he National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced today the names on the 2018 ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, including 75 players and six coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 98 players and 31 coaches from the divisional ranks.
“It’s an enormous honor to just be on the ballot when you think that more than 5.19 million people have played college football and only 987 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 only 1,500 individuals who are even eligible. So being in today’s elite group means an individual is truly among the greatest to ever have played the game, and we are extremely proud to announce their names. We look forward to revealing the 2018 Class prior to the CFP National Championship in Atlanta, the esteemed home of the College Football Hall of Fame.”
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 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 2018 Class will be made Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. The city is serving as the host for the CFP National Championship, which will be played later that day at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Some of the inductees will be on site during the announcement to represent the class and share their thoughts on being elected. The Jan. 8 announcement will be televised live, and specific viewing information will be available as the date draws near. A few inductees 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 2018 class will officially be inducted during the 61st NFF Annual Awards Dinner Dec. 4, 2018, at the New York Hilton Midtown. The inductees will be permanently enshrined at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta later that December and honored on the field during the 14th Annual National Hall of Fame Salute during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. They will also be honored at their respective schools at an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the 2018 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 or not 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 2018 ballot, the player must have played his last year in 1968 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 coach for a minimum of 10 years and coached at least 100 games with a .600 winning percentage.
*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.
Once nominated for consideration, all 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, 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.
Of the 5.19 million individuals who have played college football since Princeton first battled Rutgers on Nov. 6, 1869, only 987 players, including the 2017 class, have earned induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, or less than two ten-thousandths (.0002) of one percent of those who have played the game during the past 149 years. From the coaching ranks, 214 individuals have achieved Hall of Fame distinction. Click here for a complete list of players and coaches in the Hall.
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The 2018 voting deadline is June 20. If you would like to become a member and receive this year’s ballot, please contact NFF Director of Membership Ron Dilatush at rdilatush@footballfoundation.com.
– A list of candidates and capsule bios are provided on the following pages. You may also click here for a pdf of the candidate names and capsule bios. –
Consensus All-American: Listed as a First Team All-American by at least half of the recognized publications.
Unanimous All-American: Listed as a First Team All-American by all recognized publications.
2018 FBS PLAYER CANDIDATE CAPSULE BIOS
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.
Mark Bavaro, Notre Dame-Tight End-One of only two Notre Dame tight ends all-time to be named a First Team All-American by the AP (1984)…Led Irish in both receptions (32) and receiving yards (395) as a senior…Still ranks in the top 10 among Notre Dame tight ends with 55 receptions and 771 receiving yards in his career.
Michael Bishop, Kansas State-Quarterback-1998 consensus First Team All-American and winner of the Davey O’Brien Award…1998 Heisman Trophy runner-up who led Cats to 1998 Big 12 North title and berth in conference championship…Set 14 conference and 34 school records while throwing for 2,844 yards and 23 TDs and rushing for 748 yards and 14 TDs in 1998 championship season.
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.
Terrell Buckley, Florida State-Defensive Back-1991 unanimous First Team All-American and winner of the Thorpe Award…Led the nation in interceptions (12) and return yards (501) during final season at FSU…Seminoles’ all-time leader in career interceptions (21) who returned four interceptions and three punts for touchdowns in career.
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, Southern California-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-American (1988-89) – unanimous in 1989…1989 Jim Thorpe Award winner…Two-time First Team All-Conference selection…Led the Pac-10 in interceptions in 1989 with seven.
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.
Trevor Cobb, Rice-Running Back-1991 consensus First Team All-American and Doak Walker Award winner…1992 Southwest Conference Offensive Player of the Year who finished career as the Owls’ all-time leading rusher (4,948 yards)…Rushed for 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons and set 17 school records.
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.
Kerry Collins, Penn State-Quarterback-1994 consensus First Team All-American and winner of the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien awards…Led the nation in passing efficiency (172.9) as a senior and named 1994 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year…Led Lions to 12-0 record, a Big Ten title and No. 2 final ranking in 1994.
