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Celebrating extraordinary performance

Fidelity Investments® is proud to sponsor: The National Football Foundation’s Hall of Fame Salutes, Faculty Salutes, National Scholar-Athlete Awards, and Campbell Trophy

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31037-02-AD-NFF.indd 1 5/11/17 3:42 PM CONTENTS & KEY INFORMATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS President and CEO’s Message...... 3 62nd NFF Annual Awards Dinner...... 4 30 Years of the NFF William V. Campbell Trophy®...... 6 NFF Corporate Partners...... 8 Football Matters®...... 10 2019 Hall of Fame Class Intro...... 14 2019 Hall of Fame Class Profiles...... 16 2019 Hall of Fame On-Campus Salutes, presented by Fidelity Investments...... 31 NFF National Hall of Fame Salute...... 32 2019 NFF Gold Medal: ...... 34 2019 NFF John L. Toner Award: Deborah Yow...... 36 2019 NFF Award: Eli Gold...... 37 Celebrates 150th Anniversary...... 38 The MacArthur Bowl...... 40 General Douglas MacArthur’s Desk on Display...... 42 NFF National Scholar-Athlete at 2019 NFL Draft...... 43 New Football Schools...... 44 Hampshire Honor Society...... 46 Get Involved with the NFF!...... 47 NFF Team of Distinction...... 48 NFF Senior Football Showcases...... 50

NFF KEY DATES ABOUT THE NFF

• Sept. 25, 2019 – Announcement of the 2019 Campbell Trophy® Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, Semifinalists – Press Release legendary Army coach Earl “Red” Blaik and immortal journalist , The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame is a non- • Oct. 30, 2019 – Announcement of the 2019 Campbell Trophy® Finalists profit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the and NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class, proudly supported by Fidelity power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and Investments – Press Release athletic achievement in young people.

• Dec. 9, 2019 – Ivy League’s Asa S. Bushnell Cup Announcement, With 120 chapters and 12,000 members nationwide, NFF programs presented by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, at the include its Football Matters® campaign, the Chick-fil-A College Football Hilton Midtown – Hall of Fame in Atlanta, The William V. Campbell Trophy®, annual scholarships of more than $1.3 million and a series of initiatives to honor • Dec. 10, 2019 – 62nd NFF Annual Awards Dinner at the New York Hilton the legends of the past and inspire the leaders of the future. Learn more at Midtown, including the induction of the 2019 College Football Hall www.footballfoundation.org. of Fame Class and the 30th presentation of The William V. Campbell Trophy® – New York City Please contact NFF Director of Finance Sue Tuggle at 972-556-1000 or by email at [email protected] to learn how you can include the National • Dec. 11, 2019 – Campbell Trophy® Luncheon at the New York Athletic Football Foundation in your annual gift planning. The NFF is a 501(c)(3) tax- Club – New York City exempt organization, and your contribution may be eligible for tax benefits based on your individual circumstances. • Dec. 12, 2019 – The Home Depot College Football Awards Show (ESPN) at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame – Atlanta

• January 2020 – Announcement of the 2020 College Football Hall of Fame Class prior to National Championship –

• Jan. 13, 2020 – College Football Playoff National Championship at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome – New Orleans

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 1 FALL 2019 Chapter Network - Distributing $1 million in scholarships annually and holding local events to promote amateur football through 120 chapters in 47 states.

College Football Hall of Fame - Inducting the greatest players and coaches in the history of college football into the state-of-the-art Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

Football Matters® - Celebrating the positive impact the game has made on millions of players, coaches, administrators, volunteers and fans nationwide.

National Scholar-Athlete Program - Awarding postgraduate scholarships and presenting the William V. Campbell Trophy® to the nation’s top football scholar-athlete.

/NFFNetwork @NFFNetwork @NFFNetwork /FootballMatters @FootballMatters @FootballMatters

www.footballfoundation.org www.footballmatters.com

NFF 2019 full page ad.indd 1 5/10/19 9:09 AM PRESIDENT & CEO’S MESSAGE FROM STEVE HATCHELL

elcome to the latest issue of the Footballetter. We hope that you are excited for the 2019 college football season and the celebration of the 150th anniversary of college football. The National Football Foundation looks forward to recognizing this historic milestone while continuing to reach new heights in promoting Wthe good in the game.

As college football embarks on its 150th season in 2019, the NFF is among numerous entities paying homage to the sport and its legacy of creating educational opportunities, building leaders, and enriching communities. The NFF has established a special ceremonial committee, the NFF 150th Anniversary Team of Excellence, which is comprised of NFF Board Members who played football and have gone on to great success in life. The Hall in Atlanta has created a special exhibit honoring the anniversary, and major broadcast networks will roll out celebratory content throughout the season. CFB150 patches and helmet stickers will be worn by teams at all levels of play. I want to thank Kevin Weiberg, the executive director of the CFB150 non-profit that has helped organize all of the plans for 2019.

The NFF’s award-winning Football Matters® campaign continues to celebrate the positive impact the game has made on millions of players and countless communities nationwide. The campaign underscores the NFF’s mission to use the power of amateur football to advance scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement. You can learn more about the campaign in this magazine, and be sure to visit FootballMatters.com and follow on Facebook (@FootballMatters), Twitter (@FootballMatters) and Instagram (@FootballMatters).

Inside this magazine, we highlight the 2019 College Football Hall of Fame Class, which will be inducted during the 62nd NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 10 at the New York Hilton Midtown. The Awards Dinner also will feature the 30th presentation of The William V. Campbell Trophy® to the top football scholar-athlete in the nation and the recognition of the NFF Major Award recipients, including the NFF Gold Medal to famed actor and UCLA Mark Harmon, who we honored as an NFF National Scholar-Athlete in 1973.

This issue of the Footballetter also contains many other stories that highlight our efforts and the leaders who have supported us, including the schedule for the 2019 Hall of Fame On-Campus Salutes, presented by Fidelity Investments; the presentation of the MacArthur Bowl to and the 2019 National Champion Clemson Tigers; a feature on the new college football programs launching this season; a look at the record-breaking 13th year of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society; a look at the continued success of the NFF Senior High School Showcases; and other NFF initiatives designed to showcase the power of amateur football.

As you read the Footballetter, we encourage you to remember the valuable role football has played in your life, and we ask you to think about how you can give back to our sport. Connect with your local chapter. Click here to become a member, and be sure to share the link with friends. Thank you for your continued support, passion, creativity and interest.

Football Matters®!

Steve Hatchell NFF President & CEO

SPECIAL THANKS FOLLOW THE NFF ON SOCIAL MEDIA

A special thanks to Matt Fortuna for writing the Hall of Fame bios in this issue of the Footballetter. Fortuna is a national college football reporter for The All-American, a premium subscription site offering smart, in-depth coverage. He is also the president of the Football Writers Association of America for 2019.

/NFFNetwork @NFFNetwork nffnetwork

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 3 FALL 2019 62ND NFF ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER DECEMBER 10 IN NEW YORK CITY

hroughout the football season, records are broken, titles are won, 62ND NFF ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER and champions are made, but perhaps the most bountiful memories are supplied by the magnetic NFF Annual Awards Dinner. Since 1958, December 10, 2019 Tmore than 1,600 of the game’s most enthusiastic supporters have gathered New York Hilton Midtown each year to witness this showcase and honor those who embody the spirit New York City, N.Y. of the game. This black-tie affair is a homecoming for the football fraternity as the audience is graced with former and current coaches, Hall of Famers Washington State, [FL], Oregon State, Arizona State) and Joe Taylor from yesteryear and generous supporters of the foundation and its mission. (Howard, Virginia Union, Hampton, Florida A&M). The 62nd NFF Annual Awards Dinner will take place Dec. 10 at the New Famed actor and former UCLA quarterback Mark Harmon will receive York Hilton Midtown in New York City. The annual celebration will provide the 2019 Gold Medal, the NFF’s highest honor. The other honorees are the the stage for the induction of the 2019 College Football Hall of Fame Class; “Voice of the Crimson Tide” Eli Gold (NFF Chris Schenkel Award the presentation of the 2019 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards; the for excellence in broadcasting) and former Saint Louis, Maryland and NC bestowing of the 30th NFF William V. Campbell Trophy® to the nation’s top State director of athletics Deborah Yow (NFF John L. Toner Award for football scholar-athlete; and the presentation of the NFF Major Awards. excellence in athletics administration). The 2019 College Football Hall of Fame Class comprises Terrell On Oct. 30, the NFF will announce the members of the 2019 NFF Buckley (Florida State), Rickey Dixon (Oklahoma), (John National Scholar-Athlete Class, who will vie as finalists for the 30th William Carroll [OH]), Jacob Green ( A&M), (North Carolina State), V. Campbell Trophy®. They will be honored at the NFF Annual Awards Raghib “Rocket” Ismail (Notre Dame), Darren McFadden (Arkansas), Jake Dinner on Dec. 10, where one will be named the recipient of the Campbell Plummer (Arizona State), Troy Polamalu (Southern ), Joe Thomas Trophy® as the nation’s top football scholar-athlete. (Wisconsin), (Michigan State), (Mississippi), For more information on how to attend or to purchase tickets, please (Texas) and coaches (Idaho, Wyoming, call 972-556-1000 or contact Will Rudd at [email protected].

TRAVEL TO THE NFF ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER

Delta Air Lines, the official carrier of the NFF, is pleased to offer special discounts for travel to the 62nd NFF Annual Awards Dinner!

Please click here and use the code NMT7Y to book your flight.

Note: Discounts apply to round trip travel only. Not valid with other discounts, certificates, coupons or promotional offers. Fare rules will determine eligibility.

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 4 FALL 2019 WE MOVE THE PEOPLE WHO MOVE THE WORLD.

2017_1H_NATIONAL_MoveTheWorld_Print-8.5x11.indd 1 5/23/18 11:08 AM NFF WILLIAM V. CAMPBELL TROPHY® COLLEGE FOOTBALL’S PREMIER SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD CELEBRATES 30 YEARS IN 2019

The William V. Campbell Trophy® will be presented to the nation’s top college football scholar-athlete for the 30th time on Dec. 10. This year’s recipient will join an impressive list of previous winners including (clockwise from top left): CHRIS HOWARD (Air Force), (Florida), CHRISTIAN WILKINS (Clemson) and (Tennessee).

s college football celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019, the truly celebrates the scholar-athlete ideal, honoring the combination of on- National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame has field and academic success. As the game of college football celebrates its its own milestone to celebrate. The William V. Campbell Trophy®, 150th anniversary in 2019, we look forward to honoring our 30th Campbell Acollege football’s premier scholar-athlete award, will be presented for the Trophy® recipient while shining a light on all of our past winners and finalists, 30th time this fall, and the NFF will celebrate the award and all of its past who stand as perfect examples for the next generation to emulate.” recipients throughout the upcoming season. The Campbell Trophy® was first awarded in 1990. It is named in honor of “All of our past Campbell Trophy® recipients and finalists represent the late Bill Campbell, the former chairman of Intuit, former player and head more than just their standout athletic ability seen on the field,” said NFF coach at Columbia University and the 2004 recipient of the NFF’s Gold Chairman , father of 1997 Campbell Trophy® recipient Medal. The award, which is proudly supported by Fidelity Investments and Peyton. “Their academic achievements and their contributions as leaders prominently displayed at the , comes with a 24-inch, in the community send a powerful message about the young men who play 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship. our sport. They have taken full advantage of the educational opportunities The recipient of the trophy is selected each year from an outstanding created by college football, and they have created a compelling legacy for group of finalists from all levels of the NCAA and NAIA, who are all others to follow.” honored at the NFF Annual Awards Dinner in December. Each finalist The William V. Campbell Trophy® ranks as one of college football’s most receives an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the NFF sought after and competitive awards, recognizing an individual as the National Scholar-Athlete Class. During the event, one member of the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football class is selected as the recipient of the Campbell Trophy® as the best performance and exemplary community leadership. football scholar-athlete in the nation and has his postgraduate scholarship Throughout the fall, the NFF will highlight the success of the past increased to a total of $25,000. recipients and finalists for the award through a social and digital media The Campbell Trophy® serves as the centerpiece of the NFF National campaign. The year will culminate with the presentation of the 30th Scholar-Athlete program, which was launched in 1959 as the first initiative in Campbell Trophy® during the 62nd NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 10 history to award postgraduate scholarships based on a player’s combined at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City. academic, athletic and community accomplishments, and the program has “The Campbell Trophy® is the epitome of all that is good in the game of awarded $11.5 million to 854 top athletes since its inception. football,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “It is the only award that Candidates for the Campbell Trophy® must be a senior or graduate

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 6 FALL 2019 NFF WILLIAM V. CAMPBELL TROPHY® COLLEGE FOOTBALL’S PREMIER SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD CELEBRATES 30 YEARS IN 2019 student in their final year of eligibility, have a grade point average of at If you hold the title Campbell Trophy® recipient, you are one of the least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team following: a university president, a doctor, a lawyer, a world-wide leader player or significant contributor, and have demonstrated strong leadership in climatology research, a Ph.D. nuclear engineer executive, a partner in a and citizenship. highly successful real estate firm, a director with a non-profit foundation, With an average GPA of 3.74, past Campbell Trophy® recipients include coach, television broadcaster, corporate executive, two Rhodes Scholars, a Rhodes Scholar finalist and two player, assistant college football coach, U.S. Army winners. Six have been first round NFL Draft picks, with 19 of the 29 winners captain, Ph.D. candidate at MIT or a financial advisor, and that does not making their mark in the NFL. include the four recipients still playing in the NFL.

PAST RECIPIENTS OF THE WILLIAM V. CAMPBELL TROPHY®

NAME SCHOOL YEAR CURRENT ROLE • Chris Howard...... Air Force...... 1990...... University President • Brad Culpepper...... Florida...... 1991...... Attorney • Jim Hansen...... Colorado...... 1992...... Leader in Climatology Research • Thomas Burns...... Virginia...... 1993...... Engineering Executive • Robert Zatechka...... Nebraska...... 1994...... Physician • Bobby Hoying...... Ohio State...... 1995...... Real Estate Executive • ...... Florida...... 1996...... Non-Profit Executive Director • Peyton Manning...... Tennessee...... 1997...... Retired NFL Player & Philanthropist • Matt Stinchcomb...... Georgia...... 1998...... Insurance Executive & TV Broadcaster • Chad Pennington...... Marshall...... 1999...... Non-Profit President/High School Football Coach • Kyle Vanden Bosch...... Nebraska...... 2000...... Retired NFL Player • Joaquin Gonzalez...... Miami [FL]...... 2001...... Corporate Executive • Brandon Roberts...... Washington University in St. Louis [MO]...... 2002...... Physician • Craig Krenzel...... Ohio State...... 2003...... Insurance Executive • Michael Munoz...... Tennessee...... 2004...... Football Executive • Rudy Niswanger...... LSU...... 2005...... Corporate Executive • Brian Leonard...... Rutgers...... 2006...... Retired NFL Player & Philanthropist • Dallas Griffin...... Texas...... 2007...... Corporate Executive • Alex Mack...... California...... 2008...... NFL Player • Tim Tebow...... Florida...... 2009...... Non-Profit Chairman, TV Broadcaster & Baseball Player • ...... Texas...... 2010...... NFL Player & Humanitarian • Andrew Rodriguez...... Army West Point...... 2011...... U.S. Army Captain • Barrett Jones...... Alabama...... 2012...... Financial Advisor & Broadcaster • John Urschel...... Penn State...... 2013...... Ph.D. Candidate, Author & Speaker • David Helton...... Duke...... 2014...... Financial Advisor • Ty Darlington...... Oklahoma...... 2015...... College Football Assistant Coach • Zach Terrell...... Western Michigan...... 2016...... Executive Development Associate • Micah Kiser...... Virginia...... 2017...... NFL Player • Christian Wilkins...... Clemson...... 2018...... NFL Player

SAM ACHO accepted the 2010 Campbell Trophy® and was joined in New York 2013 Campbell Trophy® recipient JOHN URSCHEL (center) from Penn by his at Texas, College Football Hall of Famer . State with NFF Chairman ARCHIE MANNING and trophy namesake, BILL CAMPBELL.

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 7 FALL 2019 NFF CORPORATE PARTNERS NFF THANKS ITS PARTNERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 8 FALL 2019 VICIS IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION

LEARN MORE AT VICIS.COM FACEBOOK.COM/VICISPRO • TWITTER @VICISPRO • INSTAGRAM @VICISPRO FOOTBALL MATTERS® NFF CAMPAIGN TO CELEBRATE THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF FOOTBALL

ast year, the National Football Foundation (NFF) launched an initiative called Football Matters® to celebrate the good of the game because of its tremendously positive impact on millions of players, coaches, Ladministrators, volunteers and fans throughout the entire country. The initiative spotlights the hundreds of amazing stories that come from football both on and off the field, and at every level of the sport. Three major anniversary celebrations make 2019 an extra special year for everyone touched by the game to reflect on the powerful role football plays in creating memories and enriching communities. Both the NFL and college football, which have established passionate rivalries for fans of all ages, mark key milestones this season. The NFL is celebrating its 100th year players. The players were not allowed to carry or throw the ball, so the of existence, while college football is celebrating 150 years since the first gameplay and strategy was a mixture of soccer and rugby. The final score college football game between Rutgers and Princeton. The NFF also will of the game was Rutgers 6, Princeton 4; however, each score accounted present its William V. Campbell Trophy®, college football’s premier scholar- for one point and constituted a game. Once 10 games were completed, the athlete award, for the 30th time at the conclusion of the regular season. contest was considered done, and the birth of football was complete. The NFL has grown a long way from its humble beginnings. Iconic stars To commemorate the first game between Rutgers and Princeton, the helped build the popularity of the NFL, like , who led the College Football 150th Anniversary (CFB150) has planned a national league in 1943 in three statistical categories in three different phases of celebration of the sport’s sesquicentennial. CFB150 has provided uniform the game: passing yardage, punting average and defensive . patches and helmet decals to schools at Divisions I, II, III, NAIA and junior The 1958 NFL Championship Game between the Baltimore Colts and New college levels. Special commemorations will take place throughout the York Giants is known as “The Greatest Game Ever Played” and was the season, with the highlights in November, including recognition during first nationally televised football game ever with an estimated television the NFL’s game on Nov. 4 and the Princeton vs. audience of 45 million people. Due to the rise of televised football and the Dartmouth game in Yankee Stadium on Nov. 9. In addition, ESPN, The advent of the , football passed baseball to become America’s Athletic and other media outlets have planned content specifically geared favorite sport to watch according to a 1972 Gallup survey, as it still is today. toward celebrating 150 years of college football. To celebrate 100 years of existence, the NFL has many exciting initiatives This year also marks the 30th year of the NFF’s William V. Campbell and promotions planned. Gregory Hampton already won two season tickets Trophy®, college football’s premier scholar-athlete award. To celebrate to the for the next 100 years. The NFL 100 Originals include the milestone, the NFF will be celebrating past recipients and highlighting “Peyton’s Places,” where Peyton Manning travels around the country finalists for this year’s award on both digital and social platforms. The 30th to explore the history of the NFL and talk with key football figures about Campbell Trophy® will be presented during the 62nd NFF Annual Awards football history and its cultural impact. The NFL also launched “Huddle For Dinner on Dec. 10 in New York City. The award is presented to the college 100,” which encourages fans to dedicate 100 minutes of time to a charitable football player who best exemplifies the combination of academic success, cause and use social media to share the volunteer experience. football performance and exemplary community leadership. Past recipients College football’s roots begin even further back when Princeton include Peyton Manning and Tim Tebow, and the 2018 Campbell Trophy® University played at Rutgers University on College Field on Nov. 6, 1869. winner Christian Wilkins was drafted by the 13th overall in The rules differed from modern-day football, as each team fielded 25 this year’s NFL Draft.

