84 candidates vie for selection in the NFF's 2006 Hall of Fame class, following in the footsteps of the 2005 Class seen here.

MORRISTOWN, N.J., March 9, 2006 – The National Football Foundation (NFF)announced today the names of 77 players and 7 coaches who comprise the 2006 Division I-A Ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Names appearing on the ballot for the first time include Randall Cunningham (UNLV), Chad Hennings (Air Force), Ahmad Rashad (Oregon), Bruce Smith (Virginia Tech), and Emmitt Smith (Florida).

“Selecting the greatest players and coaches in the history of the game for induction into the Hall of Fame is an awesome responsibility,” said NFF President Steven J. Hatchell. “It’s our honor to preserve their legacies as an inspiration for future generations of players and fans.”

Of the 4.4 million individuals who have played college football, only 796
players have earned induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. From
the coaching ranks, 170 individuals have achieved Hall of Fame distinction.

The ballot mailed this week to the more than 12,000 NFF members whose votes
will be tabulated and submitted to the NFF’s Honors Court, which deliberates
and selects the class. Chaired by Gene Corrigan, a former ACC Commissioner
and NCAA president, the 11-member NFF Honors Court includes an elite and
geographically diverse pool of athletics directors, conference
commissioners, Hall of Famers and members of the media. A complete list is
available at http://www.collegefootball.org/famerhonors.php.

The Hall of Fame Class will be announced at a press conference in New York
City at the Marriott Marquis on May 16 and inducted at The National Football
Foundation’s 49th Awards Dinner on December 5, 2006 at the Waldorf-Astoria
in New York City. They will be officially enshrined at the Hall in South
Bend, Ind. in the summer of 2007.

To be eligible for the ballot, players must have been named a First Team
All-America by a major/national selector as recognized and utilized by the
NCAA for their consensus All-America teams, played their last year of
intercollegiate football at least ten years prior, played within the last 50
years and be retired from playing professional football. Coaches must have
coached a minimum of 10 years and 100 games as a head coach, won at least
60% of their games and be retired from coaching. In both cases, the
candidate’s post-football record as a citizen may also be weighed.

Once nominated for consideration, all player candidates are submitted to one
of eight District Screening Committees, depending on their geographic
location, which conducts a vote to determine who will appear on the ballot
and represent their respective districts. Each year, 15 candidates, who are
not selected for the Hall of Fame, will be named automatic holdovers and
will bypass the district screening process and automatically appear on the
ballot the following year.

See below for a list of candidates followed by their capsule bios:

Division I-A Player Candidates

CANDIDATE; SCHOOL; POSITION(S); YEARS PLAYED

1. Billy Ray Adams; Mississippi; Fullback; 1959-61
2. Troy Aikman; Oklahoma / UCLA; Quarterback; 1984-85, 1987-88
3. Trev Alberts; Nebraska; Linebacker; 1990-93
4. Bobby C. Anderson; Colorado; Running Back; 1967-69
5. Otis Armstrong; Purdue; Running Back; 1970-72
6. Steve Bartkowski; California; Quarterback; 1972-74
7. Bob Berry; Oregon; Quarterback; 1962-64
8. Bennie Blades Miami (Fla.); Defensive Back; 1985-87
9. Tom Brahaney; Oklahoma; Center; 1970-72
10. Dave Brown; Michigan; Defensive Back; 1972-74
11. Ronnie Caveness; Arkansas; Center; 1962-64
12. Jim Crawford; Wyoming; Running Back; 1954-56
13. Randall Cunningham; UNLV; Punter / Quarterback; 1982-84
14. Jeff Davis; Clemson; Linebacker; 1978-81
15. Rich Diana; Yale; Running Back; 1979-81
16. Eric Dickerson; Southern Methodist; Running Back; 1979-82
17. Don Dufek; Michigan; Defensive Back; 1973-75
18. Ed Dyas; Auburn; Fullback; 1958-60
19. Carl Eller; Minnesota; Tackle; 1961-63
20. Steve Emtman; Washington; Defensive Lineman; 1989-91
21. Bill Enyart; Oregon State; Fullback; 1966-68
22. Thomas Everett; Baylor; Free Safety; 1983-86
23. Dave Gallagher; Michigan; Defensive Tackle; 1970-73
24. Kirk Gibson; Michigan State; Wide Receiver; 1975-78
25. Charley Gogolak; Princeton; Place Kicker; 1963-65
26. Bob Golic; Notre Dame; Linebacker; 1976-78
27. Terrence Hanratty; Notre Dame; Quarterback; 1966-68
28. Al Harris; Arizona State; Defensive End; 1975-78
29. Major Harris; West Virginia; Quarterback; 1987-89
30. Chad Hennings; Air Force; Defensive Tackle; 1984-87
31. Mark Herrmann; Purdue; Quarterback; 1977-80
32. Dick Jauron; Yale; Running Back; 1970-72
33. Johnnie Johnson; Texas; Safety; 1976-79
34. Chip Kell; Tennessee; Offensive Guard; 1968-70
35. Rex Kern; Ohio State; Quarterback; 1968-70
36. Jess Lewis; Oregon State; Defensive Tackle; 1966-67, 1969
37. Robert Lytle; Michigan; Running Back; 1974-76
38. Rueben Mayes; Washington State; Running Back; 1982-85
39. Pat McInally; Harvard; Tight End; 1972-74
40. Marlin McKeever; Southern California; End; 1958-60
41. Art Monk; Syracuse; Wide Receiver; 1976-79
42. Paul Naumoff; Tennessee; Linebacker; 1964-66
43. Bob Novogratz; Army; Guard; 1957-58
44. Tom Nowatzke; Indiana; Fullback; 1961-64
45. Phillip Olsen; Utah State; Defensive End; 1967-69
46. Jim Otis; Ohio State; Fullback; 1967-69
47. Dave Parks; Texas Tech; End; 1961-63
48. Mike Phipps; Purdue; Quarterback; 1967-69
49. Ahmad Rashad (Bobby Moore); Oregon; Running Back; 1969-71
50. Ron Rivera; California; Linebacker; 1980-83
51. Mike Rozier; Nebraska; Running Back; 1981-83
52. Lucius Sanford; Georgia Tech; Linebacker; 1974-77
53. Jim Seymour; Notre Dame; End; 1966-68
54. Sterling Sharpe; South Carolina; Wide Receiver; 1984-87
55. Jeff Siemon; Stanford; Linebacker; 1968-71
56. Ron Simmons; Florida State; Noseguard; 1977-80
57. Bruce Smith; Virginia Tech; Defensive Tackle; 1981-84
58. Emmitt Smith; Florida; Running Back; 1987-89
59. Chris Spielman; Ohio State; Linebacker; 1984-87
60. Larry Station; Iowa; Linebacker; 1982-85
61. Don Stephenson; Georgia Tech; Center; 1955-57
62. Pat Swilling; Georgia Tech; Defensive End; 1982-85
63. Darryl Talley; West Virginia; Linebacker; 1979-82
64. Jim Taylor; Louisiana State; Fullback; 1956-57
65. Lawrence Taylor; North Carolina; Linebacker; 1977-80
66. Clendon Thomas; Oklahoma; Running Back; 1955-57
67. Thurman Thomas; Oklahoma State; Running Back; 1984-87
68. Anthony Thompson; Indiana; Running Back; 1986-89
69. Gino Torretta Miami (Fla.); Quarterback; 1989-92
70. Don Trull; Baylor; Quarterback; 1961-63
71. Charlie Ward; Florida State; Quarterback; 1989, 1991-93
72. Wilson Whitley; Houston; Defensive Tackle; 1973-76
73. Clarence Williams; Washington State; Running Back; 1972-74
74. Reggie Williams; Dartmouth; Linebacker; 1973-75
75. Scott Woerner; Georgia; Defensive Back; 1977-80
76. Richard Wood; Southern California; Linebacker; 1972-74
77. Chris Zorich; Notre Dame; Defensive Tackle; 1987-90

Division I-A Coach Candidates

CANDIDATE: RECORD (PERCENTAGE)
SCHOOLS (YEARS COACHED)