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.
Kenneth Davis, Texas Christian-Running Back-1984 unanimous First Team All-American who finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting and led Frogs to first bowl in 19 seasons…Led the nation in yards per carry (7.6) and ranked second nationally in rushing yards (1,611) in 1984…1984 Southwest Conference Offensive Player of the Year who boasted nine 100-yard games in career.
Rich Diana, Yale-Running Back-Named a First Team All-American in 1981 and finished 10th in the Heisman Trophy voting the same year…Two-time First Team All-Ivy League selection and led Bulldogs to three conference titles…Named a First Team Academic All-American and an NFF National Scholar-Athlete in 1981.
Eric Dickerson, Southern Methodist-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).
John Didion, Oregon State-Center-Two-time All-American, earning unanimous First Team honors in 1968… Member of Oregon State team known as the “Giant Killers”… 1968 First Team All-Pac-8 selection who helped team finish in the AP Top 20 all three years of career.
Rickey Dixon, Oklahoma-Defensive Back-1987 consensus First Team All-American and winner of the 1987 Thorpe Award…Two-time First Team All-Big Eight selection and member of 1985 National Championship team…Finished career as school leader in single-season interceptions (9) and ranked second all-time with 17 career interceptions.
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, Louisiana State-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.
Robert Gallery, Iowa-Offensive Tackle-2003 consensus First Team All-American and recipient of the 2003 Outland Trophy…Two-time First Team All-Big Ten selection and Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year as a senior…Led Hawkeyes to a Big Ten title, Orange Bowl appearance and a No. 8 final ranking in 2002.
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.
MartÃn Gramática, Kansas State-Placekicker-Two-time First Team All-American, earning consensus honors in 1997…1997 Lou Groza Award winner and two-time First Team All-Big 12 selection…Set NCAA record with a 65-yard field goal (without a tee) and holds 22 scoring records at K-State.
Jacob Green, Texas A&M-Defensive Lineman-1979 First Team All-American and two-time All-SWC selection…Set A&M records for career sacks (37) and single-season sacks (20 in 1979)…Led Aggies to berths in the 1977 Bluebonnet and 1978 Hall of Fame bowls.
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.
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.
Torry Holt, North Carolina State-Wide Receiver-1998 consensus First Team All-American who was the only receiver in the top 10 of the 1998 Heisman Trophy voting…1998 ACC Player of the Year who earned First Team All-Conference honors as a receiver and punt returner…NC State’s all-time leader in receiving (3,379) and all-purpose yards (1,979).
Dana Howard, Illinois-Linebacker-Two-time First Team All-American, earning unanimous honors as a senior…1994 Butkus Award winner and two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year…School’s all-time leading tackler (595) who led team in tackles each year of career.
Raghib Ismail, Notre Dame-Wide Receiver-Two-time First Team All-American earning consensus honors in 1989 and unanimous laurels in 1990…Walter Camp Player of the Year and Heisman Trophy runner-up in 1990…Led ND to national championship at the Fiesta Bowl and two Orange Bowls.
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.
Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech-Wide Receiver-Two-time First Team All-American (unanimous in 2006) and winner of the 2006 Biletnikoff Award…Three-time First Team All-ACC pick, earning 2006 ACC Player of the Year and 2004 ACC Rookie of the Year honors…Still holds six Tech records, including career touchdown receptions (28) and career receiving yards (2,927).
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.
Rick Leach, Michigan-Quarterback-1978 First Team All-American who placed third in 1978 Heisman Trophy voting…1978 Big Ten MVP who led Wolverines to a share of three consecutive league titles and three consecutive Rose bowl berths…Set Michigan record for wins by a QB (38) and held 18 school statistical records by career’s end.
Jess Lewis, Oregon State-Defensive Tackle-Named First Team All-American in 1967…Played in the College All-Star Game, East-West Shrine Game and Coaches All-America Bowl in 1970…Two-time First Team All-Conference selection (1967, 1969).