“Unsung Heroes: Football and the Polynesian Athlete” explored the unique relationship between Polynesians and the game of football, especially given that Polynesian culture centers around family, which is the key ingredient to building chemistry in a football team.

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 10 FALL 2019 FOOTBALL MATTERS® NFF CAMPAIGN TO CELEBRATE THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF FOOTBALL

While these three momentous anniversaries help to remind fans of how football is ingrained in so much of American culture and history, the true value of football is its ability to positively impact the lives of countless individuals and communities, which can be celebrated every year at every level of the sport both on and off the field. More than one million high school students will be playing football this upcoming season. In addition, there are currently 775 college football programs among all NCAA divisions, the NAIA and independents. That total includes four colleges: Clarke University, Franklin Pierce University, St. Thomas University and Wheeling University, which will have programs beginning their inaugural football seasons in 2019. Finally, seven more colleges have plans to add football programs in 2020 and beyond. It is because of those reasons, and countless others, that Football Matters® exists – to shed light on the good of the game and celebrate its incredible impact nationwide. A small sample of the hundreds of Football Matters® stories over the last year alone include NCAA Division II’s oldest football rivalry, the Battle of the Ravine, in which Henderson State University and Ouachita Baptist University have played 92 times and are separated by only one street in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Fans also were given unique looks at how two high school football powerhouses from Memphis and , respectively, the Whitehaven Tigers and Ben Davis Giants, prepare themselves and their communities for Friday night football festivities. TCU head coach spoke to Football Matters® about how his wife Kelsey is the woman at the heart Football Matters® attended the 61st NFF Annual Awards Dinner and covered of the TCU football program, attending every game and remaining always the 2018 William V. Campbell Trophy® recipient, Clemson defensive tackle available for players whenever they need someone to talk to. It also CHRISTIAN WILKINS, who discussed how much the award means to him and how produced an award-winning short film, “Unsung Heroes: Football and the honored he is to represent the values Mr. Campbell championed. Polynesian Athlete,” which shed light on why Polynesian culture instills values that translate so beautifully into being part of a football team. To join the celebration – either this year or any year – follow the Football Matters® campaign on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – all @FootballMatters. Because football really does matter!

Iowa Hawkeyes head coach and quarterback Nate Stanley spoke COLTON UNDERWOOD, former NFL and Illinois State football player and to Football Matters® about how “The Wave” tradition brings so much joy to recent star of “The Bachelor,” talked to Football Matters® about how he uses the patients at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, while his platform to impact kids with cystic fibrosis through the Colton Underwood providing them inspiration to perform on the field. Legacy Foundation.

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 11 FALL 2019 TEAMMATES DON’T ALWAYS WEAR MATCHING UNIFORMS.

#UNITEDWEFAN

FOOTBALLMATTERS.COM SETTING THE AGENDA FOR COLLEGE SPORTS

DECEMBER 11-12 | 2019 CROWNE PLAZA

PHOTO CREDIT MARC BRYAN-BROWN For more INFORMATION, please go to www.IntercollegiateAthleticsForum.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH SIGNAGE PROVIDER HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2019 INTRODUCING THE HONOREES

uring the 62nd NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 10, 2019, 13 First Team All-America players and two legendary coaches will take their places in the College Football Hall of Fame alongside the greatest of all time. Of the 5.33 million individuals who have played college football since Princeton first battled Rutgers on Nov. 6, 1869, only 1,010 players and 219 coaches (including this year’s class) have earned the right to be immortalized in Dthe sport’s ultimate shrine. In other words, only two one-hundredths of a percent (.02%) of those who have played the game have earned the distinction.

2019 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS

PLAYERS • – DB, Florida State (1989-91) • LORENZO WHITE – RB, Michigan State (1984-87) • RICKEY DIXON – DB, Oklahoma (1984-87) • PATRICK WILLIS – LB, Mississippi (2003-06) • LONDON FLETCHER – LB, John Carroll [OH] (1995-97) • VINCE YOUNG – QB, Texas (2003-05) • JACOB GREEN – DL, Texas A&M (1977-79) • TORRY HOLT – WR, North Carolina State (1995-98) COACHES • RAGHIB “ROCKET” ISMAIL – KR/WR, Notre Dame (1988-90) • DENNIS ERICKSON – 179-96-1 (65.0%); Idaho (1982-85, 2006), Wyoming • DARREN McFADDEN – RB, Arkansas (2005-07) (1986), Washington State (1987-88), Miami [FL] (1989-94), Oregon State • JAKE PLUMMER – QB, Arizona State (1993-96) (1999-2002), Arizona State (2007-11) • TROY POLAMALU – DB, Southern California (1999-2002) • JOE TAYLOR – 233-96-4 (70.6%); Howard (1983), Virginia Union (1984-91), • JOE THOMAS – OL, Wisconsin (2003-06) Hampton (1992-2007), Florida A&M (2008-12)

TERRELL BUCKLEY RICKEY DIXON LONDON FLETCHER JACOB GREEN

TORRY HOLT RAGHIB “ROCKET” ISMAIL DARREN McFADDEN JAKE PLUMMER

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 14 FALL 2019 HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2019 INTRODUCING THE HONOREES

TROY POLAMALU JOE THOMAS LORENZO WHITE PATRICK WILLIS

VINCE YOUNG COACH DENNIS ERICKSON COACH JOE TAYLOR

2019 CLASS BY THE NUMBERS

NFF National Scholar-Athlete Consensus First Team All-Americans 1 Coach with highest winning percentage in school history 8 Coach with most wins in school history School with first-ever Hall of Fame inductee Conference Coach of the Year honors 10 First-round NFL Draft picks 3 Members of National Championship teams Players currently holding school records Playoff appearances by coaches Conference Players of the Year 12 5 Members of conference championship teams Multi-year First Team All-Americans Bowl berths by coaches Unanimous First Team All-Americans 13 6 National Championships coached 16 Conference championships coached 7 College football major award winners 89 First Team All-Americans coached

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 15 FALL 2019 HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2019 INDUCTEE PROFILES

TERRELL BUCKLEY • Defensive Back • 1989-91

n some ways, asking Terrell Buckley about his favorite memory from his time at Florida State is like asking a father to pick his favorite child. IThere are just so many special moments, across so many different seasons, that it is hard for the Seminole great to pinpoint just one. “There’s not just one. I love college football. I love Florida State. I love the atmosphere,” Buckley said. “Football-wise, practice, basically you line up [against] other NFL players, finding out what separates good players from great players, great players from special players, special players to legendary players. You go through all those phases. I went through all those phases at Florida State. “Looking at the record book, Deion [Sanders] had just left. Coach [Bobby] Bowden said: ‘Deion is the greatest athlete and football player I’ve ever seen.’ So that’s a challenge. If you’re a competitor and you love talent and you love pushing yourself to the limit, that’s the memory and things about Florida State that I love.” It is that “never satisfied” mentality that BUCKLEY: UP CLOSE allowed Buckley to push himself above and beyond some of the Florida State greats who • Named a 1991 unanimous First Team All-American and winner of the Thorpe Award. came before him, and it is what has landed him • Led the nation in interceptions (12) and return yards (238) during senior season. in the College Football Hall of Fame, becoming • Remains Seminoles’ all-time leader in career interceptions (21). the seventh FSU player to earn the distinction. • Played for College Football Hall of Fame Coach . Buckley entered Tallahassee in 1989, • Becomes the seventh Florida State player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. one year after Sanders left with 14 career interceptions, second-best in school history. Buckley was flanked on each side of the State, the Pascagoula, Mississippi, native likes Buckley then set the single-season (12) and ball by fellow Hall of Famers and the day-to-day bonding activity of coaching. He career mark (21) across the next , along with being coached by jokes that, given his credibility from his playing three years, giving him bragging rights that he one in Bowden. He became a unanimous First days, he can simply tell this generation of players still touts in conversation today. Team All-American in 1991, winning the Jim to Google his highlights and study his technique Buckley’s 501 career interception return yards Thorpe Award and finishing seventh in the when they ask him “Why?” remain the FBS record. Heisman Trophy voting. Florida State went 31-6 His daughter is a senior at Notre Dame, and “He was one of the best college football during Buckley’s time on campus, never finishing between the “ND Dad” shirts he wears along players to ever play the game,” said current lower than fourth in the national polls. with his Bulldogs gear and his Seminoles roots, FSU head coach Willie Taggart, who grew up a Buckley also played baseball and track at FSU, Buckley has a full wardrobe showing off his fan of the Garnet and Gold. “He’s one of those where he returned in 2007 to earn his bachelor’s college allegiances. great Noles. There are a lot of guys who should degree and to embark on a coaching career “I love the mentorship, the actual coaching on have their jersey retired. He’s one of them. But it after 14 years in the NFL. The No. 5 pick in the the field,” Buckley said of coaching. “I love the just goes back to seeing how much those guys 1992 NFL Draft played for seven different teams, practice, especially the first three-to-four days changed the game when they played. They including as a member of the Patriots’ first Super of spring ball or fall camp, because I get 25-30 changed the game. I know Deion changed the Bowl team following the 2001 season. minutes of individual time, which is the only time game. Buck came and changed the game.” Now the coach at Mississippi you ever get that much time individually.”

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RICKEY DIXON University of Oklahoma • Defensive Back • 1984-87

arry Switzer saw something in Rickey Dixon that no one else in the Big 8 or Southwest Conference did. BSure, the Oklahoma head coach knew that he was undersized at 5-foot-11, and he knew that he was so thin that Switzer would half-jokingly tell Dixon to eat two Big Macs a day before arriving on campus. But he loved his toughness, his smarts, his instincts. He loved those characteristics so much that when the Class of 1988 arrived in Norman for the first day of freshman camp in 1984, Switzer made a point to show that his new belonged. “I know what you’re thinking,” Switzer recalled telling his team. “You’re thinking: What’s he doing here? How can a guy like this guy be a player and play with us? “I’m gonna tell you something: He is a better athlete. He is tougher than any one of you. He’s faster and quicker than any one of you and he is a better player than any one of you guys right now. And of course they just looked at him. Let me tell you something: He was, because he was the [top] player picked in the draft of all those players.” Dixon became the highest draft pick and DIXON: UP CLOSE now the fourth College Football Hall of Famer from that Sooners era, joining teammates Brian • Earned consensus First Team All-America honors and claimed the Thorpe Award in 1987. Bosworth, and . He • Guided the Sooners to the 1985 National Championship. made an impact from the get-go, picking off a • Finished career as school leader in single-season interceptions (9) and ranked second all-time with pass at No. 17 Pitt in the second week of the ’84 17 career interceptions. season and returning it 41 yards for a , • Played for College Football Hall of Fame Coach . high-stepping all the way back for good measure. • Becomes the 22nd Sooner player to enter the Hall. “I run down that sideline with him, he thinks I’m celebrating with him but I’m dog cussing,” Bowl berths. As a sophomore, he played a key “Every day he’s celebrating,” Jackson said. Switzer said, laughing. “I couldn’t wait to get to role in Oklahoma’s 1985 national championship “We wake up going: What am I going to do him, to chew his [butt] out for acting like a damn season, which culminated with a win over Penn this weekend? What am I going to do for the high school kid.” State in the 1986 . future? But every day he celebrates: ‘This day Dixon learned his lesson, as he would go on Dixon played six NFL seasons, became a is a great day.’ to pick off 17 total passes in his Sooners career, motivational speaker, owned a landscaping “It’s still a tough deal, but when people amassing 303 interception return yards along business and coached high school ball before come to visit him he smiles. When Oklahoma the way. He earned first-team All-Big 8 honors being diagnosed with ALS in 2013. Jackson, acknowledges him he smiles. And now this is the twice, won the Thorpe Award and was named a Dixon’s old Sooners classmate, visited him in biggest thing. You think about the small amount consensus All-American in 1987. Dallas after the defensive back received the news of people who make it to the College Football The team also experienced phenomenal about his induction, with Jackson saying that Hall of Fame, and then you know that you’re one success during his tenure in Norman, with Dixon flashed a big smile when the two reminisced of them, to see his face light up when I started Dixon guiding the Sooners to four consecutive about that early win at Pitt — with Jackson scoring saying: ‘Rickey, there’s not many of us,’ just conference titles and two wins in four Orange his first career touchdown that game, too. seeing my friend, it’s exciting.”

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LONDON FLETCHER John Carroll University (Ohio) • • 1995-97

ew have taken the kind of path to the heights of the game the way that London Fletcher has. And that’s just taking into Faccount the number of NFL dignitaries from John Carroll University. The Division III Jesuit school in Northeast Ohio has served as a pipeline of sorts for off-the-field NFL roles, producing everyone from Patriots Josh McDaniels to Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell. Then there is Fletcher, who not only became the first NFL player from John Carroll in 36 years, but thrived across a 16-year, three-team career that saw him make four Pro Bowls. All of that began in college, where Fletcher produced John Carroll’s first College Football Hall of Fame career after tearing up the Ohio Athletic Conference as an undergraduate. “It definitely shows high school players that regardless of where you play in college, it’s not just all about the Division I schools and Power 5 conferences,” Fletcher said. “If you can play football, they’ll recognize you, and the cream always rises to the top. “I think it says a lot for me to be able to be going into a class with Heisman Trophy winners FLETCHER: UP CLOSE and just some esteemed guys that played in a lot of the Power 5 conferences or Notre Dame. Here • Two-time First Team All-American in 1996 and 1997. I am playing at a D-III school, but at the end of the • Holds school records for tackles in a single season (202) and single-game (29). day we’re all the same because we’re all going to • Two-time First Team All-OAC selection and 1997 OAC Linebacker of the Year. be College Football Hall of Famers.” • Played for coach Tony DeCarlo. Fletcher was a two-time First Team All-America • Becomes the first Blue Streak player or coach to be inducted into the Hall. performer with the Blue Streaks, serving as a team captain in 1997 and leading the program Crazy enough, Fletcher didn’t even start broadcast work while joking that he enjoys being to its first Division III playoff victory. He recorded playing tackle football until his junior year of an Uber driver for his three children, shuffling a single-season best 202 tackles that season, high school. He figured he was destined for a them between extracurricular activities. and he finished his career with 386 tackles, 37 basketball career, so he went to Saint Francis “When you play at the Division III level, you’re tackles for loss, 14 sacks, three interceptions and (Pennsylvania) initially to star on the hardwood. not on scholarship, so there’s a tremendous two . He graduated in 1998 and had But the native eventually made his amount of love that you have for the game,” his No. 3 jersey retired in 2017, as well. way back home to the region, and to the gridiron. Fletcher said. “[JCU grads] have worked their “London Fletcher is single-handily responsible Perplexingly, he went undrafted, finding a spot way up to those positions, and you have to love for my career path as a special teams coordinator,” with the Rams as a free agent and, and by his it. Especially starting out, it’s low pay and a ton joked Notre Dame special teams coordinator second year, he became a starter for the Super of hours and not many accolades. It says a lot Brian Polian, a 1997 John Carroll graduate. “The Bowl XXXIV champions. about their love of the game of football, how moment he stepped on campus I realized I better In 2003, he established the London hard they work and how smart they are and the get very interested in the kicking game because Bridge Foundation as a means for serving impressions that these guys have left on a lot it was the only way I was going to play.” underprivileged youth. Today, he does some of people.”

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JACOB GREEN Texas A&M University • Defensive Lineman • 1977-79

acob Green’s life has come full circle at Texas A&M. After retiring from the NFL, he returned to College Station, attending a Jfew games and eventually assumed his current job as the 12th Man Foundation’s vice president for major gifts and endowments, leveraging his well-known contributions as a player to inspire donor contributions today. One of the first gifts that Green ended up receiving, he said, came as a direct result of an important alumnus remembering how much Green had given whenever he was asked to as a member of the Seahawks. “It was pretty rewarding to me,” Green said. “I gave when I was playing, and so it was something that I always wanted to be able to do.” Green is the 11th former Texas A&M player to make the College Football Hall of Fame. In some ways, the former defensive end should have known it was coming — other Aggies had told him to watch out every winter for the commemorative football that gets shipped to the inductees, announcing their inclusion in that year’s class. But Green was busy in his day job GREEN: UP CLOSE visiting donors in Houston when the memento arrived. And when he returned to his office on • Named First Team All-American in 1979. campus, his colleagues threw him a surprise • Set Texas A&M records for career sacks (38) and single-season sacks (20). party congratulating him on the honor. • Led Aggies to berths in the 1977 Bluebonnet and 1978 Hall of Fame bowls. “It was fun, it was exciting,” Green said. “I’ll • Played for coaches Emory Bellard and Tom Wilson. never forget that moment that I found out.” • Becomes the 11th Aggie player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Aggies fans will not forget Green’s impact on the field anytime soon, either. A two-time captain, win for Texas A&M. venture that led him back to his alma mater. Green became a First Team All-American in “This is a universal award for my family, “After that, my sister started a home for 1979, recording a school-record 20 sacks. His 12 coaches and Texas A&M,” Green said of making teenage girls, and I wanted to help, and I was career forced remain a school record, the Hall. “I could have never done it without kind of the fundraising guy, the guy to go out and and his 38 career sacks and 22 tackles in one them. Aggies all over the country are excited for see if I could get people to do a golf tournament,” game were both program records at the time, me — at least the ones I’ve talked to — which is Green said. He ran into a college buddy at one of too. (Those marks currently rank second and tied pretty good.” those outings, who knew just the way for Green for third, respectively.) Drafted 10th overall by the Seahawks, Green to channel his people skills into a place near and His favorite memory comes from his final played 11 of his 12 NFL seasons in Seattle. He dear to his heart. season as a player in 1979. Despite an uneven made a pair of Pro Bowls and finished his career “It’s just been great. I’ve met so many people 6-5 campaign for the Aggies, Green will never third all-time on the NFL sacks list, with 97.5. who knew me when I played,” Green said. forget speaking at the Aggie Bonfire the night Green joined his father’s landscaping business “That’s the most rewarding thing: the people before the finale against Texas. The next day, when he retired from the NFL, and his charitable who helped me give money for scholarships for his roommate broke off a 20-yard efforts included the Jaycee’s Children’s Center all our student-athletes, now I get a chance to touchdown run that proved to be the game- in Houston, named for his father, who passed meet them and I go out and raise money for our winner, capping a winning season and a rivalry away from cancer. But it was another charitable programs and be a part of it.”

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TORRY HOLT North Carolina State University • • 1995-98

orry Holt met with Boo Corrigan not long after Corrigan accepted the NC State athletics director job. Holt is practically a Tregular at head coach Dave Doeren’s practices, speaking to Wolfpack players. And he scratched the coaching itch from 2015-18 at Heritage High, where he got to tutor his son — who is now an engineering major at NC State. To say that Holt is still attached to his alma mater, and to the game, is an understatement. It is in Raleigh, after all, where the seeds were planted for his Hall of Fame career. He arrived to campus after a detour to Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia and, despite some early on- field struggles, persevered to make both himself and his program better. How else do you explain the Wolfpack being outscored by 107 points in Holt’s first three years against Florida State before beating the Seminoles his senior year? “I was really fortunate that I had a chance to be with Coach [Mike] O’Cain and his staff from the beginning to the end,” Holt said. “I really appreciated that because those guys, for me HOLT: UP CLOSE personally and for other guys on the squad as well, they really believed in me both athletically • Earned consensus First Team All-America honors in 1998. and personally as a young man. So to be able • Named 1998 ACC Player of the Year, receiving First Team All-Conference honors as a receiver and punt to grow with them through those four years returner. there and getting in a position where we beat • Remains NC State’s all-time leader in receiving yards (3,379) and touchdown receptions (31). Florida State on our home turf, our talent had • Played for Coach Mike O'Cain. risen to that level, and mentally we had risen • Becomes the sixth Wolfpack player to enter the Hall. to that level.” Holt suffered through consecutive 3-8 seasons award in his honor. He was named an ACC Brothers Inc. with brother Terrence, who also but ended his college career with two winning Football Legend in 2012. played at NC State. The business consists of a campaigns. He exited NC State as the program’s “Torry Holt just did everything the right way number of companies and foundations, including all-time leader in single-game receiving yards on and off the field; you liked being around him,” a Holt Brothers Construction and the Holt Brothers (255), single-season receiving yards (1,604) and said Lovie Smith, who was the Rams’ defensive Foundation, which provides support to young kids career receiving yards (3,379). coordinator during Holt’s pro career in St. Louis. with a parent who has cancer. He also works in the A two-time captain, Holt received numerous “He caught the ball well, knew defense — good media as a football commentator with SiriusXM’s accolades, including being named the ACC offensive players, they love talking to defensive NFL Radio and Fantasy Sports Radio. Player of the Year and a consensus First Team guys to know exactly [how] to be prepared, so “Being a father of three and a husband and All-American in 1998. He was a finalist for the you know you’re around somebody special. A running a business and being involved with the Biletnikoff Award and the only receiver in the special player. When you saw him in practice community, with our foundation and working top 10 of the Heisman Trophy voting in 1998. A every day and saw how he performed, [you] saw with the NFL Legends Community now, I’m able member of the NC State Athletic Hall of Fame, him at his best.” to be involved in things that bring fulfillment to Holt’s No. 81 jersey was retired by the school in Holt, who became one of the greatest NFL me and that I enjoy doing,” Holt said. “And I’m 1999, and the team named its Offensive MVP receivers of his generation, currently runs Holt thankful for that.”

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RAGHIB “ROCKET” ISMAIL • Kick Returner/Wide Receiver • 1988-90

ust how explosive was Raghib Ismail? Let’s just say he left his own teammates in so much awe that they regularly overlooked Jtheir own jobs. “When we lined Rocket up in the backfield and I had a strong pitch right or an option, sometimes on the strong pitch I would pitch it to him and I would watch him run instead of carrying out my fake because he looked so smooth running and I wished I was that fast,” said Tony Rice, Ismail’s quarterback at Notre Dame. “Just an enjoyable person to watch on the field. Off the field, great dad, great family man. But on the field he is a rocket. That name suits him well.” “Rocket” Ismail is Notre Dame’s record 47th College Football Hall of Fame player, after a career that saw him earn consensus First Team All-America honors as a kick returner in 1989 and unanimous First Team All-America honors as a receiver and kick returner in 1990. Oh, and he helped lead the Fighting Irish to the 1988 national title and finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up in 1990, too. “The thing that stands out to me was my freshman year, and we were getting ready to ISMAIL: UP CLOSE play the mighty [Miami] Hurricanes and it was like a pregame rumble and it was the equivalent • Twice named a First Team All-American, (consensus-1989, unanimous-1990). of standing up to the bully and realizing that you • Named Walter Camp Player of the Year and was the Heisman Trophy runner-up in 1990. had the goods,” Ismail said on “SportsCenter” • Led Notre Dame to the 1988 national championship at the and to two Orange Bowls. after the Hall announcement. “That stands out • Played for College Football Hall of Fame Coach . to me the most of any of my football memories • Becomes the 47th Notre Dame player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. because it was like a test, and it gave us courage moving forward. than 1,000 rushing yards and more than 1,000 where you can even be considered to be a Hall of “Being a part of that team, and the national receiving yards. Famer or [earn] any honor like that,” Ismail said on championship followed a couple of months The speedster was also an All-American on “SportsCenter.” “So, I’ve just been thinking about later, so playing for a legendary coach, playing the Irish’s track team. all the people along the way that helped me. at a legendary university, just being in that Ismail took an unconventional path out of “I know my mom passed away a couple years atmosphere, being in that environment was college, choosing to sign with the CFL's ago; I was just thinking about the feeling I had definitely a blessing.” Argonauts. He won the Grey Cup and game MVP anytime I won an award and I would take it home Ismail’s Irish teams went 33-4 and had honors in his first season there, and he went to and like give the award to her, how proud she three top-six finishes in his three seasons in the NFL in 1993, playing three seasons apiece for was, or if she could be a part of the ceremony South Bend, Indiana. He is the only player in the Raiders, Panthers and Cowboys. The Wilkes- or whatever was going on at the time. So I was NCAA history to have returned two kickoffs Barre, Pennsylvania, native now lives in Dallas, just thinking about that and thinking about how for touchdowns in two games. His 22 yards where he serves as a motivational speaker. it’s really cool to be able to have the opportunity per catch and his five kick return touchdowns “[It’s an] amazing honor, and the reflecting that to show my children and share with my wife, and are Notre Dame records. He is one of just I’ve been doing since I heard the information, just so just a lot of thoughts like that going through two players in program history to post more it takes a lot of people to help get you to a place my head.”

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DARREN McFADDEN • • 2005-07

rkansas football was everything to Darren McFadden in high school. The Little Rock native first attended a game Aon a recruiting visit as a 10th grader and never really looked elsewhere. The state ties make McFadden’s induction into the College Football Hall of Fame all the more special, as the local product made good on his promise and then rewrote the Razorbacks’ record books. “I’m actually just now sitting back and just reflecting on everything, because everything seemed like it happened so fast,” McFadden said. “Just to think about all the support I had from the coaches I had, the great teammates that I had. My family just putting up with having to do all sort of fun trips here because of football. There are so many people that played a big role. My high school teacher [Leecie Henson] that I talked to since seventh or eighth grade. We still keep in contact. They’ve all played a big role in helping me to get to where I am, and I’m very appreciative of it.” McFadden is the ninth former Arkansas McFADDEN: UP CLOSE player to make the Hall. He is a two-time winner, a two-time First Team All- • Twice named a First Team All-American (2006-consensus, 2007-unanimous). American and, incredibly enough, a two-time • Twice finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up while also winning the Doak Walker Award both years. Heisman Trophy runner-up. He is the school’s • Remains the Razorbacks’ all-time leading rusher (4,590 yards). all-time leading rusher (4,590 yards) and its • Played for coach . all-time leader in all-purpose yards (5,881). He • Becomes the ninth Arkansas player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. helped the Hogs win the SEC West in 2006, and his 321 rushing yards against South Carolina in became a revolutionary player in Fayetteville, as spent 10 seasons in the NFL with Oakland and 2007 remain tied for the best single-game effort he regularly lined up at receiver and quarterback, Dallas. Now living in North Texas, McFadden has in SEC history. catching 46 balls for 365 yards and two volunteered for many charitable organizations Still, his greatest memory came in his regular- touchdowns while throwing for 205 yards and and remains active in all three communities that season finale, when Arkansas entered Death seven touchdowns (against just one pick). The helped raise him. Valley on Black Friday in 2007 and knocked off jack-of-all-trades tallied 926 kick return yards As the passing game has opened up across No. 1 LSU in a 50-48 in a triple overtime classic. and a score on special teams, too. college football in the decade since McFadden The win would resonate for years to come, as "I've seen lots of guys on defense who think burst on to the scene, the idea of a running back the Tigers rebounded from that loss to win the they've got him all lined up, that he won't be becoming a Heisman finalist twice is almost a national title that season. able to get around the end, for instance, and foreign concept. “Anytime we play LSU, everybody’s hyped up,” then he just makes a move, accelerates and “I think over the years I guess the running McFadden said. “It’s one of those big rivalries he's gone," Arkansas co-star told back was one of the, I don’t want to say that people get pumped up for. Just to go out ahead of the 2007 Heisman ‘forgotten’ positions, but people didn’t pay as there and just see some of the faces on the guys ceremony. "D-Mac's gets him to spots you much [attention] to them,” McFadden said. “So I was out there playing with is something I’ll don't think he can get to." just to be able to go up there and rep the running never forget.” That speed took him to Oakland, where the backs as a group and be one of the top players Be it with his legs or with his arm, “Run DMC” Raiders drafted him fourth overall in 2008. He in the country was great.”

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JAKE PLUMMER Arizona State University • Quarterback • 1993-96

rizona State had won only 15 games across Jake Plummer’s first three seasons, and as his senior campaign Aapproached in 1996, he made sure that such mediocrity would not be tolerated. When the Sun Devils players gathered ahead of the summer of Plummer’s finale, they found their quarterback dreaming bigger than any of them could have imagined. “I came in and I had a rose in my mouth and I said: ‘I don’t know about you guys, but I want to be there this year, so I’m staying here all summer,’” Plummer recalled. “‘That’s my plan, so who else is in? If you’re not in, go ahead and take off right now, get out of this room. But if you’re in, if you’re here all summer, then we’re going to make this happen.’ “I had forgotten about that,” Plummer said recently. “But one of my linemen buddies reminded me about it.” Plummer and his ASU teammates made it happen, running the regular season table and getting to Pasadena, California, for the . That sun-kissed autumn in Tempe, Arizona, is the highlight of Plummer’s Hall of Fame career, PLUMMER: UP CLOSE as “Jake the Snake” captained ASU off the field while amassing Pac-10 Player of the Year honors • 1996 First Team All-American and Pac-10 Player of the Year. on it. • Led 1996 team to an undefeated regular season and first Rose Bowl appearance since 1986. “Whenever he’s in town he always comes to • Threw for more than 2,000 yards in three consecutive seasons (8,827 career passing yards). visit. He was in my office,” said current ASU coach • Played for coach . Herm Edwards. “You talk about arm strength, • Becomes eighth Sun Devil player to enter the Hall. height and all that, and I go: ‘Yeah, that’s all great, but if they can’t lead, it ain’t going to matter.’ He No. 4 in the final national rankings. A four-year uncertainty, he was able to play his first six NFL was a great leader. He led his team. In the big starter at ASU, Plummer notched an Arizona seasons in the same stadium he played in at moments, his teams could count on him to make State-record 34 games with either a passing or Arizona State. the play. That’s the kind of guy that he is. You rushing touchdown, and he ranks third in school “I threw four picks my first start as a Cardinal respect guys like that.” history with 8,827 career passing yards and 1,142 and got a standing ovation coming out on the A Boise, Idaho native, Plummer was a largely career pass attempts. He sits fourth in Sun Devil field every time,” Plummer said with a laugh. overlooked recruit who was sold on ASU when annals with 65 touchdown passes while ranking “That doesn’t happen in New York City. So there coach Bruce Snyder told him that the Sun Devils fifth with 632 completions and 8,711 yards of total were some positives there.” would win a national title if he came. They darn offense during his career. In 2005, Plummer established the Jake near did just that, winning all 11 regular season Plummer also excelled in the classroom, Plummer Foundation, which is dedicated to contests in 1996 before falling to Ohio State. earning First Team Academic All-Pac-10 honors Alzheimer’s. He is a huge supporter of the Pat “Just that whole season was magical,” as a senior and Honorable Mention laurels as a Tillman Foundation, in honor of his heroic ASU Plummer said. junior and sophomore. teammate. He also did some work for the Pac-12 Plummer finished third in the Heisman Trophy Plummer was drafted by the Cardinals, and Network and is currently part of a start-up that voting that season as the Sun Devils landed at in a fickle business that is filled with moves and specializes in digital playbooks.

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TROY POLAMALU University of Southern California • Defensive Back • 1999-2002

ocky Seto likes to say he never coached anyone better than he did when he was a graduate assistant. That is because Seto, Rwho finished his USC playing career in 1998 and stayed on as a volunteer coach, worked the Trojan sidelines during Troy Polamalu’s four years in . “We worked pretty heavily on him, and he was headed toward probably Oregon State or Colorado,” Seto said. “His uncle, [a longtime college and pro coach], made a call to one of our assistants: ‘You’ve got to take a look at my nephew. He’s in Oregon.’ I think he was one of the last offers, and he turned out to be probably the best player in the class.” And one of the best in USC history. Polamalu is the 32nd former Trojans player to make the College Football Hall of Fame, as the two-time First Team All-American (including consensus honors in 2002) left his mark across Southern California, the Pac-10 and the nation with a hard-hitting, turbo- charged style that became an inspiration for a generation of safeties. Polamalu was part of the infancy of the era, helping lead USC in 2002 to its first 11-win season since 1979 and a No. 4 national POLAMALU: UP CLOSE ranking, laying the groundwork for the Trojans dynasty to come. He was a two-time captain, • Named a two-time First Team All-American, earning consensus honors in 2002. a team MVP and twice led the Trojans in • Named a finalist for the Thorpe Award as a senior. interceptions. Polamalu made the Pac-12 All- • Led Trojans to two bowl berths and a share of the 2002 Pac-10 title. Century Team as well. • Played for coaches Paul Hackett and Pete Carroll. “The biggest thing about him is what you see,” • Becomes the 32nd Trojan player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. said current USC defensive backs coach Greg Burns, who coached Trojans defensive backs do it, I’m all for it.’ That, I think if anything, is what drew a lot of attention to himself.” from 2002-05 as well. “He’s quiet, he’s beyond he opened my eyes to, so that I don’t hold back The 16th pick by the Steelers in 2003, Polamalu humble and he was an outstanding player. But someone who has special talents.” spent his 12-year career in Pittsburgh, winning how he carried himself off the field — he was Seto, who is now a pastor, recalls watching two Super Bowls, notching one defensive player passionate about his religion and faith, just a Polamalu make a strip-sack-and-score during of the year honor and making eight Pro Bowls. He quiet kid. So, it was two different people, so to his first fall camp and thinking that there was and his wife set up the Troy & Theodora Polamalu speak. On the field everyone sees him as that something just different about the aggression with Foundation, raising millions for charity, and he aggressive, physical player, which he is. But which the true freshman played. supports the Fa’a Samoa Initiative. off the field he’ll whisper, like: ‘Hi, how are you “This guy was phenomenal,” Seto said. “What “I was fortunate to be able to work with him for doing?’ So a good role model, a good person. I thought about him is that he played really fast. one year,” Burns said. “At that time, he understood Very simple.” He trusted his instincts. That’s what I remember the system, and we gave him the opportunity to Burns added: “What I’ve taken from Troy is not about the player. As a person, he was very well freelance a little bit because he understood the telling a player he can’t do it, but saying: ‘OK, I respected by teammates, because he was kind system really well. A lot of things you saw in the know this cookie-cutter technique is what we’re and gentle to his teammates. He never liked NFL, he has a knack [for] and he has unbelievable teaching you, but if you create your style and still to draw attention to himself; however, his play instincts, so just let him use it.”

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JOE THOMAS University of Wisconsin • Offensive Lineman • 2003-06

oe Thomas may have grown up about 70 miles East of Madison, in Brookfield, Wisconsin, but he admits that he took Ja “grass is greener” approach to his college recruitment. He visited a lot of schools, he said, but it soon dawned on him that there was no place like home. Thomas laid his roots near the University of Wisconsin, where he blossomed as a two-time First-Team All-Big Ten performer and a 2006 unanimous First Team All-American during his career with the Badgers. And he returned to the state capital after retiring from the NFL, making the news of his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame an incredible homecoming gift. At a place that has become synonymous with its ground-and-pound attack, Thomas is the first Badgers offensive lineman in the modern era to be inducted into the Hall, and only the 10th overall player from the school to receive the distinction. Crazy enough, his lasting impression on another THOMAS: UP CLOSE Hall of Famer — his head coach, current Wisconsin athletics director — came on the • Named a unanimous First Team All-America selection in 2006. other side of the ball, as Alvarez moved Thomas • Claimed the and honored as an NFF National Scholar-Athlete in 2006. to defensive end for the 2006 Capital One Bowl • Led Badgers to four bowl games and three Top 20 finishes. against Auburn. • Played for coaches Bret Bielema and College Football Hall of Famer Barry Alvarez. “We’re getting ready for the bowl game, we • Becomes the 10th Wisconsin player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. had some injuries on the defensive line,” Alvarez said. “We put him at defensive line, and the first Thomas’ teams finished in the top 20 in each of Despite the often nomadic lifestyle of a day he was there on the inside drill, he was about his last three seasons, as he played through the football player, Thomas — whose number of our best player.” end of the Alvarez era into the first year of the Bret consecutive snaps played (10,363) is enshrined Thomas has actually attended the NFF Annual Bielema era. in Cleveland’s ring of honor — recognizes Awards Dinner before, as he was a finalist for the His best memory? It is hard to top his freshman how lucky he has been to be able to call just William V. Campbell Trophy® in 2006. year tilt against reigning national champion Ohio two places home across much of the past two “My big memory is just [Hall of Fame coach] State, as Matt Schabert connected with Lee Evans decades: Cleveland and Madison. And he Bobby Bowden was there, and he gave this for a 79-yard fourth-quarter touchdown pass knows that none of us this is possible without awesome speech,” Thomas said. “I just remember to secure a 17-10 win and deal the third-ranked the mentors he has had along the way. thinking what an incredible speaker he is, and now Buckeyes their first loss of the season. “I reflected back to all the great coaches I had that I have had time to reflect I’m like yeah, no After retiring, Thomas has filled the football throughout my high school and college career and kidding, the guy’s probably given a million of those void by devoting himself to full-time husband and the impact that they made on me,” Thomas said, speeches before. He blew me away. He was just dad duties with his wife, Annie, a former Badgers “but also my parents for pushing me in athletics so passionate and so interesting.” basketball player, and their four children. He and taking me to all my different practices and Thomas became the first Outland Trophy winner dabbles in television and radio work here and paying for my jerseys and signing me up and in Badgers’ history. He was a team captain and co- there while doubling as an ambassador for the encouraging me without being helicopter parents. MVP as a senior in 2006, leading Wisconsin to a Browns, where he played the entirety of his 11-year I felt very lucky to have them in my corner in my 12-1 season and a No. 7 ranking in the final AP poll. NFL career. athletics career.”

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 25 FALL 2019 HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2019 INDUCTEE PROFILES

LORENZO WHITE Michigan State University • Running Back • 1984-87

orenzo White can remember his first big game and all the responsibilities that came with it — namely, postgame media Lduties. A Fort Lauderdale, Florida, native who was a long way from home while in East Lansing, White entered Michigan State as a shy freshman, a rookie whose play spoke much louder than his words. “After a game I was supposed go in the media room,” White said. “I was like: ‘OK, I’ll be there.’ So I went in and took a shower quick and went out the backdoor, so [the media] didn’t get the story for like three days. “So when Coach [George Perles] finds out when I told him what happened, he said: ‘Oh no, that’s nothing to be afraid of. I’m glad you are open and you talked to me, because sometimes you’ve just got to understand that if you’re going to be performing like this, then media has to get the story. And it’s good for the school and it’s good for you. We’re gonna help you with that.’” White went to Michigan State to become a trendsetter, and that is exactly what the running back became. He left school as the Spartans’ all- time leading rusher (4,887 yards), and he is now the program’s 10th player in the College Football WHITE: UP CLOSE Hall of Fame. “For that type of honor, I think of my mom — she • Twice named a First Team All-American (unanimous-1985, consensus-1987). passed away in 2000 — and how instrumental • Helped guide Michigan State to 1987 Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl victory. she was to me,” White said. “Then I just go back • Led nation in rushing (1985) and first MSU player to lead team in rushing four straight seasons. to my teammates. My thing is, when it came • Played for coach George Perles. down to me it was always about being that team • Becomes the 10th Michigan State player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. player. And that type of award, when you look at it, making the Hall of Fame, it definitely wasn’t (43) and 100-yard rushing games (23). An featured a appearance in 1992. He started me by myself. Teammates, the coaches, they all absolute workhorse, White still holds the FBS the Lorenzo White Foundation, which supports took a part in it, and that’s why when I get ready record for most carries in two consecutive organizations across the country in establishing to do the Ring of Honor at Michigan State [on games, as he rushed the ball 102 times across and promoting youth athletics programs. Sept. 28], I want everyone back to enjoy it with contests against Purdue (53) and Minnesota (49). “From Fort Lauderdale parks, to Dillard High my teammates I played with.” Ever true to his ground-and-pound ethos, School, to Michigan State University, and then White became a two-time First Team All- White says his favorite memory came in the Big to the NFL, Lorenzo dreamed big and always American and twice finished fourth in the Ten title game clincher in 1987, as he carried worked hard to make his dreams come true,” Heisman Trophy voting (1985, 1987). A team the ball an astounding 56 times for 292 yards said former Fort Lauderdale mayor Jack Seiler, captain in 1987, he led Michigan State to the Big in a win over Indiana. The town’s and campus’ who is an Orange Bowl Committee member. “We Ten title and its first Rose Bowl appearance in 22 reaction to the Spartans’ best season in more are so incredibly proud of Lorenzo’s success as years as the Spartans beat USC. than two decades will always remain with him. an exceptional athlete, but even more proud of White remains the program’s career leader in Drafted 22nd overall by the Houston Oilers in his success as a great role model, mentor and rushing attempts (1,082), rushing touchdowns 1988, White enjoyed an eight-year NFL career that community builder.”

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 26 FALL 2019 HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2019 INDUCTEE PROFILES

PATRICK WILLIS University of Mississippi • Linebacker • 2003-06

atrick Willis was a wide-eyed freshman in 2003 who was looking for some way — any way — to make an immediate impact. PSo, like any rookie worth his salt, he figured special teams would be a good place to start. And he did just that in Ole Miss’ seventh game of the season, delivering a bone-crushing hit on Alabama’s Ramzee Robinson on the Rebels’ first kickoff that set the tone for a road rout at Bryant- Denny Stadium. But it is not the hit that sticks out for Willis all these years later. No, the student of the game remembers all of the preparation. “When I hit the guy, it wasn’t just that lick, it was what led up to that,” Willis said. “That week, I remember asking Coach [Ron] Middleton — he was our special teams coach, and he was the running backs coach at the time — I literally went into the facility earlier that week and I said: ‘Coach, can you sit down with me and help me understand how Kelvin Robinson is having these big ol’ hits on kickoffs? I want to hit someone like that.’ “And he was like: ‘Well yeah, of course.’ He could’ve said ‘just go hit somebody,’ but we sat down and he was showing me film, he was just going through clicking, clicking and finally WILLIS: UP CLOSE he just said: ‘You know what, when the ball is kicked off, you just run as fast as you can and • Named a 2006 consensus First Team All-American and recipient of the 2006 Butkus Award. you hit whatever is moving.’ I said: ‘Well shoot, • Led the nation in solo tackles (9.0 per game) as a junior. I can do that.’ • Finished career ranked sixth all-time at Ole Miss with 355 career tackles. “Anyway, here we are on a Saturday, the week • Played for coaches and . goes by and it’s Alabama and of course, you • Becomes the ninth Ole Miss player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. know how wild that atmosphere is on game day. And that kickoff, that play was when everyone Willis was every bit the stud in the classroom, and show the Vols what they were missing. was kind of like: Who is this kid and where did he earning Academic All-SEC honors and receiving Ole Miss entered the picture shortly afterward, come from? That was probably one of my biggest the Wilma Rudolph Student-Athlete Achievement and the rest is history. on-field moments.” Award in 2007. Willis played for two different head coaches Willis made the absolute most of his four A Bruceton, Tennessee, native, Willis always (David Cutcliffe and Ed Orgeron) and four seasons in Oxford, from start to finish. He is the had his sights set on playing at Tennessee. But different position coaches during his time Rebels’ ninth former player to make the College when he drove to Knoxville for a camp as a high in Oxford, turnover that could have tested Football Hall of Fame, this after a career that schooler, he asked the Volunteers’ staff what weaker players. included consensus First Team All-America it would take for them to offer him. After being Still, all the change just reaffirmed Willis’ love honors and the Butkus Award during his senior told that they were more interested in other for the place that took a chance on him — a place season. The 2006 SEC Defensive Player of the and that they had some concerns that helped him become the 11th pick in the 2007 Year led the conference in tackles as both a over whether his ACT score would qualify, Willis NFL Draft. Willis made seven Pro Bowls in eight junior (128) and senior (137). As a freshman, he cried on the five-hour ride home. seasons with the 49ers, leading the league in helped lead Ole Miss to a share of the SEC West His foster father helped him get over the tackles twice before retiring at the top of his title and a final No. 13 ranking. rejection, telling him to wipe those tears away sport after the 2014 season.

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VINCE YOUNG University of Texas • Quarterback • 2003-05

he way College Football Hall of Famer Mack Brown sees it, his legacy is tied to Vince Young’s. Heck, that’s the way the sport’s Tcaretakers seemingly see it, even if Brown does not exactly agree with the order of ceremonies. “I got in the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame and then the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame, and I felt guilty because I thought I shouldn’t be in either before [Young] is,” Brown said. “And then he goes into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame last year and now the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame, so I think our success is such at that point in our lives coincided that it’s cool that we’re going in together, and I’ll definitely be there to support him.” Young, of course, became synonymous with arguably the most memorable game of this generation: Texas’ thrilling 41-38 Rose Bowl victory against USC in 2006 to win the school’s first national title in 35 seasons. The victory, won on the back of Young’s 267 passing yards, 200 rushing yards and fourth-down touchdown run with 19 seconds left, capped an illustrious career for a guy who is one of the winningest YOUNG: UP CLOSE in Longhorns history (30-2). In 2005, Young became the first FBS player • Named a consensus First Team All-American and Heisman Trophy runner-up in 2005. to throw for more than 3,000 yards and rush for • Claimed the 2005 Maxwell and Davey O’Brien awards. more than 1,000 yards in a season. He finished • Led Texas to the 2005 national title as the first player in FBS history with 3,000 passing yards and as the Heisman Trophy runner-up that year 1,000 rushing yards in a single season. while claiming unanimous Big 12 Player of the • Played for College Football Hall of Fame Coach Mack Brown. Year honors. • Becomes the 19th Texas player inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame. Though it is hard to pinpoint one memory above all others from that night, Young cannot just listening to the guys with confidence to go time and you get a chance to read and see the shake the feeling he had when he took the win the ballgame.” things that are being said,” Young said. “And also field for Texas’ final drive with just more than Young, who also won the Rose Bowl MVP a year hanging out with and the guys; most two minutes remaining and his team trailing by earlier after beating Michigan in a classic, went on people can have a problem with each other after five points. to have a six-year NFL career after getting drafted you beat somebody and mess with somebody’s “It was the last drive, stepping into the huddle by the third overall and winning dynasty. But the relationship that me and Matt and seeing my teammates look into my eyes and rookie of the year honors in 2006. Leinart have, and the relationship that me and checking me out for my confidence level and what It only recently has dawned on him just how LenDale White have and and those we were about to do,” Young said. “Listening to big of a role he played in college football history guys, is of a respectful nature, and it’s going Jonathan Scott, our tackle, speaking to the team on that January night in Pasadena nearly 14 down in history. before I walked in there, telling the guys: ‘Hey, years ago. Despite there being multiple Heisman “We all got kids now, and we [are] able to tell don’t try to do anything special. We have been winners on the field and some even bigger that story to them and let them know and kind of in this position before. Let’s just do what we do.’ celebrities on the sidelines that night, Young’s push our kids in that direction: ‘This is all the hard “When we were on that field for that last drive, performance trumped them all. work that we had done since we were playing I think that was one of my greatest memories, “When you retire and you have a little bit more little league just like you right now.’”

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 28 FALL 2019 HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2019 INDUCTEE PROFILES

DENNIS ERICKSON Head Coach • Idaho (1982-85, 2006), Wyoming (1986), Washington State (1987-88), Miami [FL] (1989-94), Oregon State (1999-2002), Arizona State (2007-11)

e has been a college and NFL head coach nine different times at eight different locations, but Dennis Erickson Hnever forgets where he got his first big break. “If it wasn’t for Idaho, I would have never had the chance to be a head coach,” Erickson said. “I was an assistant for at San Jose State, and in 1982 he gave me an opportunity to become a head coach at the University of Idaho, and we had a lot of success at the time I was there and moved on through coaching. “But if it wasn’t for the University of Idaho, Bill Belknap and a guy by the name of Dick Gibb, who was the president there at time, and those people there, I would’ve never had the success I’ve been able to have in coaching.” Erickson lives on a lake in Idaho now, after a brief stint as coach of the Salt Lake Stallions in the Alliance of . He can reflect on a career that started as a family calling — his father, Robert “Pinky” Erickson, was a high ERICKSON: UP CLOSE school coach in Washington state — and ended up in the College Football Hall of Fame. • Overall record: 179-96-1 (65.0%). He made the FCS playoffs twice at Idaho, • Only Miami coach to lead the Canes to two national titles (1989, 1991). took a 3-8 Wyoming program to 6-6 in his one • Boasts highest win percentage (87.5) in Miami history. year there, went 9-3 by Year 2 at Washington • Led teams to 12 bowl games and at least a share of seven conference titles. State and, of course, won a pair of national titles • First coach to earn Pac-12 Coach of the Year honors at three different institutions. in six years at Miami. “Obviously it was a highlight of my career, no He returned to Idaho in 2006 before Torretta, was recruited by Erickson when the coach question about it,” Erickson said. “Winning those embarking on a five-year run at Arizona State was at Washington State, eventually following him national championships, two of them, was pretty that featured a shared Pac-12 title in 2007. to the other side of the country after being sold on unprecedented, and I’m pretty proud of that. But Erickson won at least a share of seven Erickson’s style, vision and personality. there are moments at any place. I look back at conference titles during his 23-year run as a Torretta redshirted on the 1989 championship Washington State when I was there in ’88 when college head coach, and he became the first team before winning it all in his first season as a we upset No. 1 UCLA in the Rose Bowl – that coach to win Pac-12 Coach of the Year honors at starter in 1991. was a huge moment for me. And then at Oregon three different schools. His six seasons at Miami “I look back at my time and I’m thrilled to State in 2000 we went 11-1 and beat Notre Dame match as the most of any national death to obviously have had a chance to play for in the Fiesta Bowl.” title-winning coach in Coral Gables, and his 87.5 him,” Toretta said. “He brought an offense that Never one to back down from a challenge, winning percentage with the Hurricanes remains really nobody east of the Mississippi had ever Erickson spent six total years at the NFL level the best in program history. seen before, the one-back offense and kind of coaching the Seahawks and 49ers, sandwiching One of the quarterbacks from those national spread that we ran. his run of three winning campaigns in four title teams, 1992 Heisman Trophy winner and “He went 63-9 here. It was a pretty damn seasons at Oregon State. 2010 College Football Hall of Fame inductee Gino remarkable run.”

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JOE TAYLOR Head Coach • Howard (1983), Virginia Union (1984-91), Hampton (1992-2007), Florida A&M (2008-12)

oe Taylor always approached coaching as a ministry. When you are trying to improve the lives of others, he says, it is Jreally that simple. “No matter where I coached, I always had a Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle group,” Taylor said. “Follow a man’s spirit, then also you’ll find him. So we always attacked it from a mental standpoint with the idea that physical is a given — you’re going to lift, you’re going to run, you’re going to get in shape, you’re going to know the plays; it’s called discipline. If you don’t have that, you’re just not going to play.” That mindset served Taylor well, as he enters the College Football Hall of Fame after compiling the third-most career wins among coaches at historically black colleges and universities. He started at Howard for a year, won 60 games across eight years at Virginia Union and then won TAYLOR: UP CLOSE four Black College National Championships at Hampton across 16 seasons. He followed that up • Overall record: 233-96-4 (70.6 %). by posting four winning records in five seasons • Ranks in the FCS top 10 for coaching winning percentage (70.6%). at Florida A&M. • Winningest coach in Hampton history (136 wins), leading Pirates to four Black College National Taylor made the Division II playoffs twice Championships. at Virginia Union. He is the winningest coach • Led teams to 10 conference titles and 10 playoff appearances throughout career. in Hampton history, overseeing the program’s • Four-time MEAC Coach of the Year. transition from Division II to FCS in 1995. He won a share of the MEAC title at Florida A&M in 2010. the next year Joe was coming into high school, developed many of his philosophies from his His 70.6 winning percentage ranks in the top 10 and he told him who I was. I said: ‘Joe, you’re college coach, Hall of Famer Darrell Mudra, who of FCS coaching history. gonna be like your brother. You ain’t gonna play was nicknamed “Dr. Victory.” He took Mudra’s Taylor credits his high school coach, no football, huh?’ I did reverse psych on him. He approach of making everyone feel valuable Washington, D.C., legend Robert Headen, for started playing guard and he did real good, and and instilled that same confidence in his own pointing him to the profession after his playing Joe was an intelligent person, too. players, realizing that once everybody feels days at Cardozo High were over. All of these “He got a scholarship to Western Illinois, and better about their purpose, they perform better years later, the two still talk multiple times a he went up there, and he was in school and he on and off the field. month. Their bond is representative of the came home during the summer and I said: ‘Joe, These days, Taylor is in his seventh season relationships each still has with his former players come on man. You can come and help me out.’ as athletics director at Virginia Union, a job that and assistants. He said: ‘What? Coach?’ I said: ‘Come on. I’m scratches a different itch for him after spending “I’m really proud of him, because he didn’t coaching a high school all-star team. You can be 40 years mentoring prep and college athletes on want to do it,” Headen said of Taylor’s initial one of my assistant coaches.’ He said: ‘I’m still in the gridiron across the country. reluctance to coaching. “What happened was school.’ I said: ‘So what, it’s a summer job.’ That’s “I transitioned from coaching players to his brother was ahead of him at Cardozo, and I how it started. From that point on, that’s when coaching coaches,” Taylor said. “And the definition had just become the coach there, and I tried to he started coaching.” to me of a coach is someone who takes people to get his brother to play and he wouldn’t play. And Once in the coaching business, Taylor places where they cannot go by themselves.”

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 30 FALL 2019 2019 HALL OF FAME ON-CAMPUS SALUTES PRESENTED BY FIDELITY INVESTMENTS®

he National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) announced the 2019 schedule for the NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salutes, presented by Fidelity Investments®, a leading provider of Tworkplace savings plans in higher education. The NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salutes, which began with the inaugural College Football Hall of Fame Class in 1951, have become a hallowed tradition, and to this day, the singular events remain the first of numerous activities in each electee’s Hall of Fame experience. During the NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salutes, each member of the class returns to his alma mater or college where he coached 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 hear the crowd roar their name. “Induction into the College Football Hall of Fame is the ultimate achievement in our sport, and the NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute tradition allows us to bring each inductee back to their alma mater for a truly memorable experience,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “We look forward to celebrating the storied careers of this year’s Hall of Fame Class with the tens of thousands of fans who will witness an on- campus salute this year.” The 2019 College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted during the 62nd NFF Annual Awards Dinner at the New York Hilton Midtown

on Tuesday, Dec. 10. For more information on the Dinner, please contact Photo by Daryl Marshke Will Rudd at [email protected] or by calling 972.556.1000. 2018 College Football Hall of Fame inductee was The 2019 season marks the 10th season that Fidelity Investments will honored during Michigan’s home game against Nebraska in September 2018. serve as the national presenting sponsor of the NFF Hall of Fame On- (L-R): Michigan Director of Athletics WARDE MANUEL, WOODSON, College Campus Salutes. The salutes are one component of a multi-year initiative Football Hall of Fame coach and NFF Vice Chairwoman and between the two organizations to celebrate the scholar-athlete ideal and a Fidelity Investments President of Personal Investing KATHY MURPHY. joint commitment to higher education.

CURRENTLY SCHEDULED 2019 NFF HALL OF FAME ON-CAMPUS SALUTES, PRESENTED BY FIDELITY INVESTMENTS

DATE INDUCTEE SCHOOL (YEARS PLAYED/COACHED) OPPOSING TEAM Sept. 1...... Rickey Dixon...... Oklahoma (1984-87)...... Houston Sept. 21...... Coach Dennis Erickson...... Washington State (1987-88)...... UCLA Sept. 28...... Coach Dennis Erickson...... Oregon State (1999-2002)...... Stanford Sept. 28...... London Fletcher...... John Carroll [OH] (1995-97)...... Mount Union [OH] Sept. 28...... Lorenzo White...... Michigan State (1984-87)...... Indiana Oct. 5...... Patrick Willis...... Mississippi (2003-06)...... Vanderbilt Oct. 10...... Torry Holt...... NC State (1995-98)...... Syracuse Oct. 12...... Jacob Green...... Texas A&M (1977-79)...... Alabama Oct. 12...... Joe Thomas...... Wisconsin (2003-06)...... Michigan State Oct. 19...... Coach Dennis Erickson...... Miami [FL] (1989-94)...... Georgia Tech Oct. 19...... Darren McFadden...... Arkansas (2005-07)...... Auburn Nov. 9...... Jake Plummer...... Arizona State (1993-96)...... Southern California

On-Campus Salute dates for the remaining members of the 2019 Class are still to be determined.

