Number 81: Vince Young, QB (2002-2005)
Vince Young coming out of high school in Houston, Texas was a household name. The Sporting News named him the number one high school prospect in the country and he was invited to the U.S. All-American Game in San Antonio. In that game Young was awarded with the Pete Dawkins Trophy which is awarded to the games most valuable player, Caden Sterns also earned that award in 2018.
The College Football Hall of Fame quarterback would eventually lead the Longhorns back to the promise land in 2005. The Rose Bowl game between Texas and Southern California is still a hot topic of discussion to this day, viewed as one of the greatest games of all-time. Young’s game clinching touchdown can be found on highlight video after highlight video.
His collection of accolades are extensive, including having his number 10 jersey retired from the Longhorns.
- 2003 Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year
- 2005 BCS National Champion
- 2005 Maxwell Award Winner
- 2005 Manning Award Winner
- 2005 Davey O’Brien Award Winner
- 2005 Consensus All-American
- 2005 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year
- 2005 Heisman Trophy Runner-Up
The two-time NFL Pro-Bowl quarterback also added NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2006 and NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2009 to the list. Young was quite impressive and still viewed as one of the best to step foot on the field at Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium.