus and 2006 Nagurski recipient, leading OSU in tackles three-straight seasons.
Greg Lewis, Washington-Running Back-1990 First Team All-American and Doak Walker award winner... Named Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year in 1990, leading Huskies to 1990 conference title... Finished seventh in 1990 Heisman voting and recorded 15, 100-yard games.
Ray Lewis, Miami (Fla.)-Linebacker-1995 First Team All-American and Butkus Award runner-up...Led Canes to Fiesta and Orange bowl appearances and ranks sixth all-time at Miami with 388 career tackles...Two-time First Team All-Big East performer who twice led the league in tackles.
Todd Lyght, Notre Dame-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-American, earning unanimous honors in 1989 and consensus laurels in 1990...Led Irish to 1988 National Championship and perfect 12-0 season as well as national title game appearance in 1991 Orange Bowl...Thorpe Award finalist who posted 11 career interceptions.
Bobby Majors, Tennessee-Defensive Back-1971 unanimous First Team All-American who led Vols to wins in 1971 Sugar Bowl and 1972 Liberty Bowl... Two-time First Team All-SEC selections still holds conference and school record with 10 INTs in 1971...Set Tennessee records for career punt returns (117) and career punt return yardage (1,163).
Ed McCaffrey, Stanford-Wide Receiver-1990 First Team All-American and two-time Stanford MVP...1990 First Team All-Pac-10 receiver who led the Cardinal in receiving yards three-of-four years...Ranks in the top 10 all-time at Stanford with 146 career receptions and 2,333 career receiving yards.
Cade McNown, UCLA-Quarterback-1998 Consensus First Team All-American and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award recipient...1998 Pac-10 Co-Offensive Player of the Year who led UCLA to consecutive Pac-10 titles in 1997 (shared) and 1998...Holds numerous school records.
Mark Messner, Michigan-Defensive Tackle-1988 unanimous First Team All-American who was a Lombardi Award finalist...1988 Big Ten Player of the Year and four-time First Team All-Big Ten selection...Led Wolverines to four bowl berths and named MVP of 1985 Fiesta Bowl.
Pete Mitchell, Boston College-Tight End-Two-time First Team All-American, earning consensus honors in 1994...Two-time First Team All-Big East performer, leading the conference in catches his last two seasons...Ranks second all-time at BC in career receptions (190) and third all-time in career receiving yards (2,388).
Corey Moore, Virginia Tech-Defensive Lineman-Two-time First Team All-American (1999-unanimous) and winner of the 1999 Lombardi and Nagurski awards...Two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year led Hokies to 2000 National Championship Game...Leader of Hokies famed "Lunch Pail Defense" that led the nation in rushing defense (85.0 ypg).
Dan Morgan, Miami (Fla.)-Linebacker-2000 unanimous First Team All-American and first player to sweep the Butkus, Bednarik and Nagurski awards in one season...2000 Big East Defensive Player of the Year and three-time First Team All-Big East selection...Canes all-time leader in tackles (532) who started a school-record 45 games.
Ken Norton Jr., UCLA-Linebacker-1987 First Team All-American, leading Bruins to four consecutive bowl wins... Member of the 1985 conference championship team... Led team in tackles in 1986 (106) and in 1987 (125) and ranks sixth in school history with 339 career tackles.
Leslie O'Neal, Oklahoma State-Defensive Tackle-Two-time First Team All-American, earning unanimous honors in 1985...Three-time All-Big Eight selection and 1984 Big Eight Defensive Player of the Year, who led Pokes to three-straight bowl berths...Left OSU as school leader in career sacks (34), career TFL (47) and single-season sacks (16).
Carson Palmer, USC-Quarterback-2002 consensus First Team All-American and Heisman Trophy recipient...2002 Pac-10 Co-Offensive Player of the Year who set conference/school career records for total offense (11,621 yds) and passing yards (11,818)...Led USC to a share of the 2002 Pac-10 title and first 11-win season since 1979.
Julius Peppers, North Carolina-Defensive End-2001 unanimous First Team All-American and winner of the 2001 Bednarik and Lombardi awards...2001 Chevrolet Defensive Player of the Year who finished 10th in Heisman Trophy voting...Two-time First Team All-ACC selection, leading the conference in TFL (24) and sacks (15) in 2000.
Anthony Poindexter, Virginia-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-American, earning consensus honors in 1998...Three-time All-ACC pick and 1998 ACC Defensive Player of the Year...Holds five school records and finished career with 342 tackles and 12 interceptions.
David Pollack, Georgia-Defensive Lineman-Three-time First Team All-American (consensus in 2002, 2004) and recipient of the 2004 Lombardi and Bednarik awards...Two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year who led Bulldogs to consecutive SEC title games...UGA's all-time leader in sacks (36) and tackles for loss (58.5).
Antwaan Randle El, Indiana-Quarterback-2001 First Team All-American...First player in FBS history to pass for 6,000 yards and rush for 3,000 yards in career...Rushed for more yards than any QB in FBS history upon conclusion of career.
Simeon Rice, Illinois-Linebacker-Two-time First Team All-American and three-time First Team All-Big Ten selection...Holds conference and school record for career sacks (44.5) and Illini record for career tackles for loss (69)...Set school record for single-season sacks (16).