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 31 FALL 2019 NFF NATIONAL HALL OF FAME SALUTE CHICK-FIL-A PEACH BOWL TO HOST 15TH ANNUAL SALUTE

he Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl will host the 15th Annual NFF National Hall legends of the game to their new permanent home in the College of Fame Salute on Saturday, Dec. 28. Taking place at Mercedes-Benz Football Hall of Fame.” Stadium and just steps from the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of “As the organization that led the move of the Hall of Fame to Atlanta TFame in the heart of Atlanta, the event will utilize the Bowl to showcase and being the founding partner of the Hall, we are honored to recognize members of the 2019 College Football Hall of Fame Class. This year’s game these inductees at our semifinal game and honor their contributions to will serve as a College Football Playoff (CFP) Semifinal and feature two of college football,” added Gary Stokan, Peach Bowl president and CEO. the top four teams in the country. The 15th Annual National Hall of Fame Salute at the Chick-fil-A Peach Prior to the game, a multi-day celebration for the inductees will take Bowl will highlight the outstanding careers of 13 All-America players and place in Atlanta, including several unique events and two legendary coaches who established themselves a special public ceremony at the College Football Hall among the greatest to ever set foot on the college gridiron. of Fame where the inductees will see their legendary The group was announced in January 2019, and they will accomplishments permanently immortalized for the be formally inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame first time. during the 62nd NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 10 at “The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl has established itself as the New York Hilton Midtown. one of the premier events in all of college football, and They also will be honored at their respective schools we are proud to partner with them in shining a light on throughout the season during the NFF Hall of Fame On- the 2019 Hall of Fame Class,” said NFF President & CEO Campus Salutes, presented by Fidelity Investments. Steve Hatchell. “Taking place just steps from the Hall, the “Our Hall of Fame experience is like no other as the game provides a powerful venue for showcasing what it members of each class are honored multiple times means to be a Hall of Famer. It will allow the inductees to visit the Hall throughout the year,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “And we are very while creating a momentous conclusion to their Hall of Fame experience excited to be able to bring the class together one last time at the National before we announce the next class before the College Football Playoff Hall of Fame Salute in such close proximity to the College Football Hall of National Championship.” Fame in Atlanta. We want to extend a big thanks to Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl The event will mark the fifth time the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl has hosted Chairman Bob Somers and President & CEO Gary Stokan for making this the event. happen. They have been passionate supporters of the Hall for many years, “Atlanta is the epicenter of college football,” Peach Bowl Chairman and celebrating the newest Hall of Fame class on the field at the game will Bob Somers said. “There is no better place to formally welcome these be a thrill for both the fans and the inductees.”

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2019 NFF GOLD MEDAL RECIPIENT MARK HARMON, ACTOR AND FORMER UCLA QUARTERBACK, TO RECEIVE NFF’S HIGHEST HONOR

ormer UCLA quarterback and renowned actor Mark Harmon has been named the 2019 recipient of the NFF Gold Medal. He will be Fhonored for his achievements during the 62nd NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 10 at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City, which also will celebrate the 150th anniversary of college football. “As we prepare to celebrate the 150th anniversary of college football, Mark Harmon captures exactly what we hope to inspire in future generations of young football players, making him the perfect recipient of the NFF’s highest honor,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “An NFF National Scholar-Athlete at UCLA in the early 1970s, Mark took that same relentless drive to succeed, applying it to his career as an actor and unequivocally becoming one of the most successful stars of his generation. He has earned this honor many times over, and we are extremely proud to add his name to the esteemed list of past NFF Gold Medal recipients.” The highest and most prestigious award presented by the National Football Foundation, the Gold Medal recognizes an outstanding American who has demonstrated integrity and honesty; achieved significant career success; and has reflected the basic values of those who have excelled in amateur sport, particularly football. First presented to President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the NFF Annual Awards Dinner in 1958, the Gold Medal boasts an impressive list of past recipients, including seven presidents, four generals, three admirals, one Supreme Court Justice, 29 corporate CEOs and chairmen, actor and baseball immortal . Harmon will become the 65th recipient of the NFF Gold Medal. “Having achieved the highest levels of success, Mark Harmon has always MARK HARMON helped turn around UCLA football during two years as the remained humble and focused on the things that really matter in life, which Bruins’ starting quarterback in 1972 and 1973. is hard work, perseverance and teamwork,” said NFF Awards Committee Chairman Jack Ford. “His success on the gridiron as a student-athlete and his subsequent icon status in film and television make him exceptionally ever as a Bruin, which opened the 1972 season, Harmon led an underdog well-qualified as our 2019 Gold Medal recipient. We look forward to UCLA to a dramatic 20-17 win against two-time defending national welcoming him back to the NFF’s stage in December, poetically 46 years champion Nebraska, snapping the Huskers’ 32-game-unbeaten streak. after his being honored as an NFF National Scholar-Athlete during an event A wishbone-T quarterback who could run, pass, fake and mix plays, when another famous actor, John Wayne, accepted the NFF Gold Medal.” Harmon rushed for more yards and touchdowns than he did passing, Harmon was born and raised in Southern California; the son of actress amassing 1,504 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns versus passing for and Heisman Trophy winner , a 1954 College 845 yards and nine touchdowns during his tenure in Westwood. The Football Hall of Fame inductee from Michigan. He attended The Harvard offensive coordinator Homer Smith’s wishbone offense forced Harmon to School (now known as Harvard-Westlake) in Los Angeles, playing football, make multiple decisions in very short time periods, distributing the ball baseball and rugby. On the gridiron, he mostly took the field as a running to running backs Kermit Johnson and James McAlister. The combination back and safety, only appearing in four games at quarterback. He broke his created the top running game in the nation in 1973, and UCLA set school elbow as a junior, and did not play varsity football as a senior. records for total yards gained (4,403), average yards per game (400) and Not recruited out of high school, Harmon headed to Pierce Junior rushing touchdowns (56). College in Woodland Hills, California, and he quarterbacked the team to A communications major who aspired to become a doctor, Harmon a 7-2 record in 1971, earning All-America laurels. His performance earned excelled in the classroom at UCLA, carrying a 3.45 GPA and graduating him multiple scholarship offers, including Oklahoma in an effort led by cum laude. His accomplishments earned him Second Team CoSIDA Barry Switzer, the offensive coordinator at the time and a future College Academic All-America honors as well as an NFF National Scholar-Athlete Football Hall of Fame coach, to recruit him. Harmon opted to stay in his Award, which led to his trip to New York City where he was honored at the hometown of Los Angeles, playing for UCLA head coach NFF Annual Awards Dinner the same night that John Wayne accepted the and assistant coaches Homer Smith, and Terry Donahue, also a NFF Gold Medal. future College Football Hall of Fame coach. “In today’s society, the scholar-athlete is indeed a rare breed,” Harmon Playing alongside future College Football Hall of Fame inductees Randy said in responding for the NFF Scholar-Athlete Class in 1973. “Not only Cross and , Harmon helped orchestrate a UCLA turnaround, does he excel on the field, but he competes in the classroom as well. … As quarterbacking the Bruins, who had finished 2-7-1 at eighth-place in the we gather here tonight to pay our respects to the men who made the great Pac-8 in 1971, to a combined 17-5 record in 1972 and 1973. In his first game American game of football what it is today, we hope that one day in the

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 34 FALL 2019 2019 NFF GOLD MEDAL RECIPIENT MARK HARMON, ACTOR & FORMER UCLA QUARTERBACK, TO RECEIVE NFF’S HIGHEST HONOR future some of us from the Class of ’74 might be fortunate enough to carry on the great tradition that has been passed down by the distinguished men in this room. If we do, it is because our universities gave us the chance, and the game of football has given us the principles.” After UCLA, Harmon declined professional football offers to instead pursue acting. He worked in advertising, as a shoe company rep and as a carpenter between acting gigs and appearing in Coors beer commercials. His hard work eventually paid off with a big break on NBC’s “St. Elsewhere” and the leading role of Dr. Robert Caldwell. His success continued on NBC’s police drama “Reasonable Doubts” starring as detective Dickey Cobb and CBS’s “ Hope” where he appeared as Dr. Jack McNeil. He also had memorable arcs on the hit shows “Moonlighting” and “” before landing the lead role of , a special agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, on CBS’ global favorite “NCIS.” The series has become part of television history, and it is approaching its 400th episode as it begins its 17th season this fall. The most-watched- scripted show on American television today and consistently ranked among the five highest-rated TV shows each year, “NCIS” is a TV juggernaut, MARK HARMON (second from right) was honored as an NFF National Scholar- attracting more than 15 million viewers each week throughout most of its run. Athlete in 1973, and he spoke on behalf of the class during the NFF Annual In 2011, Harmon became an executive producer on “NCIS,” and in 2014 Awards Dinner. He is seen here with former U.S. Senator and then-NFF President an idea he co-developed became the spinoff “NCIS: New Orleans,” which GEORGE MURPHY; his father, College Football Hall of Fame inductee and premiered on CBS with Harmon as an executive producer alongside Gary Heisman Trophy winner TOM HARMON (Michigan); and famed actor JOHN Glasberg. His big-screen credits include “Freaky Friday,” “Wyatt Earp,” WAYNE, who claimed the 1973 NFF Gold Medal. “The Presidio,” “Summer School” and “Stealing Home.” He has worked with Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Caine, , , , Allison Janney, Karl Malden, Patricia Arquette and Denzel Entertainment Industry Foundation, Oklahoma Kidz Charities Foundation, Washington, among countless other Hollywood notables. Oklahoma City Indian Clinic and The Children’s Center OKC. Harmon has received numerous accolades and award nominations From his time as a quarterback at UCLA until now, as an executive during his career, including being honored with a star on the Hollywood producer and star of the CBS hit series “NCIS,” Harmon has always treated Walk of Fame on Oct. 1, 2012, but he has always remained humble with teammates and production crews with familial respect and loyalty. an appreciation for the efforts of others. Quietly giving back, Harmon’s “I look at the show as a team,” Harmon said during a previous interview. charitable work includes Saving Bristol Bay, Stand Up To Cancer, Ronald “I’ve always been a team guy. I’m not in [acting] for the personal part of this, McDonald House Charities, Kids Wish Network, Clothes Off Our Back, and I wasn’t as an athlete either. It’s about the work and we all work together.”

MARK HARMON has gone on to a long, successful acting career, including starring roles as Dr. Robert Caldwell on “St. Elsewhere” and as Leroy Jethro Gibbs on “NCIS.” The latter series is consistently ranked among the five highest-rated TV shows each year, and its 17th season will debut in late September.

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 35 FALL 2019 2019 NFF JOHN L. TONER AWARD DEBORAH YOW – FORMER NC STATE, MARYLAND AND SAINT LOUIS ATHLETICS DIRECTOR

ecently retired NC State University Director of Athletics Deborah Yow has been named the 2019 recipient of the NFF John L. Toner Award. RPresented annually by the NFF since 1997, the John L. Toner Award recognizes athletics directors who have demonstrated superior administrative abilities and shown outstanding dedication to college athletics and particularly college football. The award is named in honor of its inaugural recipient the late John L. Toner, former athletics director and football coach at Connecticut and NCAA President. Yow will officially be honored Dec. 10 during the 62nd NFF Annual DEBORAH YOW, who recently retired after a successful tenure as the athletics Awards Dinner at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City. Yow, who director at NC State, will receive the 2019 NFF John L. Toner Award in December. has served on the NFF Board of Directors since 2008, becomes the first female recipient of the award. “Debbie Yow has left a lasting legacy during her career as an athletics director, and we felt it was fitting to honor her with the John L. Toner Award as she retires,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “Her leadership has spawned great success on the field and in the classroom at NC State, as well as at Maryland and Saint Louis. Her accomplishments place her at the forefront of her profession, and we look forward to honoring her impact on college athletics and the game of football in December.” Yow, the ACC’s first female athletics director, oversaw a program of 23 varsity sports from 2010-19 at NC State. After inheriting an athletics department that had just one team finish ranked in the top 25 in their respective sport the year prior to her arrival, a combined 40 teams have finished ranked in the last four years, including a program-best 12 in 2017-18. During her time in Raleigh, Yow made significant changes to the structure and branding of the athletics department. Her team established Wolfpack Sports Properties for multi-media rights with Learfield IMG College; a department-wide apparel agreement with Adidas; and a Five-Year Strategic Plan. She also led in the creation of the comprehensive NC State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012. She hired 17 new head coaches, including current football coach Dave DEBORAH YOW’s successful career also included stints as the athletics director Doeren in 2013, who has led the Wolfpack to back-to-back nine-win seasons at the University of Maryland and Saint Louis University. (2017-18), a top 25 ranking in 2017 and five straight bowl berths. Her tenure saw the induction of former NC State greats Ted Brown and Dennis Byrd into the College Football Hall of Fame, and she will be of Maryland from 1994-2010, the second longest tenure in school history. honored in December alongside 2019 inductee Torry Holt. The program Among her many hires was as football coach, who was also saw the recognition of quarterback Ryan Finley as an NFF National named consensus National Coach of the Year in 2001 after leading the Scholar-Athlete in 2018 for his combined effort on the field, in the Terps to the ACC championship and an appearance in the Orange Bowl. classroom and in the community. Her tenure saw the induction of former Terrapin greats Coach Jerry Since 2010, NC State has had 16 players honored, including a school- Claiborne, Stan Jones, Bob Pellegrini and Randy White into the College record five in 2019, as members of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society, which Football Hall of Fame is comprised of college football players from all divisions of play who each Under her leadership, Maryland’s 27 varsity programs won a remarkable maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college careers. 20 national championships and consistently graduated student-athletes, Facilities have been at the forefront of her tenure, and NC State opened including an all-time high federal graduation rate of 80 percent. the $14 million Close-King Indoor Practice Facility in 2015. She also oversaw Both Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal and the Chronicle of the $35 million renovation project to Reynolds Coliseum. Higher Education have cited Yow as being one of the 20 most influential A native of Gibsonville, North Carolina, Yow served as a high school people in college athletics. She was selected to serve on the President’s coach before becoming the women’s basketball coach at the University U.S. Department of Education Commission on Opportunities in Athletics of Kentucky. She also served as the head coach at Oral Roberts University to review the status of Federal Title IX regulations. She earlier served and the before switching career paths to become an as the chair of the ACC Committee on Television, which is charged with administrator at both Florida and UNC Greensboro. overseeing the league’s TV contracts and other related broadcast issues. In 1990, Yow began a four-year tenure as athletics director at Saint Yow holds a bachelor’s degree from Elon University and a master’s Louis University. She then served as athletics director at the University degree from Liberty University. She is married to Dr. William W. Bowden.

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 36 FALL 2019 2019 NFF CHRIS SCHENKEL AWARD ELI GOLD, VOICE OF THE ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

niversity of Alabama broadcaster Eli Gold will be the recipient of the 2019 NFF Chris Schenkel Award. He will officially be honored UDec. 10 during the 62nd NFF Annual Awards Dinner at the New York Hilton Midtown. Presented annually since 1996, the award recognizes individuals who have had long, distinguished careers broadcasting college football with direct ties to a specific university. The award is named in honor of its inaugural recipient Chris Schenkel, the longtime ABC Sports broadcaster who emceed the NFF Annual Awards Dinner for 28 consecutive years from 1968 to 1995. “Eli Gold has been the iconic ‘Voice of the Crimson Tide’ for more than 30 years, broadcasting some of the most memorable games for one of the most successful football programs in college football history,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “His calls of ‘Touchdown Alabama!’ are a familiar and beloved sound to the Crimson Tide faithful each fall. We are pleased to honor him with the 2019 NFF Chris Schenkel Award in recognition of his distinguished career.” Gold will enter his 31st season as the “Voice of the Crimson Tide” in 2019, ELI GOLD has served as the “Voice of the Crimson Tide” for more than 30 years having started his time calling Alabama football games in 1989. He also serves as the play-by-play commentator for Alabama basketball and hosts “Hey Coach & The Show” on the Crimson Tide Sports Network (2010) and linebacker DeMeco Ryans (2005). every Thursday during the football season. Gold has had multiple color analysts join him in the Crimson Tide booth. With Gold on the call, the Crimson Tide have claimed six national titles in He worked a decade with Doug Layton as his color analyst and another eight championship game appearances, nine SEC championships and bowl 12 years with former Alabama quarterback Kenny Stabler. Most recently, games in all but four of his 30 seasons. he worked nearly a decade with color man Phil Savage before calling the In 1992, the Crimson Tide, led by College Football Hall of Fame coach 2018 season alongside another former Crimson Tide quarterback, John , finished 13-0 and won the national championship game Parker Wilson. against Miami (Florida). Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Gold started his sports Gold was also on the call for Coach Nick Saban’s three BCS broadcasting career in 1972, working as a weekend sports reporter with Championship wins following the 2009, 2011 and 2012 seasons and the the Mutual Broadcasting System. two College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship wins after the Gold has handled various other play-by-play assignments over the years. 2015 and 2017 seasons. He was the primary voice of NASCAR for 41 years. He has also served as In a video for AL.com, Gold recalled his five favorite calls from his the voice of the St. Louis Blues, , UAB Blazers basketball illustrious career, including three calls from those national championship and minor league baseball team while calling Arena games. During the against Texas, he called Marcell Dareus’ Football League games, NFL games and college football bowl games for recovery of a shovel pass for a touchdown and closed the game saying, multiple outlets. “The roses in this grand old stadium are once again crimson!” Gold was previously the sports director for WERC Radio in Birmingham, As his No. 1 favorite call, Gold ranks ’s 41-yard touchdown Alabama, where he hosted a nightly sports call-in show, “Calling All Sports.” pass to DeVonta Smith on second-and-26 in overtime to defeat Georgia in He then served as sports director with WBRC-TV Channel 6 in Birmingham, the CFP National Championship following the 2017 season. where he anchored three sportscasts each evening and hosted a weekly Gold’s other memorable calls included game-winning blocked field goals call-in show, “Sports Talk With Eli.” at Penn State in 1989 and against Tennessee at home in 2009, as well A five-time Alabama Sportscaster of the Year, Gold is enshrined in as running back T.J. Yeldon’s touchdown at LSU in 2012 that sealed the the State of Alabama Sports and the College of Crimson Tide’s comeback victory. Communication and Information Sciences halls of fame. The , Alabama’s annual game against archrival Auburn, has Gold has authored three books: “Crimson Nation,” a history of Alabama also produced many memorable moments during Gold’s tenure in the football; “Bear’s Boys,” the story of 36 former Alabama players who share booth. In an interview with Tide 102.9 FM, he listed the Crimson Tide’s first the lessons they learned from legendary Hall of Fame coach Paul “Bear” trip to Auburn in 1989; Freddie Kitchens’ touchdown pass to Dennis Riddle Bryant; and “From Peanuts to the Press Box,” an autobiography. in 1996; and the program’s first ever win in Jordan-Hare Stadium in 1999 Gold and his wife, Claudette, reside in Birmingham, Alabama, and Ocean among his most memorable games to call in the historic series. Isle Beach, North Carolina, and have a daughter, Elise. In addition to Coach Stallings, his time on the mic in Tuscaloosa included Gold becomes the fifth NFF Chris Schenkel Award recipient from a team the final season of College Football Hall of Famer in 1988. currently in the SEC, joining Jack Cristil (Mississippi State – 1997), Larry Gold also called games featuring three NFF National Scholar-Athletes in Munson (Georgia – 2003), Jim Hawthorne (LSU – 2015) and Dave South 2012 Campbell Trophy® recipient Barrett Jones, quarterback Greg McElroy (Texas A&M – 2018).