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.
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.
Buddy McClinton, Auburn-Defensive Back-Three-time All-American who earned consensus First Team honors in 1969… Auburn’s all-time leader in interceptions (18) and holds record for interceptions in a season (9 in 1969)… Set SEC career interception record (18).
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.
Shawn Moore, Virginia-Quarterback-1990 First Team All-American, finishing fourth in 1990 Heisman voting and leading UVA to its first-ever No. 1 ranking…1990 ACC Player of the Year and 1989 ACC Offensive Player of the Year, who led Cavaliers to a share of the 1989 ACC title…Finished career with virtually every UVA passing and total offense record.
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.
Phil Olsen, Utah State-Defensive End-1969 consensus First Team All-American…1969 team captain and Utah State Athlete of the Year…Selected to play in the East-West Shrine Game and the Hula Bowl…Brother of College Football Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen.
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).
Jim Otis, Ohio State-Fullback-Named consensus First Team All-American in 1969…Member of the 1968 National Championship team…Named First Team All-Big Ten conference in 1969 and led the Buckeyes to two conference titles…Led the team in rushing three times.
Paul Palmer, Temple-Running Back-1986 unanimous First Team All-American…Led the nation in rushing yards (1,866), rushing yards per game (169.6) and all-purpose yards (2,633) in 1986… Set 23 school records and was named ECAC Player of the Year in 1986.
Jake Plummer, Arizona State-Quarterback-1996 First Team All-American and Pac-10 Player of the Year…Led 1996 team to an undefeated regular season and first Rose Bowl appearance since 1986…Four-year starter and two-time ASU MVP who threw for more than 2,000 yards in three consecutive seasons (8,827 career passing yards).
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.
Troy Polamalu, Southern California-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-American, earning consensus honors in 2002…Two-time First Team All-Pac-10 selection and finalist for the Thorpe Award as a senior…Two-year captain and 2001 USC MVP, who led Trojans to two bowl berths and a share of the 2002 Pac-10 title.
Cliff Powell, Arkansas-Linebacker-1969 First Team All-American who led Hogs to consecutive Sugar Bowls in 1969 and 1970…Two-time First Team All-Southwest Conference selection, helping Arkansas to co-share of league title in 1968…Twice led team in tackles and set Razorback records for career tackles (367) and single-season tackles (134).
Antwaan Randle El, Indiana-Quarterback-2001 consensus 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.
Ed Reed, Miami (Fla.)-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-American (consensus-’00, unanimous-’01) who led Miami to four bowl wins, including the national championship at the 2002 Rose Bowl…2001 Big East Defensive Player of the Year, leading Canes to consecutive Big East titles…Miami’s all-time leader in career INTs (21) and career INT return yards (389).
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.
Warren Sapp, Miami (Fla.)-Defensive Tackle-1994 unanimous First Team All-American who finished sixth in Heisman voting… Recipient of the 1994 Lombardi and Nagurski awards and named Big East Defensive Player of the Year…Led Canes to national title game appearance in 1995.
Bob Stein, Minnesota-Defensive End-1967 First Team All-American…Two-time First Team All-Big Ten selection who led Gophers to co-share of the 1967 Big Ten title…1968 NFF National Scholar-Athlete.
Matt Stinchcomb, Georgia-Offensive Tackle-Two-time First Team All-America selection (consensus-’98)…Two-time First Team All-SEC and 1998 recipient of Jacobs Blocking Trophy…1998 NFF William V. Campbell Trophy recipient and NFF National Scholar-Athlete.
Taylor Stubblefield, Purdue-Wide Receiver-2004 consensus First Team All-American who set the NCAA record for career receptions (316)…Two-time All-Big Ten selection who led conference in receptions for three consecutive seasons from 2002-04…2004 Biletnikoff finalist who set Sun Bowl record with 196 receiving yards in 2001.
