Tag: college football hall of fame

Notre Dame’s Stonebreaker becomes school’s 55th College Football Hall of Famer

Congrats to an all-timer!

The following release is courtesy of the University of Notre Dame:

Michael Stonebreaker, a two-time All-American and one of the most skilled linebackers in college football in the late 1980s, has been elected as a member of the 2023 College Football Hall of Fame Class by the National Football Foundation.

Stonebreaker (1986-90) becomes the 55th Notre Dame player or coach inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, which is the most of any institution in the country.

The River Ridge, Louisiana, native was a key member of Notre Dame’s 1988 National Championship team, piling up 104 tackles (second-best on the team) under Hall of Fame coaches Lou Holtz and Barry Alvarez (the Irish defensive coordinator at that time). Stonebreaker finished third in voting for the Butkus Award in 1988.

After missing the 1989 season, Stonebreaker came back to lead the Irish with 95 tackles in 1990 as the Irish earned an Orange Bowl berth that ended in a 10-9 loss to Colorado – who shared the ‘90 national title with Georgia Tech. Stonebreaker’s 1990 season was highlighted by a number of game-sealing plays, including a late fourth quarter interception against No. 4 Michigan, another late game pick against No. 24 Michigan State and a fumble recovery to secure a victory over No. 2 Miami.

The Irish eventually finished sixth in the final poll of 1990 while Stonebreaker earned unanimous All-America honors and invitations to the Japan and Hula Bowls. During his three seasons in South Bend, he tallied 220 career tackles, eight pass breakups and five interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.

Selected in the ninth round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, Stonebreaker played three seasons in the league with Chicago, Atlanta, and New Orleans. He played one season in the World League for the Frankfurt Galaxy in 1995.

He currently resides in New Orleans, and he is the owner and operating partner of N.O. Brew Coffee, a cold-drip, handcrafted coffee product. Stonebreaker has worked with Saveourlake.com to raise awareness for coastal erosion since 2005, and he is a member of Notre Dame NCSA Advisory Board. He donates coffee grounds from N.O. Brew to The School at Blair Grocery.

The 2023 College Football Hall of Fame Class will officially be inducted during the 65th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 5, 2023, at the ARIA Resort & Casino Las Vegas.

Founded in 1951 by the National Football Foundation, the College Football Hall of Fame immortalizes the greatest of the amateur gridiron. 5.1 million people have coached or played the game and less than 1,300 are inductees in the Hall.

Originally slated to be built on the Rutgers University campus – home of the first college football game in 1869 – the Hall ultimately found its first home in Kings Mills, Ohio in 1978. The Ohio location closed in 1992 and the Hall relocated to South Bend, Indiana, where it resided from 1995 to 2012.

In 2014, the College Football Hall of Fame opened in Atlanta, a major hub of college football activity, a convention and tourist destination, and home of one of the nation’s busiest airports.

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LaMichael James to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame

Oregon legendary tailback LaMichael James will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in December.

Statement! Statement! Statement!

Those were the words of legendary Oregon football play-by-play announcer Jerry Allen when Ducks running back LaMichael James went straight up the middle for 76 yards against Stanford in 2010.

James is about to make the biggest statement of all.

The former Oregon tailback will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame after being announced as one of 22 members in the Class of 2023 on Monday by the National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Hall of Fame.

He will be among 18 former first-team all-Americans and four standout coaches included in the 2023 Class, which was selected from the national ballot of 80 players and nine coaches from the FBS level as well as 96 players and 33 coaches from the divisional ranks.

“We are extremely proud to announce the 2023 College Football Hall of Fame Class,” said Archie Manning, NFF Chairman and a 1989 College Football Hall of Famer from Mississippi. “Each of these men has established himself among the absolute best to have ever played or coached the game, and we look forward to immortalizing their incredible accomplishments.”

In his three-year Oregon career, James finished with 5,082 rushing yards and 53 touchdowns.

“Selection to the College Football Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor for LaMichael,” Oregon director of athletics Rob Mullens said. “He is a true Duck legend and one of the most electrifying players in the history of college football. The legacy LaMichael left in Eugene is everlasting and a significant reason for the continued success of our football program. LaMichael’s performance and infectious personality connected him with Oregon fans and gave him a special place in their hearts, and we are extremely proud of him for his election to the Hall of Fame.”

The 2023 College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted during the 65th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 5, 2023, at the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

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PHOTOS: Michigan football Thursday practice for Vrbo Fiesta Bowl

The boys are looking good! #GoBlue #CFBPlayoff

TEMPE, Ariz. — Game day is but two days away and Michigan football is working toward facing TCU in the College Football Playoff semifinal in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.

Like on Tuesday, the team was still in shells — no pads and just shorts — but  were going through drills in the 15 minutes that the media got to partake.

We saw some players who previously weren’t in uniform back in the fold, a former Wolverine taking in practice, as well as more early enrollees getting some time on task.