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 37 FALL 2019 COLLEGE FOOTBALL CELEBRATES 150TH ANNIVERSARY FULL SLATE OF ACTIVITIES SET TO HIGHLIGHT THE “GOOD IN THE GAME”

®

s college football celebrates 150 years in 2019, The National of millions of fans, and it has grown significantly over the years with new Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame highlighted the teams constantly added and more than 80,000 student-athletes slated to numerous activities taking place in the coming months that will pay play for college programs this fall. Ahomage to the sport and its legacy of creating educational opportunities; “So, I think it’s safe to say that college football has become an integral building leaders; and enriching communities. Click here for a full list of part of our national landscape, worthy of a major celebration during the CFB150 events and initiatives planned for the 2019 season. upcoming season. Many of the key leaders of our sport have worked hard “More than 5.33 million people have played college football since the to put such a plan in motion, and we want to thank everybody involved in first game between Princeton and Rutgers on Nov. 6, 1869,” said NFF preparing for the game’s 150th anniversary.” Chairman Archie Manning. “Included in that number are many of our The College Football 150th Anniversary (CFB150) non-profit, headed nation’s greatest leaders, who often cite their gridiron experiences as the by Executive Director Kevin Weiberg, was launched to stage several key to their success. Additionally, the sport is annually enjoyed by tens initiatives to commemorate the milestone, and several organizations have

NFF 150TH ANNIVERSARY TEAM OF EXCELLENCE

Comprised of NFF Board Members who played football and have gone on to great success in life, the committee members are:

Archie Manning, Team Captain • (UCLA) • (Ohio State) • Carl Allegretti (Butler) • Jeff Immelt (Dartmouth) • Barry Alvarez (Nebraska) • Jerry Jones (Arkansas) • Ray Anderson (Stanford) • Lincoln Kennedy (Washington) • Bill Battle (Alabama) • Robert Kraft (Columbia) • Joe Castiglione (Maryland) • Jack Lengyel (Akron) • Kevin Clifford (Wabash [IN]) • (USC) • Gene DeFilippo (Springfield [MA]) • Kevin Plank (Maryland) • Bill Emerson (Penn State) • George Pyne (Brown) • Bob Epling (Furman) • Corby Robertson (Texas) • Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern) • (Navy) • Jack Ford (Yale) • (USC) • Thom Gatewood (Notre Dame) • John Swofford (North Carolina) • Rick George (Illinois) • Rod West (Notre Dame) • (Washington & Jefferson [PA])

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 38 FALL 2019 COLLEGE FOOTBALL CELEBRATES 150TH ANNIVERSARY FULL SLATE OF ACTIVITIES SET TO HIGHLIGHT THE “GOOD IN THE GAME”

Open now and throughout the anniversary season, the CFB150 Specialty Exhibit at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame features countless rare artifacts covering all 150 years of college football.

announced their own plans for celebrating the 150th anniversary. Joining the effort, the NFF has established a special ceremonial committee, the NFF 150th Anniversary Team of Excellence, which is comprised of NFF Board Members who played football and have gone on to great success in life, to oversee the organization’s plans. “The NFF has been in the vanguard of promoting the game for the past 73 years,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “And we wanted to take a leadership role in celebrating the 150th anniversary, including providing the office space for CFB150 at our corporate headquarters; staging events at the Hall in Atlanta; and incorporating the milestone into all of our key messaging whenever possible. It’s a great opportunity for us to reflect on all of the amazing opportunities college football creates for the young people and the countless regions across the country who are enriched by having programs in their communities.” The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, which is run by CEO Dennis Adamovich, has several initiatives. The CFB150 Specialty The CFB150 logo will appear on uniform patches, helmet decals, field stencils, Exhibit, delivered by UPS, represents the most extensive project at the public service announcements, TV telecasts, social media channels and numerous Hall. Open now and throughout the anniversary season, the special exhibit other places during the season. features dirt from the field where the first game in 1869 took place; the revised NCAA rule book after the 45 fatalities that took place between 1900-05; the first penalty flag ever used from 1941; and countless other rare historic 2019 season. artifacts covering all 150 years of college football. CFB150 has also planned a special celebration week to commemorate Numerous organizations have planned a variety of different activations the anniversary of the first game, which took place on Nov. 6, 1869, between that will amplify the anniversary messages and build overall awareness for Rutgers and Princeton in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Running from the effort. The special CFB150 logo has been widely circulated, and it will Oct. 31 to Nov. 9, the CFB150 Anniversary Week will feature a special appear on uniform patches, helmet decals, field stencils, public service event at Rutgers in Piscataway, New Jersey, on Nov. 6 and a tribute game announcements, TV telecasts, social media channels and numerous other between Miami (Ohio) and Ohio in Athens, Ohio. places during the season. The NFL will also take part in CFB150 Anniversary Week with a special Several neutral site games at both the FCS and FBS levels have tribute to college football during the Nov. 4 Monday Night Football Game committed to highlight the anniversary with in-stadium promotions during between the and the New York Giants in East Rutherford, their games. The NCAA, the CFP and the bowl games have similar plans New Jersey. Celebration week will conclude with Princeton playing during their respective championship games, which will conclude the Dartmouth at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York, on Nov. 9.

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 39 FALL 2019 THE MacARTHUR BOWL CLEMSON ACCEPTS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY AT THE HALL IN ATLANTA

resented to every national champion since 1959, the National Football Foundation’s MacArthur Bowl represents the pinnacle of team achievement in college sports. No other trophy boasts its rich Phistory and better symbolizes teamwork, coordinated effort, dedication, discipline and the desire to win. On April 24, the NFF formally presented Clemson and head coach Dabo Swinney with the MacArthur Bowl during a ceremony at the Chick- fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. With its 2018 title, Clemson has now claimed the MacArthur Bowl three times in the school’s history. The Tigers previously won the MacArthur Bowl at the end of the 2016 season under Swinney and in 1981 under College Football Hall of Fame coach . Swinney also won the MacArthur Bowl as a player for Alabama in 1992. “What an amazing honor to be associated with this really cool trophy,” Swinney said while accepting the MacArthur Bowl. “[General MacArthur] always talked about how preparedness is the key to success and victory. We really believe in that … I always say championships are won when nobody is watching. Championships are won when the stands are empty. “This football team was special from day one. I knew last spring that we were in for some type of special run because our best players were people like [2018 NFF Campbell Trophy® recipient] Christian Wilkins. They’re great people first, and players second. They’re great human beings, great well- The MacArthur Bowl on display at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame rounded men, great students, great leaders … I’m just so proud of that team in Atlanta. (Photo by Kat Goduco Photography) and really honored to be here today to be a part of this presentation once again. And hopefully we’ll be able to do it a few more times before they send me off on my way.” PAST WINNERS The presentation of the MacArthur Bowl took place during a special event at the Hall of Fame. SEC Network analyst Tony Barnhart emceed the event, 1959 - Syracuse 1989 - Miami (FL) which also included remarks from NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell and 1960 - Minnesota 1990 - Colorado Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame CEO Dennis Adamovich 1961 - Alabama 1991 - Washington Named in honor of early NFF leader General Douglas MacArthur, the 1962 - Southern California 1992 - Alabama trophy features his famous quote: “There is no substitute for victory,” and 1963 - Texas 1993 - Florida State each year a new name is etched alongside the greatest teams of all time. 1964 - Notre Dame 1994 - Nebraska The trophy, a replica of a football stadium, features miniature goal posts 1965 - Michigan State 1995 - Nebraska and archways with space to engrave the names of 100 championship 1966 - Michigan State, Notre Dame 1996 - Florida teams. Handcrafted by Tiffany & Co. and valued at more than six figures, 1967 - Southern California 1997 - Michigan it took eight months to make. The trophy was the gift of an anonymous 1968 - Ohio State 1998 - Tennessee 1969 - Texas donor who shared in MacArthur’s belief that “Upon the fields of friendly 1999 - Florida State 1970 - Ohio State, Texas 2000 - Oklahoma strife are sown the seeds that upon other fields, on other days, will bear 1971 - Nebraska 2001 - Miami (FL) the fruits of victory.” 1972 - Southern California 2002 - Ohio State Since the start of the College Football Playoff (CFP) era in 2014, the 1973 - Notre Dame 2003 - LSU winner of the CFP National Championship is automatically declared the 1974 - Southern California 2004 - Vacated winner of the MacArthur Bowl, as was the winner of the BCS National 1975 - Oklahoma 2005 - Texas Championship Game from 1998 until 2013. Prior to 1998 during the poll 1976 - Pittsburgh 2006 - Florida era of college football, the NFF Awards Committee selected the winner of 1977 - Notre Dame 2007 - LSU the trophy. 1978 - Alabama 2008 - Florida The CFP Trophy is immediately awarded on the field after the national 1979 - Alabama 2009 - Alabama championship game while the MacArthur Bowl is presented later in the 1980 - Georgia 2010 - Auburn year. Both trophies are on display at the College Football Hall of Fame. 1981 - Clemson 2011 - Alabama 1982 - Penn State 2012 - Alabama Twenty-four different schools have claimed the MacArthur Bowl at least 1983 - Miami (FL) 2013 - Florida State once during its 59-year history. Alabama has hoisted it the most, claiming 1984 - Brigham Young 2014 - Ohio State it nine times. Notre Dame is second with five wins while Ohio State, Miami 1985 - Oklahoma 2015 - Alabama (Florida), Southern California and Texas have each etched their names 1986 - Penn State 2016 - Clemson four times on the trophy. Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Nebraska and 1987 - Miami (FL) 2017 - Alabama Oklahoma each boast being three-time recipients. Clemson, LSU, Michigan 1988 - Notre Dame 2018 - Clemson State and Penn State have each won the trophy twice.

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 40 FALL 2019 THE MacARTHUR BOWL AND NFF DIVISIONAL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHIES

Head coach DABO SWINNEY accepted the MacArthur Bowl on behalf of his 2018 national champion Clemson Tigers during an April ceremony at the Chick- fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. From L-R: NFF President & CEO STEVE HATCHELL, Coach SWINNEY, College Football Hall of Fame CEO DENNIS ADAMOVICH and SEC Network analyst TONY BARNHART. (Photo by Kat Goduco Photography)

At the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas, on Jan. 7, Director of Membership RON DILATUSH presented the NFF’s divisional national championship trophies to the coaches of the 2018 winning teams. L-R: Division III: Mary Hardin–Baylor (TX) head coach PETE FREDENBURG; FCS: North Dakota State head coach CHRIS KLIEMAN (now the head coach at Kansas State); DILATUSH; Division II: Valdosta State (GA) head coach (now the offensive coordinator at South Florida); NAIA: Morningside (IA) head coach STEVE RYAN.

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 41 FALL 2019 GENERAL DOUGLAS MacARTHUR’S DESK ON DISPLAY FAMED ARTIFACT FROM AT COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME

s part of the celebration of the 150th anniversary of college “Waldorf Astoria New York has historically been synonymous with football, Anbang Insurance Group (Anbang), the owner of some of society’s most influential moments, cultivating an outstanding Waldorf Astoria New York, is loaning the desk of General Douglas catalog of artifacts over its lifetime,” says Andrew Miller, Executive AMacArthur for a display at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Director of Real Estate Development at Anbang. “As Waldorf Astoria New Atlanta. On display since July 3, the desk showcases the famous military York undergoes this major revitalization effort, we’re extremely pleased leader’s ties to the National Football Foundation, the game of football that General MacArthur’s desk will be included in an exciting showcase and the historic property. curated by the National Football Foundation, for fans of both history and “General Douglas MacArthur ranks among our nation’s greatest leaders,” sports to appreciate.” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “His deep appreciation for the game of “Throughout its history, Waldorf Astoria New York has been a home to football and the values it instills in our nation’s young people led him to take many significant figures, including General MacArthur,” said Dino Michael, on a leadership role with the National Football Foundation in the 1950s and global brand head, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts. “The property is filled 1960s. The exhibit at the Hall in Atlanta will allow visitors an opportunity to with historical treasures that we are working hard to preserve, and as learn more about the iconic general and his role in helping the NFF fulfill its we prepare for the property’s reopening, we are proud to share General mission of protecting the game for future generations.” MacArthur’s desk with the College Football Hall of Fame.” After returning from World War II, the reconstruction of Japan and In addition to serving as the home to General MacArthur and his wife, serving in Korea, General MacArthur lived with his wife Jean at Waldorf Waldorf Astoria New York and its majestic Grand Ballroom provided the Astoria New York from April 20, 1951, until his passing on April 5, 1964. stage for the NFF Annual Awards Dinner for a consecutive 58 years, from The desk became a fixture in the MacArthur Suite after their residency 1959 through 2016, when the property began renovations. A total of 1,026 as a favorite artifact for VIP guests to see and admire. The hotel was College Football Hall of Fame inductees, 828 NFF National Scholar-Athletes purchased by Anbang in 2014 but will continue to be operated by Hilton and numerous major award recipients, including General MacArthur, all as part of a 100-year management agreement. The property is currently claimed their honors at Waldorf Astoria New York. The venue and the event undergoing a complete renovation and restoration with plans to reopen became intensely intertwined, often making NFF history synonymous with in 2021. the distinguished location. Following the Hall of Fame showcase, the vintage desk will return to General MacArthur remained active in the NFF until his death in 1964, Waldorf Astoria New York, where it will be housed alongside a variety of attending the annual dinner at Waldorf Astoria New York and serving on other notable artifacts, including the famed Cole Porter Steinway piano, the advisory board, and he insisted on the building of a Hall as a powerful President John F. Kennedy’s rocking chair and the World’s Fair Clock Tower. “symbol” for the NFF. The appearance of his desk in Atlanta now becomes Waldorf Astoria New York will feature approximately 350 hotel rooms and a fitting tribute to his vision of a building that immortalizes the game’s 375 luxury residences when it reopens in 2021. greatest legends.

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 42 FALL 2019 2019 NFL DRAFT 2018 CAMPBELL TROPHY® RECIPIENT CHRISTIAN WILKINS IS FIRST ROUND NFL DRAFT PICK

2018 Campbell Trophy® recipient CHRISTIAN WILKINS (Clemson) almost knocks down NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL in excitement after being selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 13th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

he 2019 NFL Draft was held in Nashville, Tennessee, April NFF CAMPBELL TROPHY® RECIPIENTS IN THE NFL DRAFT 25-27. Clemson All-America defensive lineman Christian Wilkins, the 2018 NFF Campbell Trophy® recipient, was Name (Year Honored, School) NFL Team Year Drafted Round Pick Tselected with the 13th overall pick in the first round of the Draft by Brad Culpepper (1991, Florida) 1992 10 264 the Miami Dolphins. Robert Zatechka (1994, Nebraska) New York Giants 1995 4 128 Wilkins, who was among 23 prospects in attendance and Bobby Hoying (1995, Ohio State) 1996 3 85 almost knocked over NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during Danny Wuerffel (1996, Florida) 1997 4 99 a memorable entrance, became the sixth Campbell Trophy® Peyton Manning (1997, Tennessee) 1998 1 1 recipient to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. He is also Matt Stinchcomb (1998, Georgia) Oakland Raiders 1999 1 18 the 18th recipient of the award taken all-time. Chad Pennington (1999, Marshall) 2000 1 18 Six members of the 2018 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class/ Kyle Vanden Bosch (2000, Nebraska) 2001 2 34 Campbell Trophy® finalists were also drafted, including: Joaquin Gonzalez (2001, Miami [FL]) 2002 7 227 Craig Krenzel (2003, Ohio State) 2004 5 148 Ryan Finley (North Carolina State) Brian Leonard (2006, Rutgers) St. Louis Rams 2007 2 52 – , Fourth Round Alex Mack (2008, California) Cleveland Browns 2009 1 21 Tim Tebow (2009, Florida) 2010 1 25 Trace McSorley (Penn State) Sam Acho (2010, Texas) Arizona Cardinals 2011 4 103 – , Sixth Round Barrett Jones (2012, Alabama) St. Louis Rams 2013 4 113 Dalton Risner (Kansas State) John Urschel (2013, Penn State) Baltimore Ravens 2014 5 175 – Denver Broncos, Second Round Micah Kiser (2017, Virginia) 2018 5 147 Max Scharping (Northern Illinois) Christian Wilkins (2018, Clemson) Miami Dolphins 2019 1 13 – Houston Texans, Second Round Easton Stick (North Dakota State) – Los Angeles Chargers, Fifth Round Drue Tranquill (Notre Dame) – Los Angeles Chargers, Fourth Round

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 43 FALL 2019 NEW FOOTBALL SCHOOLS 775 COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES NOW OFFERING FOOTBALL

he planning and preparation of four football programs will come to fruition as they begin intercollegiate play this fall: Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa; Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, New THampshire; St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida; and Wheeling University in Wheeling, West Virginia. The number of schools playing NCAA football (FBS, FCS, DII and DIII) has steadily increased by 188 schools from 484 in 1978 to 669 in 2018. Adding NAIA and independent schools playing football and schools launching programs in the coming years, there are now 775 colleges and universities offering students an opportunity to play college football. In the past six seasons alone (2013-18), 37 football programs have been added by NCAA or NAIA institutions. Only 14 football programs have been dropped during the same span, including two at schools that closed, three at schools that dropped all or most of their athletics programs and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which returned in the NAIA’s Mid-South Conference in The Sun Division. to the gridiron in 2017. The addition of football and a marching band will help to increase the The 73 programs that have added football from 2008-18 have enrollment at the university, which currently sits just under 5,000 students. combined for two national championships, 46 conference titles and St. Thomas officials also believe in the impact football can have on our next 65 postseason appearances. All 775 schools that offer football will be generation, including university president David A. Armstrong, who played represented on the three-story helmet wall at the Chick-fil-A College football at Mercyhurst University (Pennsylvania). Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. “Football is more than a game,” Armstrong said when the announcement The rationale for adding football varies at each institution, and an in- was made. “Football has taught me some of the most important lessons in depth study plays a critical role in finding the right level of play and the my life — hard work, discipline, a positive attitude — which all lead to great proper financial balance. Small colleges may cite increasing enrollment team work and success. Those are all the things that can be taught and and addressing gender imbalances while larger universities might highlight learned through programs like football and marching band. And all these the role of football in raising the institution’s profile and its ability to attract things are things this country needs today.” research grants. All mention creating a more vibrant on-campus community After playing a successful exhibition schedule in 2018, Wheeling and connecting with alumni. University is looking forward to a full varsity slate in 2019 as a member of Clarke University, which announced the launch of its program in 2015, NCAA Division II’s Mountain East Conference. will see its hard work pay off this fall when the Pride play in the first football Five additional schools have announced the launch of future teams game in the university’s 175-year history as a member of the NAIA’s Heart since last fall: Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina; Madonna of America Athletic Conference. University in Livonia, Michigan; Judson University in Elgin, Illinois; Mount With an enrollment just under 2,000, Franklin Pierce University has Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota; and Florida Memorial University fielded a sprint football team (all players weighing less than 178 pounds) in Miami Gardens, Florida. Including previously announced programs since 2012. In February 2018, the university announced it would begin at Barton College in Wilson, North Carolina, and Keystone College in La transitioning to an NCAA Division II program, and the Ravens will join the Plume, Pennsylvania, seven more football teams are set to take the field for Northeast-10 Conference in the sport this fall. the first time between 2020 and 2022. St. Thomas University, a private Catholic university, will take the gridiron In August 2018, Erskine College announced the relaunch of its football for the first time this fall less than a year after announcing the launch of its program, which had been discontinued in 1951. The Flying Fleet will kick football team and marching band in August 2018. The Bobcats will compete off their inaugural season in 2020 at the NCAA Division II level under head