Ron Rivera, California-Linebacker-1983 consensus First Team All-American...Lombardi Award finalist in 1983 and named East-West Shrine Game Most Valuable Player...Selected as Pac-10 Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 1983...Led team in tackles from 1981-83.
Rashaan Salaam, Colorado-Tailback-1994 unanimous First Team All-American and Heisman Trophy winner...1994 Walter Camp Player of the Year and Doak Walker Award recipient... 1994 Big Eight Offensive Player of the Year who led nation in rushing, scoring and all-purpose yards.
Chris Samuels, Alabama-Offensive Tackle-1999 unanimous First Team All-American and Outland Trophy recipient...Two-time First Team All-SEC selection who led the Tide to a 1999 conference title...SEC Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner who did not allow a sack the entire 1999 season and blocked for 1,000-yard rusher Shawn Alexander.
Larry Seivers, Tennessee-Wide Receiver-Two-time consensus First Team All-American in 1975 and 1976...Two-time First Team All-SEC selection...Currently ranks sixth in Tennessee history in career reception yardage (1,924) and seventh in career receptions (117).
Kenneth Sims, Texas-Defensive Tackle-Two-time First Team All-American (1980-consensus, 1981-unanimous) and recipient of the 1981 Lombardi Award...Finished eighth in 1981 Heisman Trophy voting and led Longhorns to four bowl berths...Two-time First Team All-SWC performer who ranks fourth in school history with 29 career sacks.
Justin Smith, Missouri-Defensive Lineman-2000 First Team All-American who also earned Freshman All-America honors in 1998...Two-time First Team All-Big 12 selection who is Mizzou's all-time leader in career (50) and single-season (24 in 2000) TFL...Graduated as the Tigers' career leader in sacks (22.5), now ranking fourth all-time.
C.J. Spiller, Clemson-Running Back/Kick Returner-2009 unanimous First Team All-America kick returner, also earning Second Team All-America honors as a running back the same year...2009 ACC Player of the Year who set 31 Clemson records by career's end...Career all-purpose yards (7,588) ranks first all-time in ACC annals and fourth all-time in NCAA history.
Aaron Taylor, Notre Dame-Offensive Tackle-Two-time First Team All-American, earning consensus honors in '92 and unanimous in '93... 1993 Lombardi Award winner and named College Interior Lineman of the Year by Touchdown Club of Columbus (Ohio)...Led Irish to four bowl games.
Dennis Thurman, USC-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-American who led Trojans to four consecutive postseason wins, including the 1974 National Championship at the Rose Bowl...Two-time all-conference selection who helped USC to two Pac-10 titles.
Andre Tippett, Iowa-Defensive End-1981 consensus First Team All-American who led Hawkeyes to 1982 Rose Bowl berth, its first bowl game since 1959...Two-time First Team All-Big Ten performer, leading Iowa to 1981 Big Ten championship...Holds Iowa record for TFL yardage (153 yards/20 TFL).
Troy Vincent, Wisconsin-Defensive Back-1991 First Team All-American and runner-up for the 1991 Thorpe Award...Two-time All-Big Ten selection and 1991 Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Year...Finished career as Wisconsin's leader in punt return yards (773) and passes defended (31).
Chris Ward, Ohio State-Offensive Tackle-Two-time First Team All-American (consensus-'76, unanimous-'77)...Three-time First Team All-Big Ten selection who helped Buckeyes to at least a share of four conference titles...Blocked for Archie Griffin during second Heisman Trophy-winning campaign.
Michael Westbrook, Colorado-Wide Receiver-1994 consensus First Team All-American who led Buffs to four bowl berths and four top 20 finishes...Two-time All-Big Eight performer, leading CU to a share of the 1991 league title...Still holds eight school records and caught a 64-yard game-winning pass in the 1994 "Miracle at Michigan."
Zach Wiegert, Nebraska-Offensive Tackle-1994 unanimous First Team All-American and winner of the Outland Trophy...Led Huskers to 1994 National Championship and 1993 National Championship game appearance...Three-time All-Big Eight selection who led Nebraska to league titles every year of career.
Roy Williams, Oklahoma-Defensive Back-2001 unanimous First Team All-American who took home the 2001 Nagurski and Thorpe awards...Led Sooners to the first 13-win season in program history and a national championship (2000)...2001 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year ranks in the conference's top 10 all-time in pass deflections (44).
Al Wilson, Tennessee-Linebacker-1998 consensus First Team All-American who led the Vols to the inaugural BCS national title in 1998...Helped Tennessee to four postseason berths and four AP top 10 finishes...Two-time All-SEC performer led Vols to consecutive SEC titles (1997, 1998) and only lost three conference games in career.
Steve Wisniewski, Penn State-Offensive Guard-1988 First Team All-American...Member of 1986 12-0 national championship team...Helped Blair Thomas rush for 1,414 yards and 11 touchdowns in 1987 and D.J. Dozier attain First Team All-America honors in 1986.
Elmo Wright, Houston-Wide Receiver-1970 consensus First Team All-American who earned Second Team honors in 1969 and Honorable Mention honors in 1968...Set an NCAA single-season record of eight TD receptions of 50 yards or more (1968)...Still holds Houston career records for all-purpose yards per play (21.0 avg.) and yards per reception (21.9 avg.).
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