Aaron Taylor, Nebraska-Center/OG-Two-time First Team All-American (consensus-’96, unanimous-’97) and 1997 Outland Trophy winner…Led Huskers to three national titles and three consecutive league titles…Led Nebraska to three undefeated seasons and is only Husker player in history to earn All-America honors at two positions.
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.
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.”
Lorenzo White, Michigan State-Running Back-Two-time First Team All-American, earning unanimous (’85) and consensus (’87) honors…Led State to 1987 Big Ten title and Rose Bowl win…Led nation in rushing (1985), first MSU player to lead team in rushing four-straight seasons.
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.
Patrick Willis, Mississippi-Linebacker-2006 consensus First Team All-American and recipient of the 2006 Butkus Award, who led the nation in solo tackles (90) as a junior…2006 SEC Defensive Player of the Year and two-time First Team All-SEC selection, twice leading the league in tackles…Finished career ranked sixth all-time at Ole Miss with 355 career tackles.
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.
Charles Woodson, Michigan-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-American (unanimous-’97) and 1997 Heisman Trophy winner…Recipient of the 1997 Walter Camp, Bronco Nagurski, Chuck Bednarik and Jim Thorpe awards…Two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year who led Wolverines to national and conference titles in 1997.
Al Worley, Washington-Defensive Back-1968 consensus First Team All-American who holds NCAA record for single-season interceptions (14)…1968 First Team All-Pac-8 selection who held conference record for interceptions in a game (4)…1968 team co-captain and University of Washington Athlete of the Year.
Marc Zeno, Tulane-Wide Receiver-1987 First Team All-American who broke the NCAA Division I record for career receiving yards (3,725)…Led team in receiving three-straight years and holds nearly every school receiving record, including career receptions (236) and 100-yard games (17)…Two-time First Team All-South Independent selection.
2018 FBS COACH CANDIDATE CAPSULE BIOS
Frank Beamer-Murray State (1981-86), Virginia Tech (1987-2015)-Winningest active coach in FBS history at the time of his retirement…Registered 23 consecutive bowl appearances in his final 23 seasons, including a trip to the 1999 National Championship game…Guided teams to eight conference titles (one at Murray State) and posted 13 seasons with 10 or more wins.
Mack Brown-Appalachian State (1983), Tulane (1985-87), North Carolina (1988-97), Texas (1998-2013)-Led teams to 20 consecutive winning seasons (1990-2009) and had most overall wins (225) nationally from 1990-2013… Guided Tar Heels to a 21-3 record during last two seasons at UNC…Led Texas to the 2005 National Championship, two Big 12 titles and to 162 consecutive weeks ranked in the AP poll (2000-10).
Jim Carlen-West Virginia (1966-69), Texas Tech (1970-74), South Carolina (1975-81)-Led teams to eight bowl games and 13 winning seasons in 16 years as head coach…1973 National Coach of the Year…Three-time Southwest Conference Coach of the Year… Coached Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers at South Carolina.
Pete Cawthon Sr.-Austin College [Texas] (1923-27), Texas Tech (1930-40)-Led Tech to four Border Conference titles in 11 seasons at the helm…Led 1938 team to 10-0 regular season and the school’s first-ever Cotton Bowl appearance…Boasts highest win percentage (69.3) among Tech coaches with terms of three years or more.
Billy Jack Murphy-Memphis (1958-71)-Winningest coach in Memphis history, including an unbeaten season in 1963…Named National Coach of the Year in 1963 by the Detroit News and Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year three-of-four seasons from 1968-71…Took Memphis to its first-ever bowl game and is a member of the Tennessee, Mississippi State, and Memphis halls of fame.
Darryl Rogers-Cal State East Bay [formerly Cal State Hayward] (1965), Fresno State (1966-72), San Jose State (1973-75), Michigan State (1976-79), Arizona State (1980-84)-Took Fresno State to two bowl games…Achieved an unprecedented national ranking at San Jose State…Named Big Ten Coach of the Year in 1977 and National Coach of the Year by Sporting News in 1978…Won the Big Ten title in 1978.