1. John Cooper: 193-83-6 (.695)
Tulsa (1977-84)
Arizona State (1985-87)
Ohio State (1988-2000)

2. Herb Deromedi: 110-55-10 (.657)
Central Michigan (1978-93)

3. William Dietz: 96-62-7 (.603)
Washington State (1915-17)
Purdue (1921)
Louisiana Tech (1922-23)
Wyoming (1924-26)
Haskell Indian Institute (1929-32)
Albright (1937-42)

4. Wayne Hardin: 118-74-5 (.612)
Navy (1959-64)
Temple (1970-82)

5. Dick MacPherson: 111-73-5 (.601)
Massachusetts (1971-77)
Syracuse (1981-90)

6. Billy Jack Murphy: 91-44-1 (.673)
Memphis State (1958-71)

7. Darryl Rogers: 129-84-7 (.602)
Cal State-Hayward (1965)
Fresno State (1966-72)
San Jose State (1973-75)
Michigan State (1976-79)
Arizona State (1980-84)

2006 PLAYER CANDIDATE CAPSULE BIOS

Billy Ray Adams, Mississippi-Fullback: Named First Team All-America in
1961…Played in the Senior Bowl and the Coaches All-American Game in 1961…Led
Ole Miss to a share of two National Championships (1959-60)…Led the SEC in
touchdowns (10) in 1961.

Troy Aikman, Oklahoma / UCLA-Quarterback: Named consensus First Team
All-America in 1988…Received the Davey O’Brien Award and finished third in
the Heisman Trophy voting in 1988…Named PAC-10 Player of the Year in 1987
and led UCLA to two bowl game victories.

Trev Alberts, Nebraska-Linebacker: Named unanimous First Team All-America,
BIG-8 Defensive Player of the Year and Academic All-America in
1993…Recipient of the 1993 Butkus Award. Two-time First Team All-Conference
selection…NFF National Scholar-Athlete in 1993.

Bobby C. Anderson, Colorado-Running Back: Named consensus First Team
All-America in 1969…Two-time First Team All-Conference selection…Set 18
school records…Selected as the MVP of the 1967 Bluebonnet Bowl and the 1969
Liberty Bowl.

Otis Armstrong, Purdue-Running Back: Named consensus All-America in 1972
after accumulating 3,315 career rushing yards, a school and BIG TEN
record…Named BIG TEN MVP in 1972, breaking numerous school and conference
records.

Steve Bartkowski, California-Quarterback: Named consensus First Team
All-America, All-Conference and led the nation in passing (2,580) in
1974…Named team MVP in 1974 and passed for over 4,000 yards in his career.

Bob Berry, Oregon-Quarterback: Named First Team All-America in 1964…Played
in the East-West Shrine Game, Hula Bowl, and Coaches All-American Game…First
Oregon quarterback to surpass 1,000 yards in two different seasons.

Benny Blades, Miami (Fla.)-Defensive Back: Two-time First Team All-America
selection (1986-87) – consensus in 1986, unanimous in 1987…Received the Jim
Thorpe Award while leading Miami to a 12-0 National Championship season in
1987.

Tom Brahaney, Oklahoma-Center: Two-time consensus First Team All-America
selection (1971-72). Two-time All-BIG-8 pick (1971-72)…Lombardi Award
finalist and team captain in 1972.

Dave Brown, Michigan-Defensive Back: Two-time First Team All-America
selection (1973-74) – unanimous in 1974, consensus in 1973…A three-time
First Team All-Conference pick (1972-74), he led Michigan to three BIG TEN
Championships.

Ronnie Caveness, Arkansas-Center: Named First Team All-America in 1964…Named
Outstanding Lineman of the 1965 Cotton Bowl…Member of the 1964 Arkansas
National Championship team…Holds the school record for most tackles in one
game (29).

Jim Crawford, Wyoming-Running Back: Named First Team All-America, Skyline
Conference Back of the Year and led the nation in rushing in 1956…Ranks
sixth all-time at Wyoming in single-season rushing yards (1,104 in 1956).