PROGRAMS LAUNCHING IN 2019

Clarke University (IA) – NAIA Franklin Pierce University (NH) – NCAA Division II

St. Thomas University (FL) – NAIA Wheeling University (WV) – NCAA Division II

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 44 FALL 2019 NEW FOOTBALL SCHOOLS 775 COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES NOW OFFERING FOOTBALL coach Shap Boyd, who, among other stops, previously helped launch the 1984. The search for a head coach is under way, and the Lancers currently Southeastern University (Florida) football team in 2014 as an assistant plan to take the field for their inaugural season in 2022 in the NAIA’s Great coach. The small Christian college believes the addition of football supports Plains Athletic Conference. its institutional mission and will help it expand its reach. The team will play its games at Crane-Youngworth Field, which boasts a Also in August of 2018, Madonna University announced it will new turf playing surface, and will practice on land recently purchased by begin play in 2020 at the NAIA level and join the Mid-States Football the college with funds donated in December. In May, Mount Marty broke Association in 2021. The addition of football has been in the planning ground on a new $15 million, 100,000-square-foot fieldhouse that will be stages for several years. utilized by the football program, as well as other sports and the Yankton The plan is for 2019-20 to be a redshirt season, during which Madonna’s community. It is estimated that around 100 additional students will be team would practice before holding an inaugural spring game in 2020. The brought in to fill the football roster. team will be led by Brian Foos, who helped launch football programs at “We’re extremely excited to bring college football back to Yankton after both Lindsey Wilson College (Kentucky) and Ohio Dominican University as a 35-year absence, and we look forward to the growth it will foster,” Mount an assistant coach. Marty president Dr. Marcus Long said in a press release. “As we drive our “Football has the opportunity to be a driving force for our department enrollment upward, more students will experience our outstanding Catholic, moving forward,” Madonna director of athletics Scott Kennell said in Benedictine education and the enrollment increases at the college will help a press release. “It is a great way for us to build a larger community economic development in the region. It’s a win-win.” fan base for Madonna Athletics and can lead to other opportunities for In May 2019, Florida Memorial University, a historically black university students such as cheerleading, competitive dance and a marching band in Miami Gardens, Florida, became the latest institution to announce the — all of which we are currently looking into. … This will be a wonderful addition of football. The Lions previously played football from 1929-58, and experience not only for the student-athletes who come here to continue their last game was a win over Albany State (Georgia). Florida Memorial will their education and compete on the intercollegiate level, but also for our look to play its first season in the NAIA in 2020. entire student body, alumni and Livonia community as a whole. Football Ernest T. Jones, a former Alcorn State football player and longtime coach is going to bring visibility to our campus, and in return, enhance the with head coaching stints at Alcorn State and Morgan State, made the university and the local communities.” return of the sport one of his goals after taking over as the university’s In October 2018, Judson University announced the addition of football athletics director earlier in the month of May. as the school’s 20th sport. The Eagles will kick off their inaugural season in “Football is more than just a game, it brings immeasurable value in uniting 2021 as a member of the NAIA’s Mid-States Football Association, and the people and having a social and cultural impact on the community and quality team unveiled its first recruiting class in April. The Judson football team will of life of our residents,” said Miami Gardens mayor Oliver G. Gilbert III. be led by head coach Brandon New, who is fresh off a successful 18-year Barton College (North Carolina) and Keystone College (Pennsylvania), run as a high school football coach in the Chicago area. the two other schools that previously announced the additions of “I am beyond blessed to have this opportunity to build a football program football, have made progress toward their inaugural seasons in 2020. from the ground up,” New said in a press release. “Being a local product, Barton unveiled its inaugural recruiting class in February, and the college both born and raised, makes Judson feel like the perfect fit. I cannot wait entered into a football scheduling agreement with the South Atlantic to get the surrounding communities involved and as excited about Judson Conference for its first two seasons, allowing it to complete a full NCAA football as I am. This program will open the door to many student-athletes Division II schedule. looking to continue their education and athletics careers.” Keystone will be preparing for its inaugural season in 2020 by playing an In April, Mount Marty College joined the ranks of schools announcing eight-game club team schedule this fall. The college will soon break ground future football programs. With just over 1,000 students enrolled, the college on a locker room that is expected to be completed before players arrive to believes that football will bring more students to the “football-crazy town” start practices in August, and stadium expansion is still planned on campus that has been without a college team since the close of Yankton College in for the 2020 season.

PROGRAMS LAUNCHING IN 2020 AND BEYOND

Barton College (NC) — Erskine College (SC) — Florida Memorial University — Keystone College (PA) — NCAA Division II, 2020 NCAA Division II, 2020 NAIA, 2020 NCAA Division III, 2020

Madonna University (MI) — Judson University (IL) — Mount Marty College (SD) — NAIA, 2020 NAIA, 2021 NAIA, 2022

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 45 FALL 2019 NFF HAMPSHIRE HONOR SOCIETY SOCIETY SETS RECORDS FOR NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND SCHOOLS IN 13TH YEAR

he NFF Hampshire Honor Society continued to grow as it celebrated its 13th year in 2019 NFF HAMPSHIRE HONOR SOCIETY 2019, as an all-time high 1,678 players from An all-time high of 1,678 players from a record 430 schools qualified Ta record 430 schools qualified for membership. for membership in the Society’s 13th year, including: Those marks break the previous records of 1,274 honorees and 308 schools set in 2018. “The prestige of the Hampshire Honor Society continues to increase each year,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “Over the past decade, it has become a powerful vehicle for schools to recognize their college football NFF Chairman Emeritus players who have distinguished themselves JON F. HANSON Photo by Darrell Hoemann Photo by Darrell both academically and athletically, and we Babbitt Photo by Troy Hokanson Photo by Paul congratulate the record number of schools and each of these young men NICK ALLEGRETTI NICO EVANS TYREE JACKSON for their commitment to excellence.” Illinois Wyoming Buffalo Designed to highlight football’s unique ability to develop tomorrow’s brightest leaders, The NFF Hampshire Honor Society honors the college football players from all divisions of play who each maintain a 3.2 GPA or better during their collegiate careers. Looking to build on his legacy in promoting the scholar-athlete ideal, NFF Chairman Emeritus Jon F. Hanson endowed in perpetuity the NFF Hampshire Honor Society through his real estate company, the Hampshire Companies, and its charitable arm, the Hampshire Foundation, in 2007. Since its inception, 10,695 student-

athletes have earned membership. Athletics Photo by Duke Photo by Doug Austin Twenty-three schools had at least 10 honorees in 2019: Amherst ISEOLUWAPO JEGEDE DANIEL JONES KYRAN Valdosta State (GA) Duke McKINNEY-CRUDDEN (Massachusetts), Brown, Butler, Carroll (Wisconsin), Central (Iowa), Dayton, Dartmouth Drake, Harvard, Johns Hopkins (Maryland), Macalester (Minnesota), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Minnesota Duluth, Nebraska Wesleyan, Ohio Northern, Pacific Lutheran (Washington), Pomona-Pitzer (California), Princeton, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (New York), Saint John’s (Minnesota), Springfield (Massachusetts), Washington University in St. Louis (Missouri), Western New England (Massachusetts) and Westfield State (Massachusetts). Division III’s Saint John’s (Minnesota) led all schools in 2019 with 20 Photo by Elon Athletics honorees. Brigham Young and Vanderbilt led all FBS schools with seven Photo by Dean Hare GARDNER MINSHEW BEN POWERS OLI UDOH members each while Harvard topped the FCS with 16 honorees. Minnesota Washington State Oklahoma Elon Duluth was the Division II leader with 10 members and Doane (Nebraska) had the most honorees in the NAIA with nine. Twenty-nine colleges and universities have had at least one player in all 13 years of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society (2007-19), including Brigham Young, Brown, Bucknell, Colorado, Columbia, Dayton, Huntingdon (Alabama), Iowa, Johns Hopkins (Maryland), Kentucky, Lafayette, Minnesota, Minnesota Duluth, Montana, North Dakota, North Dakota State, Northern Iowa, Penn State, Redlands (California), Saint John’s (Minnesota), SMU, South Dakota State, Wartburg (Iowa), Washington University in St. Louis Photo by Kent Gidley Photo by Kent (Missouri), Wayne State (Michigan), West Virginia, Wingate (North Carolina), Photo by Phil Hoffmann ANDREW WOOD OSHANE XIMINES Yale and Youngstown State. Alabama Navy Old Dominion “It was my great privilege to endow the NFF Hampshire Honor Society, which has greatly increased the number of college student-athletes the NFF has been able to recognize during the past 13 years,” Hanson said. QUALIFICATIONS “Nationwide, there are thousands of football players excelling in the classroom, and they’re going on to be great leaders. The NFF Hampshire • Completed their final year of playing eligibility in 2018; Honor Society allows us to shine a light on their hard work.” o Graduated players, who have remaining eligibility but will not As NFF Chairman for 12 years, Hanson transformed the organization with return to collegiate play (e.g. declared for NFL Draft or retired from new procedures for governance and management. His many initiatives football), may also be nominated. included spearheading an endowment campaign for the NFF’s prestigious • Achieved a 3.2 cumulative grade point average throughout entire course National Scholar-Athlete Awards and opening up the College Football Hall of undergraduate study; of Fame to include players and coaches from the divisional ranks. In 2005, • Met all NCAA- or NAIA-mandated progress toward degree requirements; and the NFF honored him with its Gold Medal, the organization’s highest honor, for his contributions to our country and college football. • Been starters or significant contributors throughout the 2018 season.

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 46 FALL 2019 GET INVOLVED WITH THE NFF! MANY WAYS TO HELP NFF SHOWCASE THAT FOOTBALL MATTERS®

JOIN THE NFF The National Football Foundation Chapter Network, spread across 120 outposts in 47 states, serves as the pulse of a nationwide effort to encourage leadership, sportsmanship and academic excellence among America’s young football players. The first chapters began operation in the 1950s, and today more than 12,000 passionate members carry on the legacy of the early pioneers and help showcase that Football Matters®. Collectively, NFF chapters host more than 300 events each year while distributing $1 million in scholarships. The biggest benefit to NFF membership is receiving a vote on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot, which goes out annually in June. For your chance to make a difference and vote for your favorite college players, join the NFF today! Other benefits include supporting the game of football in your local area and at the national level; supporting your local chapter’s scholarship programs; promoting local football student-athletes for CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NFF! scholarships; receiving the quarterly NFF Footballetter digital magazine and other NFF news to your email address; and meeting College Football Hall of Fame inductees at special events.

DONATE TO THE NFF The NFF is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization, and your contribution may be eligible for tax benefits based on your individual circumstances. Make a donation today to help us demonstrate that Football Matters®! Click here to donate or contact NFF Director of Finance Sue Tuggle at 972-556-1000 or by email at [email protected] to learn how you can include the NFF in your annual gift planning.

NFF INSTITUTIONAL ACADEMIC MEMBERSHIP Each year, the NFF invites universities, colleges, conferences and bowl games from across the country to support its programs through its Institutional Academic Membership Program. The program allows the NFF to greatly enhance the power of football’s collective voice while actively building a stronger national platform for the game with community leaders, educators and the media. If you represent a college football institution, we ask that you consider joining our collective voice as part of this select group that sustains our efforts as NFF Institutional Academic Members. Email Ron Dilatush at [email protected] to learn about the benefits and how your school, conference or bowl game can become a 2019 Institutional Academic Member, joining Lifetime Members Duke and NC State.

NFF NATIONAL SCHOLAR-ATHLETE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Launched in 2008, the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Alumni Association provides a powerful vehicle for past honorees to remain in the vanguard of the NFF’s present efforts. Membership for the 2019 NFF National Scholar- Athlete Alumni Association is now open to all that have been honored by the program since it was launched in 1959. If you are a past NFF National Scholar-Athlete, we ask that you consider joining this group and supporting those who will follow in your footsteps. For more information on the program or to enroll for 2019, please email Ron Dilatush at [email protected].

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 47 FALL 2019 2019 NFF TEAM OF DISTINCTION RECOGNIZING THE BEST OF THE BEST FROM THE NFF’S NATIONWIDE CHAPTER NETWORK

rom a pool of 3,500 scholar-athletes, the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) recognized 82 members of the 2019 NFF Team of Distinction. As part of its mission to promote the scholar- Fathlete ideal, the initiative allows the NFF to honor the top high school scholar-athletes from around the country and the NFF Chapter Network as the best and the brightest at the local level. The members of the team all played their final high school season during the 2018-19 school year. As part of the award, all of the honorees will be part of a permanent digital display at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. Criteria to make the team include but are not limited to academic achievement, athletics accolades and community involvement. Each chapter is limited to one honoree, distinguishing them as the top scholar- athlete from all the high schools covered by the chapter. “This initiative allows us to shine a national spotlight on some of the most deserving high school student-athletes honored at the local level by our expansive Chapter Network,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “This honor is one of the most prestigious national awards that a high school player can receive, and it really brings into focus the phenomenal work that JORDAN WILLIAMS (center) was named the top scholar-athlete at the Collier our chapters do in identifying the most outstanding young leaders in their County (Florida) Chapter scholar-athlete banquet. He is pictured with Chapter communities. All 82 honorees are great examples for future generations president MATT SELLITTO and his head coach MIKE DiGRIGOLI. to emulate.”

EAST REGION HONOREES • Alec Rodriguez – Oakcrest H.S. in Mays 2019 NFF TEAM OF DISTINCTION • Ale x Barshaba – Staten Island Technical H.S. in Landing, New Jersey. Submitted by the South Staten Island, New York. Submitted by the New Jersey Chapter. • 82 Honorees York City Chapter. • Nathan Michael Rosahac – Jim Thorpe Area • 35 States Represented • Nick Campbell – Allentown H.S. in Allentown, H.S. in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. Submitted by • 4.0 Average GPA New Jersey. Submitted by the Delaware Valley the Lehigh Valley (PA) Chapter. • 72 Team Captains (NJ) Chapter. • Anthony Sofia – Randolph H.S. in Randolph, • 16 Valedictorians • Kevin Coleman – Pelham Memorial H.S. New Jersey. Submitted by the Greater Morris • 61 National Honor Society Members in Pelham, New York. Submitted by the County (NJ) Chapter. • 33 All-State Selections Westchester (NY) Chapter. • Noah Stansbury – Edison H.S. in Edison, New • 9 National Merit Honorees • Spencer Dimon – Williams Valley H.S. in Tower Jersey. Submitted by the Bill Denny/Rutgers FB City, Pennsylvania. Submitted by the Schuylkill/ Letterwinners (NJ) Chapter. • Andrew Hunt – Ladue Horton Watkins H.S. Pottsville (PA) Chapter. • Jacob Tribull – St. Mary’s H.S. in Annapolis, in St. Louis, Missouri. Submitted by the Tom • Tommy Friberg – State College Area H.S. in Maryland. Submitted by the Greater Baltimore Lombardo/St. Louis Chapter. State College, Pennsylvania. Submitted by the Chapter. • Kyran Husk – Benjamin Bosse H.S. in Evansville, Central Pennsylvania Chapter. Indiana. Submitted by the Southern Indiana • Ben Gerber – The Haverford School in MIDWEST REGION HONOREES Chapter. Haverford, Pennsylvania. Submitted by the • Will Cichowski – Lockport Township H.S. in • Jack Kiser – Pioneer Senior H.S. in Royal Philadelphia Chapter. Lockport, Illinois. Submitted by the Chicago Center, Indiana. Submitted by the Joe Tiller/ • Michael Janis – Winston Churchill H.S. in Metro Chapter. Northwest Indiana Chapter. Potomac, Maryland. Submitted by the National • Jonathon Eineman – Mooresville H.S. in • Jack Kosar – Gilmour Academy in Gates Capital (DC) Chapter. Mooresville, Indiana. Submitted by the Central Mills, Ohio. Submitted by the Mike Cleary/ • Simon Low – Glen Ridge H.S. in Glen Ridge, Indiana Chapter. Northeastern Ohio Chapter. New Jersey. Submitted by the Essex County • CJ Fisher – Mishawaka H.S. in Mishawaka, • Logan O’Brien – Fennimore H.S. in Fennimore, (NJ) Chapter. Indiana. Submitted by the Moose Krause (IN) Wisconsin. Submitted by the Wisconsin • Shaye McKenna – DePaul Catholic H.S. in Chapter. Chapter. Wayne, New Jersey. Submitted by the Passaic • CeAyre Hall – Withrow University H.S. in • Ethan Pritchard – Cadillac H.S. in Cadillac, County (NJ) Chapter. Cincinnati, Ohio. Submitted by the Greater Michigan. Submitted by the State of Michigan • Joe Munson – Valley Stream Central H.S. in Cincinnati Chapter. Chapter. Valley Stream, New York. Submitted by the NFF • Zach Harrison – Olentangy Orange H.S. in • Tavian Sanchez – Sergeant Bluff-Luton H.S. Nassau County (NY) Chapter. Lewis Center, Ohio. Submitted by the Columbus in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. Submitted by the Iowa (OH) Chapter. Chapter.