WolverinesWire’s Isaiah Hole was at Tempe Diablo Field to capture some of the action.

Heading to the Hall: Roy Williams to be honored during Baylor game

Former Sooner Roy WIlliams will be honored after the first quarter of the Oklahoma-Baylor game. From @bendackiw

The man known as “Superman” Roy Williams will receive an NFF Hall of Fame On Campus Salute in honor of his induction to the College Football Hall of Fame.

The salute will take place between the first and second quarter of the Oklahoma Sooners-Baylor Bears game on Saturday.

Williams had a fantastic career in Norman for the Sooners, but his big moment came during the 2001 Red River Showdown.

Flying through the air, Williams stripped the football away from Texas Longhorns quarterback Chris Simms. The Sooners’ defense recovered the ball in the end zone to give OU a 14-3 lead. The Sooners would win the game.

22 Sooners have been elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, and now Williams is the 23rd.

He was named to five Pro Bowls after being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.

From the University of Oklahoma:

During the NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salutes, each electee returns to his respective school to accept a Hall of Fame plaque that will stay on permanent display at the institution. The events take place on the field during a home game, and many Hall of Famers cite the experience as the ultimate capstone to their careers, providing them one more chance to take the field and be recognized in front of their home crowd.

The 2022 College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted during the 64th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 6 at Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Click here for more information on the Awards Dinner, including options to purchase tickets online, special travel rates to the event from Delta Air Lines and Bellagio and a concierge service provided by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

“Roy Williams struck fear into his opponents while leading Oklahoma to a national title and recording one of the most memorable plays in college football history,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “We are thrilled to honor him at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium for his upcoming College Football Hall of Fame induction.”

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Tennessee football: Vols in the College Football Hall of Fame

A look at Tennessee players and coaches in the College Football Hall of Fame.

The University of Tennessee first fielded a football team in 1891.

Tennessee has won 19 conference championships: Southeastern Conference (16), Southern Conference (2) and SIAA (1).

Tennessee has won six SEC East division titles since the conference went to a divisional format in 1992.

The Vols have won six national championships in 1938, 1940, 1950. 1951, 1967 and 1998.

Tennessee is 29-25 in bowl games.

Throughout its tradition-rich history, Tennessee players and coaches have been enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Two Tennessee hall of famers have been inducted as both a player and coach.

Quarterback Bobby Dodd, who later served as head coach at Georgia Tech, was enshrined as a player in 1959. He was inducted as a coach in 1993.

Bowden Wyatt, who played for and coached with the Vols, was inducted as a player in 1972 and as a coach in 1997.

Below are Tennessee players and coaches in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Full list of the Iowa Hawkeyes’ inductees into the College Football Hall of Fames

How many Iowa Hawkeyes have made the College Football Hall of Fames? Here’s a look at Iowa’s comprehensive list of inductees.

A pair of former Iowa Hawkeyes recently found their names included on the 2023 ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame. Former Iowa tight end Dallas Clark and Hawkeye offensive tackle Robert Gallery were listed on the National Football Foundation’s ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame.

Of course, Clark finished his career in 17th place on Iowa’s career receiving list with 1,281 yards on 81 receptions in his two seasons in Iowa City playing tight end. The Twin River Valley High School product from Bode, Iowa, helped the Hawkeyes to a share of the 2002 Big Ten title and the program’s first-ever 11-win season.

He also holds the record for the longest pass reception in school history, hauling in a 95-yard touchdown grab against Purdue during the 2002 season. In 2002, Clark was a consensus All-American and the recipient of the John Mackey Award, which is presented to the country’s top tight end annually.

Clark was selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the 24th pick of the first round in the 2003 NFL draft. In his 11 seasons as a professional, Clark reeled in 505 passes for 5,665 yards and 53 touchdowns.

Meanwhile, in 2003, Gallery was a consensus All-American and awarded the Outland Trophy, which is bestowed annually to the nation’s top interior lineman. He was a two-time first team All-Big Ten selection and helped anchor Iowa’s offensive line during its undefeated trek through Big Ten play in 2002. Gallery also helped lead Iowa to another 10-win season in 2003.

After being drafted by the Oakland Raiders with the No. 2 pick in the 2004 NFL draft, Gallery played eight seasons in the NFL and started in 103 of the 104 games he appeared in.

That duo will hopefully see their names called into the College Football Hall of Fame soon and join an illustrious list of former Hawkeyes that already have their seat at the table.

How many former Iowa Hawkeyes have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fames? Here’s a look at the complete list below of National Football Foundation and Helms Athletic Foundation College Football Hall of Fame inductees.

Every College Football Hall of Fame member for Clemson

Dating back to 1954, eight former Clemson players or coaches have received the honor of being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Founded in 1951 by the National Football Foundation, the College Football Hall of Fame is highly selective in its induction process, with less than 1,300 people receiving the honor.