Randall Cunningham, UNLV-Punter/Quarterback: Named First Team All-America as
a punter in 1983…Named Second Team All-America as a punter and Honorable
Mention as a quarterback in 1984…Led UNLV to their first-ever Bowl
game…Broke 18 UNLV records.

Jeff Davis, Clemson-Linebacker: Named Consensus First Team All-America and
ACC Player of the Year in 1981…Led team to a perfect National Championship
season in 1981…A two-time First Team All-Conference selection, he ranks
third in school history with 469 career tackles.

Rich Diana, Yale-Running Back: Named First Team All-America and finished
10th in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1981…Two-time First Team All-Conference
selection…Named First Team Academic All-America and NFF National
Scholar-Athlete in 1981.

Eric Dickerson, Southern Methodist-Running Back: Named unanimous First Team
All-America and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1982…Twice
named SWC Player of the Year, he holds 14 SMU records including career
rushing yards (4,450).

Don Dufek, Michigan-Defensive Back: Named a First Team All-America in
1975…Finished in the top ten in career tackles (249) for the
Wolverines…Played in the Hula Bowl and Japan Bowl in 1975.

Ed Dyas, Auburn-Fullback: Named First Team All-America and All-Conference in
1960 at Fullback…Set numerous NCAA records for his placekicking…Led Auburn
in rushing and scoring in 1960. NFF National Scholar-Athlete in
1960…Three-time Academic All-Conference selection.

Carl Eller, Minnesota-Tackle: Named consensus All-America, All-Conference
and team Most Valuable Player in 1963…Played in the Hula Bowl and the
College All-Star Game in 1964…Member of the Minnesota Sports hall of Fame.

Steve Emtman, Washington-Defensive Lineman: Named unanimous First Team
All-America and placed fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1991…Recipient
of the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy in 1991…Two-time PAC-10 Defensive
Player of the Year (1990-91).

Bill Enyart, Oregon State-Fullback: Named First Team All-America in
1968…Played in the College All-Star Game, All-American Game, Senior Bowl,
East-West Shrine Game and was named Hula Bowl MVP in 1968…Two-time First
Team All-Conference selection (1967-68).

Thomas Everett, Baylor-Free Safety: Two-time First Team All-America
selection (1985-86) – unanimous in 1986…A two-time SWC MVP, he won the Jim
Thorpe Award and was named SWC Athlete of the Year in 1986.

Dave Gallagher, Michigan-Defensive Tackle: Named consensus All-America in
1973…Named the team co-captain in 1973 and played in the East-West Shrine
Game…He was a leader of a Michigan team that won a share of three BIG TEN
championships.

Kirk Gibson, Michigan State-Wide Receiver: Named First Team All-America, led
BIG TEN in receiving in league play and helped the Spartans to a BIG TEN
Co-Championship and a #12 national ranking in 1978…Played MLB for 17
seasons.

Charley Gogolak, Princeton-Place Kicker: Named First Team All-America in
1965…Set seven NCAA records and led Princeton to an 8-1 season in
1965…Revolutionized the kicking game using the soccer-style technique…Scored
170 career points on 27 field goals and 89 PATs.

Bob Golic, Notre Dame-Linebacker: Named unanimous First Team All-America and
was a finalist for the Lombardi Award in 1978…Co-holder of UND’s single-game
record for tackles with 26 vs. Michigan in 1978…Ranks second in school
history with 479 career tackles.

Terrence Hanratty, Notre Dame-Quarterback: Named consensus First Team
All-America in 1968…Finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1968,
sixth in 1966 and ninth in 1967…Led Notre Dame to a National Championship in
1966.

Al Harris, Arizona State-Defensive End: Named unanimous First Team
All-America and Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy finalist in 1978…Named
First Team All-Conference, he set an ASU record with 19 sacks in 1978.

Major Harris, West Virginia-Quarterback: Named First Team All-America in
1989…Finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1989 and fifth in
1988…Became the first player in NCAA history to rush for more than 2,000
career yards and pass for more than 5,000.

Chad Hennings, Air Force-Defensive Tackle: Named unanimous First Team
All-America and received the Outland Trophy in 1987…Named Lineman of the
Year and led the nation in sacks (24) in 1987…Two-time Academic First Team
All-America selection (1986-87).

