Tag: college football hall of fame

Bob Stoops, Josh Heupel, Roy Williams on 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot

Amidst the coronavirus pandemic and a foggy outlook on college football in 2020, OU and others received positive news on Tuesday morning. 

Amidst the coronavirus pandemic and a foggy outlook on college football in 2020, Oklahoma and many others received some positive news on Tuesday morning.

The College Football Hall of Fame is all sails ahead for welcoming its 2021 class. Greats from past and near present are on it, including three members from Oklahoma.

Bob Stoops’ status amongst college football can’t be questioned. His longevity of coaching and success is unparalleled for the common head college football coach. In his 17-year tenure, Stoops became the winningest head coach in Oklahoma history while leading the Sooners to one national championship (2000), four national championship game appearances (2000, ’03, ’04, ’08), one College Football Playoff appearance (2015), 10 Big 12 Championships and won every BCS bowl game. He has a statue standing outside the south end zone at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

Joining Stoops on the 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot are his players Josh Heupel and Roy Williams. Heupel set all the passing records in only two seasons at Oklahoma while being a 2000 consensus First Team All-American, Walter Camp Player of the Year in 2000 and also the Heisman Trophy runner-up. He helped end Oklahoma’s 15-year National Championship drought.

Williams was a 2001 unanimous First Team All-American and won the 2001 Nagurski (best defensive player) and Thorpe (best defensive back) awards. He also was a part of the 2000 National Championship team.

The 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot is due by July 7. The newest members will be inducted on Dec. 7, 2021, with the official announcement of who makes it coming in early 2021.

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Keith Byars among those to be inducted into College Football 2020 Hall of Fame class

Former Ohio State running back Keith Byars will be inducted into the College Football 2020 Hall of Fame Class.

The 2020 College Football Hall of Fame has been announced, and former Ohio State running back Keith Byars has finally made the cut.

Byars played for the Buckeyes under the late head coach Earle Bruce from 1982-1985. He had a bruising running style and soft hands out of the backfield. He nearly won the Heisman Trophy in 1984, finishing second behind Boston College’s Doug Flutie.

That year, Byars set a program record for all-purpose yards with 2,441. Most of the damage was done on the ground with what was, at the time, a program record of 1,764 yards. He also found the end zone 22 times that season.

Going into 1985, Byars was a preseason Heisman favorite but suffered a fracture in his foot and was never fully healthy. At his peak though, he was one of the toughest runners to bring down and had underappreciated speed for a back his size.

He makes the 26th Ohio State player to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame

Byars will be going into the Hall of Fame with the following players.

  • Lomas Brown — offensive tackle, Florida (1981-84)
  • Eric Crouch — quarterback, Nebraska (1998-2001)
  • Eric Dickerson — running back, Southern Methodist (1979-82)
  • Glenn Dorsey — defensive tackle, LSU (2004-07)
  • Jumbo Elliott — offensive tackle, Michigan (1984-87)
  • Jason Hanson — kicker, Washington State (1988-91)
  • E.J. Henderson — linebacker, Maryland (1999-2002)
  • E.J. Junior — defensive end, Alabama (1977-80)
  • Steve McNair — quarterback, Alcorn State (1991-94)
  • Cade McNown — quarterback, UCLA (1995-98)
  • Leslie O’Neal — defensive tackle, Oklahoma State (1982-85)
  • Anthony Poindexter — defensive back, Virginia (1995-98)
  • David Pollack — defensive end, Georgia (2001-04)
  • Bob Stein — defensive end, Minnesota (1966-68)
  • Michael Westbrook — wide receiver, Colorado (1991-94)
  • Elmo Wright — wide receiver, Houston (1968-70)

This is well past due and well earned from one of the greatest Ohio State running backs to ever suit up in the scarlet and gray.

 

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Mark Richt congratulates David Pollack on making CFB Hall of Fame

Former Georgia Bulldog defensive end David Pollack has made the College Football Hall of Fame. Pollack, a three time first-team All American and a two time SEC Player of the Year, was simply a monster at Georgia. From 2001-04, Pollack terrorized SEC …

Former Georgia Bulldog defensive end David Pollack has made the College Football Hall of Fame.

Pollack, a three time first-team All American and a two time SEC Player of the Year, was simply a monster at Georgia.