2018 DIVISIONAL PLAYER CANDIDATE CAPSULE BIOS
Ashley Ambrose, Mississippi Valley State-Defensive Back-1991 First Team All-American and First Team All-SWAC selection…Named SWAC Defensive Back and Return Specialist of the Year in 1991…Led nation in punt returns during senior campaign.
Archie Amerson, Northern Arizona-Running Back-Named First Team All-American in 1996…Finished as school’s all-time career rushing leader despite only playing two seasons (3,196 yards)…1996 Walter Payton Award recipient as Division I-AA’s most outstanding offensive player… Led NAU to its first-ever I-AA playoff appearance.
Rick Bealer, Lycoming (Pa.)-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-American who led Lyco to a berth in the 1990 NCAA Division III National Championship…Ranks second in DIII history with 31 career interceptions and still holds DIII record with 48 punt returns in 1989 season…Four-time All-Middle Atlantic Conference selection, earning first team honors his last three seasons.
Eddie Bell, Idaho State-Wide Receiver-1969 First Team All-American and two-time First Team All-Big Sky selection…Ranks first in school history with 30 touchdown receptions and second in Idaho State annals with 2,676 receiving yards…Registered 3,341 all-purpose yards in career.
Rennie Benn, Lehigh-Wide Receiver-Named First Team All-American in 1985…Currently ranks second in NCAA Division I-AA history in touchdown receptions (44), behind only Jerry Rice…Ranks seventh in Division I-AA history in career receiving yards (3,662).
Bill Bergey, Arkansas State-Linebacker-1968 First Team All-American…Three-time All-Southland Conference selection… 436 career tackles ranks second all-time at ASU and ninth in Southland history… Pecan Bowl and North-South Shrine Game MVP.
Bill Borchert, Mount Union (Ohio)-Quarterback-Two-time First Team All-American who led Mount Union to consecutive national titles in 1996-97…1997 recipient of Gagliardi Trophy and three-time First Team All-OAC selection… Still holds multiple NCAA, conference and school records and boasts 14,482 career passing yards.
John Bothe, Augustana (Ill.)-Center-Named First Team All-American in 1988…One of three finalists for the 1988 NCAA Division III Player of the Year Award…Three-time First Team All-Conference selection (1986-88)…Helped Augustana to a 45-3-1 record.
Carl Boyd, Northern Iowa-Running Back-Named First Team All-American in 1987…Selected First Team All-Conference and Offensive Player of the Year in 1987…In 1987, he was Conference Player of the Week four times…Two-time team captain…Totaled 2,735 career rushing yards and 1,987 receiving yards.
Vincent Brown, Mississippi Valley State-Linebacker-1987 First Team All-American, leading the NCAA in tackles in 1986 and 1987…Set NCAA All-Divisions record with 570 career tackles…Two-time All-SWAC selection who led MVSU in tackles his last three seasons.
Joe Campbell, Middle Tennessee State-Running Back-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1990-91)…A three-time First Team All-Conference pick, he was named OVC Player of the Year in 1990…Led the team in rushing all four years.
William Campbell, Western State (Colo.)-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1978-79)…Set school record for interceptions in a season with seven in 1979…Led the team in tackles his senior year with 84.
Vin Carioscia, Franklin & Marshall (Pa.)-Offensive Tackle-Two-time First Team All-American and First Team All-Conference selection (1981-82)…Named First Team All-ECAC in 1982…Four-year letterman and a three-year starter.
Peter Catan, Eastern Illinois-Defensive End-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1979-80)…Member of the 1978 Division II National Championship team…Holds school record for quarterback sacks in a game (six), season (21) and career (47).
Bruce Cerone, Emporia State (Kan.)-End-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1968-69)…Ranks second in NCAA Division II history in career touchdown receptions (49), fourth in career receiving yards (4,354) and ninth in receptions (241).
