Member Biography

In the fall of 1952 Woody Hayes sent Howard Cassady into his first collegiate game where "Hopalong" scored three touchdowns and began one of the most spectacular careers in Ohio State history. By the end of that career Cassady had rushed for a total of 2374 yards and had scored 37 touchdowns. His senior season of 1955 was a red letter year for Cassady. He was named a unanimous All-America for the second time, won the Heisman Trophy, was chosen Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press and received the Chicago Tribune Trophy as the most Valuable Player in the Big Ten conference. Hayes once said Cassady "was the most inspirational player I have ever seen". He played offense and defense and in 1955 had four 60-minute games. In 1954 he made his greatest run, an 88-yard, dodging, twisting return of an intercepted pass against Wisconsin. His son Craig Cassady, lettered at Ohio State in 1973-1975.