Earl Campbell: Running Back from Tyler
Three years after the last national championship at the University of Texas, legendary coach Darryl K. Royal set his sights on a particular recruit in the East Texas town of Tyler. His target was the man they would call the “Tyler Rose,” Earl Campbell. To ensure he could bring the back to the Longhorns, he enlisted the help of Ken Dabbs.
Dabbs was coming off his fourth year as the head coach of Westlake High School in Austin. Royal brought him onto his staff, and Campbell was his first assignment. Royal stated to Dabbs, “There’s a kid in Tyler, Texas, named Earl Campbell, and I want you to get him for us.” It wouldn’t be an easy task as Oklahoma and Barry Switzer were also hot on the trail. The Red River Rivalry had spilled over to the recruiting grounds.
After a long recruiting process, Campbell took a trip to Norman to meet with the Sooners. Upon returning, Dabbs spoke with the family and found out they would choose the University of Texas. It wasn’t until national signing day, however, that they knew for sure because Campbell struggled with the decision. There is more to the story about the chase for the Tyler Rose. He became the very first Heisman Trophy winner in Texas Longhorns history.
More Mount Rushmores from the College Wire Network:
Bama / Aub / Fla / LSU / Tenn. / UGA // Mich. / Mich St. / Ohio St. / Wisc. // Okla. / Texas // ND // USC