Steve Cockerham, Akron-Linebacker-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1976-77)…Concluded career as the school’s all-time leader in tackles with 715…Led Akron to 1976 Division II Championship Game.
Bruce Collie, Texas-Arlington-Offensive Tackle-Named First Team All-American in 1984…Led UTA to 1981 Southland Conference title…Three-time All-SLC selection…Played six seasons in the NFL with San Francisco and Philadelphia.
Tom Collins, Indianapolis (Ind.)-Defensive Back-Named First Team All-American in 1985…All-time college football leader in career interceptions (37), representing all levels of the NCAA.
Ray Condren, Gettysburg (Pa.)-Running Back-Two-time First Team All-American, All-ECAC and All-Conference selection (1983-84)…Finished second in rushing in Division III in 1984…Named ECAC Division III Player of the Year in 1984.
Mark Cotney, Cameron (Okla.)-Defensive Back-Named First Team NAIA All-American and All-Conference in 1974…Amassed 132 career tackles and seven interceptions in two seasons at Cameron.
Case deBruijn, Idaho State-Punter-Named First Team All-American in 1981…Twice led the nation in punting (1980-81) and was twice the runner up (1978-79)…Season average of 45.9 in 1981 is third all-time in I-AA.
Dave Dickenson, Montana-Quarterback-Two-time First Team All-American and 1995 Walter Payton Award winner…Set numerous NCAA, conference and school records en route to leading the Grizzlies to the 1995 I-AA National Championship…Three-time Big Sky Offensive MVP who led the nation in passing in 1994-95 and named an NFF National Scholar-Athlete as a senior.
Parnell Dickinson, Mississippi Valley State-Quarterback-1975 First Team All-American and Pittsburgh Courier National Player of the Year…Four-time All-SWAC selection and conference Player of the Year as a senior…Finished career as SWAC’s all-time leader in total offense (7,442 yards).
William Dillon, Virginia Union-Free Safety-Three-time First Team All-America selection (1980-82)…Tallied 16 interceptions in 1983…1983 Black College Player of the Year…Two-time First Team All-Conference selection and Player of the Year (1981-82).
Al Dorenkamp, Central (Iowa)-Linebacker-Named First Team All-American in 1974…Two-time First Team All-Conference selection (1973-74)…Captained Central to a perfect 11-0 mark and the Division III National Championship in 1974.
John Dorsey, Connecticut-Linebacker-Named First Team All-American in 1983…Led the team in tackles from 1981-83…Two-time Yankee Conference Defensive Player of the Year (1982-83).
Karl Douglas, Texas A&M-Kingsville-Quarterback-Led Javelinas to back-to-back NAIA national titles in 1969-70 as well as four consecutive conference championships…First player to be named most valuable back in the NAIA championship game in consecutive years.
Chuck Downey, Stony Brook-Safety-1987 First Team All-America selection…Recorded 239 tackles and 13 interceptions on defense…First player in Division III history to achieve 1,000 yards on both punt and kickoff returns in a career…Currently holds 12 NCAA Division III records and 23 school records.
Tom Ehrhardt, Rhode Island-Quarterback-1985 First Team All-American who led the nation in passing during his final year at URI…Holds nearly every passing record in Rams history and led URI to consecutive 10-3 seasons and national top 10 finishes in 1984-85…1985 Yankee Conference Player of the Year.
Curtis Eller, Villanova-Linebacker-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1991-92) and was named National Defensive Player of the Year by The Sporting News in 1992…A three-time First Team All-Conference selection, he twice earned Yankee Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Blake Elliott, Saint John’s (Minn.)-Wide Receiver-Two-time First Team All-American and winner of the 2003 Gagliardi Trophy…Two-time MIAC Player of the Year who holds NCAA All-Divisions record of 47 consecutive games with a reception…Led SJU to 2003 DIII national title and owns 29 school records.