While Clemson will undoubtedly have future inductees because of its success over the past decade, eight members who coached or played at Clemson have already been inducted, one of which earned the honor in 2021.

Clemson has a chance to produce its ninth member in the coming years, as former linebacker Levon Kirkland is on the 2023 ballot. Earning All-American honors three times in college, Kirkland finished with 273 career tackles (40 for loss) and 19 career sacks.

Fans will have to wait until next year to see if Kirkland makes the cut, but here are Clemson’s current eight College Football Hall of Fame members in order by the year they were inducted.

The College Football Hall of Fame case for Oregon tackle Haloti Ngata

Former Oregon Ducks tackle Haloti Ngata is up for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, and he deserves recognition.

The Oregon Ducks are historically well represented in the College Football Hall of Fame, with seven inductees across the school’s storied football history.

However, the team’s successes over the past two decades is hardly visible in the Hall at this point, with coach Mike Bellotti (inducted in 2014) as the only representative who wore the green and yellow this century.

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That could change this year, as the 2023 Hall of Fame ballot was released on Monday, with 80 former players and nine former coaches on the list – including a pair of Oregon legends: running back LaMichael James and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata.

This article will make the case for why Ngata, widely considered one of the greatest Ducks of all-time, should be among those inducted in the Class of 2023.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Joe Robbins-USA TODAY Sports

Haloti Ngata’s Hall of Fame Case

Oregon’s reputation over the past two decades has largely been earned on the offensive side of the ball, thanks to the explosive quarterback and running back play during the end of the Bellotti era and into the coaching tenures of Chip Kelly and Mark Helfrich.

When defensive players are discussed they are often members of the secondary; guys like Patrick Chung, Walter Thurmond, and more recently Ugo Amadi and Jevon Holland.

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But perhaps the greatest defensive Duck of all time, and one of the greatest of all time, is Haloti Ngata.

Ngata became Oregon’s first consensus All-American since 1962 when he was honored after his ridiculously excellent 2005 season. He was Oregon’s first-ever Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year, and his name is all over the record books for both the school and the conference.

While NFL accomplishments should not play a role in determining a player’s College Hall of Fame candidacy, it is worth noting Ngata made good on his No. 12 overall selection by Baltimore in the 2006 NFL draft, getting named to five Pro Bowls and winning a Super Bowl with the Ravens and their vaunted defense.

Ngata is one of the pillars of Oregon’s ascent into college football’s hierarchy, and he deserves consideration for the game’s highest honor.

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The College Football Hall of Fame case for Oregon running back LaMichael James

LaMichael James was the most exciting running back in the NCAA under Chip Kelly, and he belongs in the College Football Hall of Fame.

The Oregon Ducks are historically well represented in the College Football Hall of Fame, with seven inductees across the school’s storied football history.

However, the team’s successes over the past two decades is hardly visible in the Hall at this point, with coach Mike Bellotti (inducted in 2014) as the only representative who wore the green and yellow this century.

That could change this year, as the 2023 Hall of Fame ballot was released on Monday, with 80 former players and nine former coaches on the list – including a pair of Oregon legends: running back LaMichael James and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata.

This article will make the case for why James, widely considered one of the greatest Ducks of all time, should be among those inducted into the Class of 2023.

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

LaMichael James’ Hall of Fame Case

Simply put, LaMichael James was one of the most exciting, electric, must-watch college football players of his generation during his three years in Eugene under offensive guru Chip Kelly.

The Hall of Fame is not only about statistical accomplishments (of which James has plenty) but it is also about showcasing the college game’s most exciting players – and there is little doubt James qualifies.

In three seasons from 2009 to 2011, James never rushed for less than 1,500 yards, never had less than 14 rushing touchdowns, and never let the fans go take a bathroom break while his team was on offense.

He was twice a top-10 finalist for the Heisman Trophy Award (an extreme rarity for a modern running back) even finishing third in 2010 – the same year he won the Doak Walker Award for the nation’s top running back.

The two-time All-American First Teamer has plenty of statistical accomplishments as well, finishing his three-year career with 5,082 rushing yards (21st all-time and fourth in Pac-12 history) as well as 53 rushing touchdowns (also fourth in Pac-12 history).

Oregon has been a player in the national college football scene for about two decades, but the Chip Kelly era remains the school’s pinnacle of must-watch TV – and James deserves to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame for his contributions.

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Six former Dolphins on 2023 College Football Hall of Fame ballot

They had varying levels of experience with Miami.

The College Football Hall of Fame announced the names on the 2023 ballot this week, and a number of former Miami Dolphins from FBS schools, with varying levels of experience, cracked the list.

The ballot included 80 players and nine coaches from FBS history.

The announcement of the 2023 College Football Hall of Fame class is expected to be made early next year, and the group will be inducted on December 5, 2023.

These are the six former Dolphins who have the chance to be immortalized at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.