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 48 FALL 2019 2019 NFF TEAM OF DISTINCTION RECOGNIZING THE BEST OF THE BEST FROM THE NFF’S NATIONWIDE CHAPTER NETWORK

• Garsen Schorr – Kasson-Mantorville H.S. SOUTH REGION HONOREES • Joshua Youngblood – Berkeley Preparatory in Kasson, Minnesota. Submitted by the • Cade Ballard – Greeneville H.S. in Greeneville, School in Tampa, Florida. Submitted by the Minnesota Chapter. Tennessee. Submitted by the East Tennessee Tampa Chapter. • Latavion Scott – Bryant H.S. in Bryant, Chapter. Arkansas. Submitted by the Arkansas Chapter. • Brian Barber – Calvary Baptist Academy in WEST REGION HONOREES • Casey Scroggins – Huron H.S. in Huron, Ohio. Shreveport, Louisiana. Submitted by the S.M. • Ashton Authement – Notre Dame H.S. in Submitted by the Toledo Chapter. McNaughton (LA) Chapter. Riverside, California. Submitted by the Riverside • Austin Shoffner – Leavenworth H.S. in • Jack Buckley – Eagle’s Landing Christian County (CA) Chapter. Leavenworth, Kansas. Submitted by the Academy in McDonough, Georgia. Submitted • Colby Bowman – St. John Bosco H.S. in Sunflower (KS) Chapter. by the TD Club of Atlanta-NFF Chapter. Bellflower, California. Submitted by the Los • Cade Caldwell – George County H.S. in Angeles Chapter. NORTHEAST REGION HONOREES Lucedale, Mississippi. Submitted by the • Zachary Brentano – St. Paul H.S. in St. Paul, • Nick Annechino – Aquinas Institute of Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter. Oregon. Submitted by the Oregon Chapter. Rochester in Rochester, New York. Submitted • Nakobe Dean – Horn Lake H.S. in Horn Lake, • Joseph Chu – Foothill H.S. in Santa Ana, by the Rochester (NY) Chapter. Mississippi. Submitted by the University of California. Submitted by the Orange County • Tyler Bridge – Wells H.S. in Wells, Maine. Georgia Chapter. Chapter. Submitted by the State of Maine Chapter. • Carson Freimuth – Lubbock H.S. in Lubbock, • Isaac Hoidal – Stevenson H.S. in Stevenson, • Hunter Cusimano – Greenwich H.S. in Texas. Submitted by the Texas Tech Chapter. Washington. Submitted by the Clark County Greenwich, Connecticut. Submitted by the • Paul Game III – High Point Christian Academy (WA) Chapter. DeSantis-McDougall/Fairfield County (CT) in High Point, North Carolina. Submitted by the • Dusty Inness – Northwest Christian School in Chapter. Corrigan/Faircloth (NC) Chapter. Phoenix, Arizona. Submitted by the Valley of • Lucas Ferraro – Xaverian Brothers H.S. in • Lance Thomas Gaude Jr. – Cathedral School the Sun (AZ) Chapter. Westwood, Massachusetts. Submitted by the in Natchez, Mississippi. Submitted by the Miss/ • Timothy Jensen – Bellarmine Preparatory Jack Grinold/Eastern Massachusetts Chapter. Lou Chapter. School in Tacoma, Washington. Submitted by • Kevin Girardi – Daniel Hand H.S. in Madison, • Jake Gregory – Trousdale County H.S. in the Tacoma Pierce County (WA) Chapter. Connecticut. Submitted by the Casey-O’Brien/ Hartsville, Tennessee. Submitted by the Middle • Caden Johnson – Corner Canyon H.S. in New Haven (CT) Chapter. Tennessee Chapter. Draper, Utah. Submitted by the Utah Chapter. • Patrick Hagearty – Londonderry H.S. in • Chase Griffin – Hutto H.S. in Hutto, Texas. • Zac McPherson – Faith Lutheran H.S. in Las Londonderry, New Hampshire. Submitted by Submitted by the Greater Austin Chapter. Vegas, Nevada. Submitted by the Las Vegas the Joe Yukica/New Hampshire Chapter. • Samuel Habel – Stratford H.S. in Houston, Chapter. • Alex Halkias – Berlin H.S. in Berlin, Connecticut. Texas. Submitted by the Touchdown Club of • Barrett Miller – Eaglecrest H.S. in Centennial, Submitted by the Doc Boisoneau/Northern Houston Chapter. Colorado. Submitted by the Colorado Chapter. Connecticut Chapter. • William Harper – Thomas Jefferson H.S. in • Jack Oswald – Chaminade College Preparatory • Nicholas Helbig – Robert E. Fitch H.S. in Groton, Gretna, Louisiana. Submitted by the Allstate in West Hills, California. Submitted by the San Connecticut. Submitted by the Southeastern (LA) Chapter. Fernando Valley (CA) Chapter. Connecticut Chapter. • Jackson Harrison – Sullivan Central H.S. in • Hudson Andrew Potts – Kentlake H.S. in Kent, • Stratton Sherman – Schuylerville H.S. in Blountville, Tennessee. Submitted by the Washington. Submitted by the King County/ Schuylerville, New York. Submitted by the Mountain Empire (TN) Chapter. Seattle Chapter. Capital District (NY) Chapter. • Tyler Hunter – Whitehaven H.S. in Memphis, • Ivan Sanchez – Workman H.S. in City Of • Renwick Smith – St. Johnsbury Academy in Tennessee. Submitted by the Memphis Chapter. Industry, California. Submitted by the Pasadena/ St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Submitted by the • David Madzivanyika – Hillside H.S. in Durham, San Gabriel (CA) Chapter. Vermont Chapter. North Carolina. Submitted by the NFFCHOF Bill • Colby Schnayer – Campolindo H.S. in Moraga, • Lou Vigeant – Marlborough H.S. in Dooley (NC) Chapter. California. Submitted by the Northern California Marlborough, Massachusetts. Submitted by the • Keith Ramos – Miami Springs Senior H.S. in Chapter. Joe Mewhiney/Central Massachusetts Chapter. Miami Springs, Florida. Submitted by the Miami • Michael Shawcroft – Helix Charter H.S. in La • Michael Walsh – Moses Brown School in Touchdown Club Chapter. Mesa, California. Submitted by the Walter J. Providence, Rhode Island. Submitted by the • Zachary Reinert – Aledo H.S. in Aledo, Texas. Zable/San Diego Chapter. Emo DiNitto/Rhode Island Chapter. Submitted by the NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas • Kade Van Dyken – Big Horn H.S. in Big Horn, • Nathanial Wellington – Skaneateles H.S. in Chapter. Wyoming. Submitted by the Wyoming Chapter. Skaneateles, New York. Submitted by the • Nik Scalzo – Cardinal Gibbons H.S. in Fort • Cade Wyant – Rocklin H.S. in Rocklin, Central New York Chapter. Lauderdale, Florida. Submitted by the Brian California. Submitted by the Sacramento Valley • Homer Winston – Lee H.S. in Lee, Piccolo/Fort Lauderdale (FL) Chapter. (CA) Chapter. Massachusetts. Submitted by the Western • Jordan Williams – Golden Gate H.S. in Naples, Massachusetts Chapter. Florida. Submitted by the Collier County (FL) Chapter.

WWW.FOOTBALLFOUNDATION.ORG 49 FALL 2019 NFF SENIOR FOOTBALL SHOWCASES CONTINUE SUCCESS 1,800 HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS TAKE SHOT AT EARNING DIVISIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Former Purdue and NFL quarterback working with some of the high Participants receive instructions at the 11th Annual Academy Sports + Outdoors school players at the Seventh Annual California Showcase. Everett is one of many Houston Senior Football Showcase. former college and NFL stars who have volunteered at the events.

he NFF Senior Football Showcases, launched in 2009, continued Orange Bowl Showcase to Graceland University (Iowa); Cedric Whitaker, to expand their impact with participants receiving an estimated who garnered a scholarship at the 2011 Houston event to Texas Lutheran $6 million in tuition aid for their freshman year of college in 2019. and now coaches the cornerbacks at Houston Baptist; and Mitchell TThe highly successful events, which took place in Los Angeles, Houston, Nickovich, who was a two-time SCIAC All-Academic Team member from Charlotte, North Carolina, South Florida and Atlanta between Feb. 9 and the University of Redlands (California) after being recruited during the March 23, have firmly taken root in their communities as a path for high 2016 California Showcase. school seniors to earn academic and participation scholarships to play “The Showcase was a critical starting point for the journey to where I am college football. today,” Carter said. “One hundred percent, one day can change a life as The NFF Senior Football Showcases, which are absolutely free to long as you’re doing everything in your power to make it to the next level, both participants and college recruiters, provide academically eligible you’re going to have a shot. Part of that is investing in yourself and going to high school seniors who did not sign an NCAA Division I letter of intent something like a Senior Showcase like I did, because if you don’t invest in an opportunity to go through a series of drills in front of divisional college yourself then nobody will.” coaches from the NCAA Division II, III and the NAIA levels. In 2019, the Launched by a group of Houston coaches in 2009, the concept expanded events attracted representatives from 145 colleges covering 30 states, to Southern California in 2013 with Florida and North Carolina added in 2017. coupling them with more than 1,800 aspiring college players who earned An Atlanta event was added in 2019 behind the leadership of the children of millions of dollars in academic and participation scholarships. Mel Farr Sr., who plan to add a sixth event in in 2020. Collectively, the “The leaders in these five cities all deserve huge praise for their efforts organizers calculated the five events reached 1,800 seniors in 2019 with an to expand opportunities for kids to earn their college degrees with football estimated one-in-four receiving some kind of financial aid to go to college. opening the door,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “Their leadership has helped build a free system, literally providing thousands of Feb. 9 – The 11th Annual Academy Sports + Outdoors Houston Senior talented student-athletes the opportunity to continue their educations. The Football Showcase kicked off the events on Saturday, Feb. 9, at The Showcases provide a great path to college that previously did not exist. It’s Methodist Training Center next door to NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. a huge difference maker.” The originator of the Showcase concept, the event in Houston was Participants, who all have to meet minimum academic standards, founded by Phil Camp, the former head football coach at Milby High compete in a series of athletic drills designed to let divisional college School in Houston; Coby Rhoden, an academic coordinator at Houston coaches assess each player’s potential, including a 40-yard dash and Heights High School; Chris Vaughan, a member of the NFF Touchdown several agility and strength tests. The events allow the college recruiters a Club of Houston Chapter; and Daryl Wade, the former athletics director unique opportunity to evaluate a large number of qualified student-athletes for the Houston Independent School District. The Houston event receives in a short period while minimizing their travel costs. additional support from the Houston Texans and minority owner Javier The NFF Showcases have produced hundreds of success stories, Loya and the Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl and Executive including Jarell Carter who in 2017 became the first known NFF High Director David Fletcher. School Showcase participant to ever make an NFL roster with the Arizona Cardinals after landing a scholarship at the 2013 Houston event to Trinity Feb. 16 – The Third Annual Orange Bowl Florida High School Football International University (Illinois); Caleb Thomas, who set multiple NAIA Showcase, presented by Cleveland Clinic Florida, took place Saturday, records as a wide receiver after receiving a scholarship at the 2017 Feb. 16, at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida. The 2019

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The Third Annual Orange Bowl Florida High School Football Showcase attracted The Third Annual Carolinas Senior Football Showcase drew more than 100 more than 300 academically eligible high school seniors looking to earn student-athletes. scholarships from divisional schools.

South Florida event was led by the Orange Bowl Committee, President “Most of these types of events around the country charge a fee to & Chairman José C. Romano, CEO Eric Poms and NFF Board Member participate, excluding a lot of great kids who can’t afford the price of and Orange Bowl past president Bob Epling. Former University of admission,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “The NFF Showcases Miami Linebacker Tony Coley coordinated the on-field activities. Other provide all student-athletes, no matter their means, an opportunity to volunteers who have supported the event include , Channing pursue the dream of attending college, and it’s a highly cost-effective way Crowder, Matt Morrall and Jim Gainey (Florida), (Western for us to make a huge difference in the lives of hundreds of kids. Best of all Michigan), (Alabama), Henri Crockett (Florida State), the impact has been nothing short of phenomenal.” Glenn Blackwood (Texas), Twan Russell (Miami), Patrick Surtain (Southern Eleven years ago, Coach Camp and the NFF Touchdown Club of Houston Mississippi) and Troy Drayton (Penn State). Chapter joined forces with 75 coaches from the Houston Independent School District to stage the first showcase. In 2019, the Houston event had Feb. 23 – The Seventh Annual California Showcase took place Saturday, 376 high school seniors enroll with coaches from 42 Division II, III and NAIA Feb. 23, at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California. The event was universities in attendance. launched by College Football Hall of Fame Coach Terry Donahue (UCLA, “We have had people come together across the country to create 1976-95), who has tapped many former college coaches and players to opportunities for young men to continue their educations through hard work help run the drills. Notables who have volunteered in the past include Steve and dedication,” Camp said. “The Houston Showcase alone has produced Beuerlein (Notre Dame), Jim Everett (Purdue), Vince Ferragamo (Nebraska over $100 million in scholarships and grants in aid during the past 10 years, and an NFF National Scholar-Athlete), Nick Foles (Arizona), which has enabled young men to go to college, get their educations, graduate, (UCLA), Lester Towns (Washington) and James Washington (UCLA). and come back and make huge contributions to their communities.” Inspired by the success of the Houston event, Coach Donahue assembled March 16 – The Third Carolinas Senior Football Showcase took place an impressive array of former coaches and players from multiple colleges Saturday, March 16, at the Charlotte Latin School in Charlotte, North Carolina. and universities in 2013, introducing the first California Showcase. The The event was spearheaded by Charles Arbuckle, who played for Donahue 2019 event attracted nearly 400 high school seniors who worked out for 56 at UCLA. To stage the event in North Carolina, Arbuckle has collaborated Division II, III, and NAIA universities and 15 California community colleges. It with the Blazing 7 on 7 Foundation, a local non-profit organization that is estimated that over 100 athletes will land on rosters at schools across the operates offseason passing leagues and run by Weddington High School country as a result of this event, with average financial aid of over $25,700 defensive line coach Mike Newman and Marcus Kimbrough. per student per year. Since the California event’s inception in 2013, more

March 23 – The Inaugural Georgia Showcase concluded the 2019 series 2020 SHOWCASE DATES on Saturday, March 23, at the Walton High School in Marietta, Georgia. The event was staged by the Mel Farr “Superstar” Foundation, which is • Feb. 8 – Detroit run by Mel Farr Jr., Mike Farr and Monet Farr Bartell as a tribute to their • Feb. 15 – Houston father Mel Farr Sr., who played at UCLA in the 1960s followed by a career • Feb. 22 – California in the NFL with the . Both Mike and Mel Jr. played for Coach • Feb. 29 – Orange Bowl South Florida Donahue at UCLA and as teammates of Arbuckle, and Mel Farr Sr. played • Mar. 7 – Carolinas Showcase as a teammate of Donahue’s in the 1960s for the Bruins. • TBD – Atlanta

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Building on the success of the four established events, Arbuckle invited the Farr brothers, both his teammates at UCLA, to attend the 2018 Charlotte event to explore the possibility of launching a new Showcase in either Detroit to honor their father, who passed away in 2015 and played for the Lions, or in Atlanta where they currently reside. “We went to Charlotte and saw the kids, all the volunteers, and said not only is this something that we can do, but it’s much needed and it will do a lot of good,” said Mel Farr Jr. “It takes a lot of work to put one of these things together, but fortunately for us we were not reinventing the wheel. We’re just using the cookie cutter that other people have put into action, including Coach Camp down in Houston, Coach Donahue in California and Charles in Carolina.” Because of the logistical advantages of working near their current residences, the Farr siblings picked Atlanta, also citing the state as a hotbed for high school talent. They said Georgia attracts a large number The inaugural Georgia Showcase became the latest event in the series, which of colleges and universities who heavily recruit the state, but excellent helps give participants the opportunity to earn scholarships to continue their candidates often get overlooked at the divisional level for a variety of educations while playing football at the collegiate level. reasons. The Farr siblings attracted around 200 prospects with 30 colleges to their inaugural event. “We want to try to help as many kids as possible, and that is what this is all than 3,300 students have attended the Showcase, with 789 receiving an about,” said Mel Farr Jr. “It’s about trying to give kids opportunities and give estimated $23 million in financial aid. them hope, because that is what these kids need. You can’t possibly go out “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these high school seniors there and find every kid. But if we’re able to help one additional kid, then we to continue their educations and it is free,” Donahue said. “At least one in will be successful because that’s one less kid that we have to worry about.” four of the kids who attend our showcase will get a scholarship to a great Additional notable former players and coaches who have volunteered school and continue to play the great game of football. There are so many at past events include: Kevin Carter (Florida), Derwin Gray (BYU), London combines and showcases, but this one really has legs to it because it’s Fletcher (John Carroll [Ohio] and a 2019 College Football Hall of Fame totally free for the players and the colleges.” electee), Robert Hubble (Rice), (Bethune-Cookman [Florida]), Hearing about the success of the Showcases in Houston and Los Tom Lunginbill (Georgia Tech/Eastern Kentucky), Greg McElroy (Alabama Angeles, the Orange Bowl Committee in South Florida and Charles and an NFF National Scholar-Athlete), Cade McNown (UCLA), Michael Arbuckle in North Carolina approached the NFF in 2017 about launching Dean Perry (Clemson), (Colgate [New York]) and events to benefit the high school players in their regions. The third annual (UCLA). event in Charlotte, North Carolina, drew more than 100 student-athletes and 25 colleges and universities. “I saw Terry Donahue several years ago, and they have been able to NFF SHOWCASES HIGHLIGHTS get millions in grant and aid scholarships for these young men over the years,” said Arbuckle, who played for Donahue at UCLA and then in the • Showcases attracted more than 1,800 high school seniors and 145 colleges NFL. “Every year when I was playing for the Colts in Indianapolis and now and universities from the NCAA Division II, III and NAIA levels in 2019, here in Charlotte, I would have kids who were not getting recruited ask, landing more than 700 scholarships for participants. ‘How can you help me,’ and this is the perfect way to do it on a mass level.” The Orange Bowl, which ranks among the top local sports organizations • Atlanta joins successful Showcases in Houston, Los Angeles, North in the country with an impressive reputation for supporting a wide range Carolina and South Florida in 2019 with Detroit slated to join the circuit of community events, has strong ties to the NFF. Epling, who serves on in 2020. the NFF Board, is a past president of the Orange Bowl Committee, and Hatchell served as the Orange Bowl executive director from 1987 to 1993. • Participants received an estimated $6 million in scholarships for their It did not take much to convince the leadership of the merits of the NFF freshman year in 2019. Showcase model. “South Florida is home to an incredible array of talented student-athletes • Events are free to both participants and college recruiters. both on the field and in the classroom who are looking to use their athletic ability to secure a college education, beyond those that receive Division I • NFL player and NAIA All-American among the many who credit their scholarships,” Romano said. “The Orange Bowl is proud to be able to assist Showcase experiences as playing a critical role in their paths to college. in this endeavor by pairing these student-athletes with schools from around the country that have limited recruiting budgets, in a single-day combine- • Events have collectively reached 9,300 players since the first event in type setting. We have achieved tremendous success so far with student- 2009 with one-in-four landing on college rosters or approximately 2,150 athletes earning nearly $3 million in financial assistance as a direct result of student-athletes enrolled in college. our last three Showcases.”

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