From 2001-04, Pollack terrorized SEC opposition playing for coach Mark Richt. At Georgia, Pollack tallied 36 career sacks, the most in school history.

Unfortunately, a bad back injury prevented Pollack from going on to have a legendary NFL career, but he’s made a nice name for himself as a college football analyst with ESPN.

Pollack has remained close with Richt since departing Athens. Working as a college football analyst, Pollack’s made a number of work-related visits to Athens for an inside look at the program, plus visits just to see his alma mater.

After hearing the news of Pollack’s Hall of Fame induction, his former head coach had only great things to say about #47.

“Congratulations David Pollack,” Richt wrote in a tweet. “There was never a doubt you would end up in the collegiate Hall of Fame! Thank you for blessing me and my family and the Dawg Nation!!
Pollack is only the second Dawg to ever earn first-team All-American honors in three seasons, with the other being Herschel Walker.

In addition to his All-American accolades, Pollack received the following:

  • SEC Player of the Year Award (2004)
  • SEC Defensive Player of the Year Award (2004)
  • Chuck Bednarik Award (2004)
  • Ted Hendricks Award (2003, 2004)
  • Lombardi Award (2004)
  • Lott Trophy (2004)

2020 College Football Hall of Fame Class Announced

The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame announced today the 2020 College Football Hall of Fame Class.

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The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame announced today the 2020 College Football Hall of Fame Class, which includes the names of 16 players and two coaches.

A few wrongs were made right.

FINALLY, Eric Dickerson got the call to be in the Hall.

In the theory of, “if you won a Heisman, you should automatically get in,” Eric Crouch made it, along with headliners former Ohio State RB Keith Byars, Michigan OT Jumbo Elliott, Alcorn State QB Steve McNair, and Georgia DE David Pollock.

Two coaches – Dick Sheridan and Andy Talley – were elected, too.

Write-ups from the National Football Foundation.

2020 College Football Hall of Fame Players

Lomas Brown, Florida, Offensive Tackle (1981-1984)

– 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.

Keith Byars, Ohio State, Running Back (1982-1985)

– 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.

Eric Crouch, Nebraska, Quarterback (1998-2001)

– 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.

Eric Dickerson, SMU, Running Back (1979-1982)

– 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 (2004-2007)

– 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.

Jumbo Elliott, Michigan, Offensive Tackle (1984-1987)

– 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.

Jason Hanson, Washington State, Placekicker (1988-1991)

– 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.

E.J. Henderson, Maryland, Linebacker (1999-2002)

– 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.

E.J. Junior, Alabama, Defensive End (1977-1980)

-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.

Steve McNair, Alcorn State, Quarterback (1991-1994)

– 1994 Walter Payton Award winner as the top player in the FCS.
– Third in Heisman voting in 1994.
– All-time FCS passing leader with 14,496 yards and total yards with 16,823
– Four-time SWAC Offensive Player of the Year

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Cade McNown, UCLA, Quarterback (1995-1998)

-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.

Leslie O’Neal, Oklahoma State, Defensive Tackle (1982-1985)

– 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).

Anthony Poindexter, Virginia, Defensive Back (1995-1998)

– 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 (2001-2004)

– 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).

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.

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.).

Pete Fiutak Top Ten Ballot
1. QB Carson Palmer, USC (not elected)
2. S Roy Williams, Oklahoma (not elected)
3. RB Eric Dickerson, SMU (elected)
4. QB Eric Crouch, Nebraska (elected)
5. RB Rashaan Salaam, Colorado (not elected)
6. LB James Laurinaitis, Ohio State (not elected)
7. DE Andre Tippett, Iowa (not elected)
8. DE Julius Peppers, North Carolina (not elected)
9. DE David Pollack, Georgia (not elected)
10. DT Kenneth Sims, Texas (not elected)

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Notre Dame Great Tom Gatewood Elected to Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame

Tom Gatewood was an All-American at Notre Dame, a Dean’s List worthy student and the first African American to be a captain on the Fighting Irish football team.  The former New York Giant can now also call himself a Cotton Bowl Hall of Famer.

What is the strangest Hall of Fame that you’re aware of?

Maybe it’s the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Perhaps its the Pinball Hall of Fame in Las Vegas – which sounds awesome, by the way.

Or it could be the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting in Phoenix.

Whatever your big interest may be there is probably a hall of fame out there for it somewhere.