Richard Erenberg, Colgate-Running Back-Named First Team All-American in 1983…Broke 12 Division I-AA records…Selected as ECAC Player of the Year in 1983…All-time leading rusher in Colgate history…Two-time recipient of the Andy Kerr Award signifying Colgate’s MVP (1982-83).
Jim Ferge, North Dakota State-Linebacker / Def. Tackle-Two-time First Team All-American and All-Conference selection (1967-68)…Named conference Most Valuable Lineman in 1968…Selected as team captain and MVP in 1968.
John Fitzgerald, Central Oklahoma-Offensive Guard-First Team All-American who blocked for two 1,000-yard rushers in 1998…Led UCO to 1998 undefeated season and No. 1 final ranking…Only three-time All-American since UCO joined NCAA.
Bernard Ford, Central Florida-Wide Receiver-Named First Team All-American and 1987 Harlon Hill Trophy Finalist…Ranks in Top 10 of 14 UCF records, ranking first in receiving yards in a season (1,403), all-purpose yards per game (188) and average yards per catch in career (21.8).
Duane Fritz, Chadron State (Neb.)-Punter-Named First Team NAIA All-American in 1975…Led NAIA II and the conference in punting in 1975…Averaged 42.3 yards on 65 punts in 1975.
Rick Fry, Occidental (Calif.)-End-Two-time First Team All-American and All-Conference selection (1976-77)…Was the NCAA annual champion for receiving in 1976-77 and set four NCAA receiving records…Member of the Occidental Football Hall of Fame.
Bob Gaddis, Mississippi Valley State-Wide Receiver-1974 First Team All-American and Pittsburgh Courier National Receiver of the Year…Named 1970 NAIA Freshman of the Year en route to twice leading the NAIA in yards per catch (1971-72)…Three-time All-SWAC selection led conference in yards per catch all four years.
Chris George, Glenville State (W.Va.)-Wide Receiver- Two-time First Team All-America selection and four-time WVIAC pick…Led GSC to Division II National Playoffs in 1993 and ’94…Member of two conference championship teams and held nine national records by career’s end.
Darwin Gonnerman, South Dakota State-Running Back-Two-time First Team All-American and All-Conference selection (1967-68)…Led conference in scoring and rushing in 1967…Named conference Back of the Year in 1968…Set 13 school records during his career.
Don Greco, Western Illinois-Offensive Guard-Named First Team All-American in 1980…Two-time First Team All-Conference selection – winning the conference’s Lineman of the Year award in 1980…A 1980 team captain, he was twice named Western Illinois’ MVP.
Don Griffin, Middle Tennessee State-Safety-1985 First Team All-American and Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year…Three-time First Team All-Conference selection…Recorded 210 tackles, 13 career interceptions, and held school record for interceptions in a game (3).
Boomer Grigsby, Illinois State-Linebacker-Three-time First Team All-American (2002-04) and FCS career leader in total (550) and solo (325) tackles…Only three-time Missouri Valley Football Conference Defensive Player of the Year in league history…No. 2 all-time in FCS averaging 12.50 tackles per game in career.
Ron Hausauer, Jamestown (N.D.)-Offensive Guard-Two-time First Team NAIA All-American and First Team All-Conference (1980-81)…Four-year letterman…Member of the Jamestown College Athletic Hall of Fame.
Pat Hauser, Cal State Northridge-Offensive Tackle-Two-time First Team All-American and All-Conference selection (1982-83)… Four-year starter and letterman.
Conway Hayman, Delaware-Offensive Guard-Named First Team All-American in 1970…Two-time First Team All-Conference selection (1969-70)…Led team to two conference titles and three Lambert Cup Eastern Championships.
Bobby Hedrick, Elon-Running Back-Named First Team All-American in 1980…Ranked second in NCAA history in career rushing yards (5,604), among all divisions, at career’s end (behind only Tony Dorsett).
Chris Hegg, Truman State (Mo.)-Quarterback-Named First Team All-American and AFCA Division II Player of the Year in 1985…Two-time conference Offensive Player of the Year (1984-85)…Still holds eight conference records.