Maybe your big interest is the Cotton Bowl.  No, not the stadium but the actual game that’s held each winter in Dallas.  I became aware there is a Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame earlier today.  Later I found out that Notre Dame is understandably well-represented in this specific hall of fame.

I found it out because Notre Dame legend and College Football Hall of Fame (that one is in Atlanta now, FYI) Tom Gatewood has been elected to the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame as a member of the 2020 class.

Gatewood was an All-American at Notre Dame, a Dean’s List worthy student and the first African American to be a captain on the Fighting Irish football team.  The former New York Giant can now also call himself a Cotton Bowl Hall of Famer.

For those unaware of how good of a player Gatewood was at Notre Dame, he was pretty much the best receiver the school had until Derrick Mayes showed up in the mid-ninties.  He totaled 157 receptions in his career for 2283 yards and 19 touchdowns and his 77 receptions in 1970 remained a school record until Jeff Samardzija pulled down 78 catches in 2006.

Gatewood also held the Notre Dame all-time receptions record until 2006 when both Samardzija and Rhema McKnight passed his 157.

Gatewood was on two Notre Dame teams to appear in the Cotton Bowl and played Texas in both – losing the contest to the No.1 Longhorns in the 1970 classic before getting revenge and ending Texas’s 30 game winning streak a year later.  He totaled eight receptions for 155 yards in the two games, scoring a touchdown in each.

Gatewood joins former Kansas State quarterback Jonathan Beasley and head coach Bill Snyder, Arkansas Guard and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, Ole Miss running back Dexter McCluster, Texas defensive end Cory Redding and Boston College linebacker (and remarkable jerk) Bill Romanowski as 2020 Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame inductees.

Gatewood joins Joe Theismann, Ara Parseghian, Kris Haines, Joe Montana, Lou Holtz and Bob Golic as Notre Dame representitives in the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame.

Jacob Green, Dennis Erickson inducted into College Football HOF

The College Football Hall of Fame welcomed former Seattle Seahawks head coach Dennis Erickson and defensive end Jacob Green on Tuesday.

The College Football Hall of Fame inducted their 2019 class on Tuesday night, and a pair with ties to the Seattle Seahawks – defensive end Jacob Green and coach Dennis Erickson – were among those honored.

Green is a Ring of Honor member of the Seahawks, having spent 11 of his 12 NFL seasons in Seattle. The two-time Pro Bowler was with the Seahawks from 1980-1991 after getting selected 10th overall out of Texas A&M.

Green becomes the 11th A&M Aggie to get inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, where he starred from 1977-1979.

“This is a universal award for my family, coaches and Texas A&M,” Green said of making the Hall. “I could have never done it without them. Aggies all over the country are excited for me—at least the ones I’ve talked to—which is pretty good.”

Erickson coached the Seahawks from 1995-1998, leading them to a 31-33 record. Three of his four seasons finished with an even 8-8 finish.

Erickson is being awarded thanks to his extensive career as a college head coach, which included stints at Idaho, Wyoming, Washington State, Miami, Oregon State, and Arizona State.

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Notre Dame Football: The Rocket Takes Off for Hall

I don’t know the rules of getting into the hall like I said, all I know is that Ismail is a guy you let in on the first day he’s eligible. 

I’ll start by saying getting into the College Football Hall of Fame is weird.

Need proof?

Raghib Ismail, “The Rocket”, perhaps the most exciting player to wear Notre Dame’s blue and gold since WWII was not officially a member until Tuesday night.

There are rules dependent on what you accomplish in college, what you retire from professional football and whatever else. The fact of the matter is you don’t have a College Football Hall of Fame if “The Rocket” isn’t in his first day of eligibility.

A member of the 1988 national championship team, a 1990 All American and the runner-up to Ty Detmer in the Heisman Trophy voting, Ismail went in with 14 other new members Tuesday night.

For the life of me I still don’t understand how a system quarterback in Ty Detmer beat out a legend but so-be-it. I guess that’s just like how Jason White beat out Larry Fitzgerald 13 years later.

I don’t know the rules of getting into the hall like I said, all I know is that Ismail is a guy you let in on the first day he’s eligible. If not your voters or rules, or both, stink.

Whatever the case – I’m glad he’s finally in a place he deserves.

Now enjoy some of his insane highlights from his three years at Notre Dame:

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