Bob Heller, Wesleyan (Conn.)-Center-Two-time First Team All-American in 1972-73… Two-time First Team All-ECAC performer who did not allow a sack during career… Key to 1972 offensive unit that set still-standing school record for 1,980 rushing yards in a season.
Lynn Hieber, Indiana (Pa.)-Quarterback-Two-time First Team NAIA All-America selection (1974-75)…Won the Division II Total Offense crown in 1975…Selected as ECAC Division II Player of the Year, First Team All-East and First Team All-ECAC in 1975.
John Hill, Lehigh-Center-Named First Team All-American in 1971…Recipient of Football Roundup Magazine’s College Division Exemplary Player Award…Named First Team All-ECAC and New York Times All-East in 1971.
Rene Ingoglia, Massachusetts-Running Back-Finished career ranked second all-time in FCS history in TDs (54) and as school’s all-time leader in rushing (4,624) and carries (905) among others…First UMass player to average more than 100 ypg rushing in career.
Louis Jackson, Cal Poly S.L.O.-Running Back-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1978-80)…Member of the 1980 Division II National Championship team…Holds school records for yards rushing in a career (3,444), season (1,463) and game (267).
Terron Jackson, Missouri Southern State-Offensive Tackle-Named First Team NAIA All-American in 1972…Member of school’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
John Jurkovic, Eastern Illinois-Defensive End-Two-time First Team All-America selection in 1988 and 1989…Two-time Gateway Defensive Player of the Year who led team to 1986 conference title…Set Gateway record with six sacks in a game and finished career as the conference’s all-time sacks leader (27).
Ed Kelley, Hampden-Sydney (Va.)-Defensive End-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1974-75)…Three-time First Team All-Conference pick (1973-75)…Led the defensive unit that gave up only 10.8 points per game in 1975.
Garry Kuhlman, Delaware-Offensive Tackle-Two-time First Team All-American and All-ECAC selection (1980-81)…His 1979 team led all Division I-AA teams in scoring with 35.5 points and 405.5 yards total offense per game.
Steve McAdoo, Middle Tennessee State-Offensive Lineman-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1991-92)…Earned Third Team All-America honors by the Associated Press in 1990…Three-time First Team All-Conference pick.
Gary McCauley, Clarion (Pa.)-Tight End-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1980-81)…Member of two conference title teams…Holds school career records for receptions (135) and receiving yards (1,736)…Four-year starter.
Fran McDermott, St. Mary’s (Calif.)-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1979-80)…Played in the 1981 Japan Bowl…Four-year starter and letterman…Holds school records for most interceptions in a career (21), season (8) and game (4).
Bill McGovern, Holy Cross-Defensive Back-Named First Team All-American in 1984…Led the nation in interceptions (11) in 1984…Set Division I-AA career interception record with 24…Two-time All-ECAC performer (1983-84)…Named 1984 team captain.
Tony Miles, Northwest Missouri State-All-Purpose/Wide Receiver-Two-time First Team All-American who led Bearcats to back-to-back Division II National Championships (1998-99) and four-consecutive MIAA titles…Set conference and school records for career receiving yards (3,890), receptions (235) and TDs (37).
Carl Morris, Harvard-Wide Receiver-2002 First Team All-American who holds virtually every Harvard receiving record, including career receptions (245) and TD receptions (28)…Ranks third all-time in Ivy history with 3,508 career receiving yards…Holds Ivy record for career 100-yard games (15) and 200-yard games (3).
Robert Morris, Georgetown-Defensive End-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1973-74)…Member of the Georgetown Hall of Fame and the National Slavic Honor Society.
Kenneth Murawski, Carnegie Mellon (Pa.)-Linebacker-Named First Team All-American in 1981…Named First Team All-Conference in 1981 and Second Team in 1980…Two-time team defensive captain…Totaled 243 career tackles and nine interceptions.