Mark Herrmann, Purdue-Quarterback: Named unanimous First Team All-America,
BIG TEN MVP and finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1980…A First
Team All-Conference selection, he broke NCAA career records for passing
yards (9,188) and completions (707).

Dick Jauron, Yale-Running Back: Named First Team All-America in 1972…A
three-time First Team All-Conference selection, he received the Asa S.
Bushnell Cup as the Ivy League’s Player of the Year…Holds Yale’s career
rushing record with 2,947 yards.

Johnnie Johnson, Texas-Safety: Two-time consensus First Team All-America
selection (1978-79)…Earned honors as top defensive back in the nation as a
junior in 1978…A three-time First Team All-Conference pick, he was named to
the conference’s All-Decade Team of the 1970’s.

Chip Kell, Tennessee-Offensive Guard: Two-time First Team All-America
selection (1969-70) – unanimous in 1970, consensus in 1969…A three-time
First Team All-SEC selection, he was named Tennessee’s Outstanding Lineman
in 1970.

Rex Kern, Ohio State-Quarterback: Named First Team All-America and finished
third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1969…Named 1969 Rose Bowl MVP, he led
Ohio State to the 1968 National Championship…Team captain in 1970.

Jess Lewis, Oregon State-Defensive Tackle: Named First Team All-America in
1967…Played in the College All-Star Game, East-West Shrine Game and Coaches
All-America Bowl in 1970…Two-time First Team All-Conference selection (1967,
1969).

Robert Lytle, Michigan-Running Back: Named consensus All-America in
1976…Finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting and played in the Hula and
Japan Bowls in 1976…Named BIG TEN MVP in 1976 and led UM to two conference
championships.

Rueben Mayes, Washington State-Running Back: Named consensus First Team
All-America in 1984…Two-time All-PAC-10 selection (1984-85)…Leads WSU in
single-season (1,632) and career rushing yards (3,519)…Set NCAA single-game
rushing mark with 357 yards vs. Oregon.

Pat McInally, Harvard-Tight End: Named First Team All-America in
1974…Finished second in the nation in pass receptions in 1973…Two-time First
Team All-Ivy League pick (1973-74)…Received 1974 New England Player of the
Year and First Team All-East honors.

Marlin McKeever, Southern California-End: Named First Team All-America in
1959…A three-time All-Conference selection (1958-60), he won the UCLA Game
Award, awarded to the MVP of the USC/UCLA game in 1960…Two-time AP and
Sports Illustrated Lineman of the Week.

Art Monk, Syracuse-Wide Receiver: Named First Team All-America in 1979…Holds
the Syracuse record with 14 receptions in a game…Fourth on school’s all-time
all-purpose yards list with 3,899. (1,150 rushing and 1,644 receiving).

Paul Naumoff, Tennessee-Linebacker: Named First Team All-America and
All-Conference in 1966…Named team MVP in 1966…Played in the College All-Star
Game and Senior Bowl in 1967.

Bob Novogratz, Army-Guard: Named First Team All-America and Lineman of the
Year by the Los Angeles Times in 1958…Played in the East-West Shrine Game in
1958…Blocked for three Hall of Famers, running backs Bob Anderson and Pete
Dawkins and receiver Bill Carpenter.

Tom Nowatzke, Indiana-Fullback: Named First Team All-America in 1964…A
two-time All-Conference selection (1963-64), he led the BIG TEN in rushing
in 1963…Played in the East/West Shrine Game, Senior Bowl and Coaches
All-American Game.

Phillip Olsen, Utah State-Defensive End: Named consensus First Team
All-America in 1969…Named Utah State’s Athlete of the Year and played in the
East-West Shrine Game and the Hula Bowl in 1969…Named Utah State Athlete of
the Year in 1969.

Jim Otis, Ohio State-Fullback: Named consensus First Team All-America in
1969…Member of the 1968 National Championship team…Named First Team All-BIG
TEN conference in 1969 and led the Buckeyes to two conference titles…Led the
team in rushing three times.

Dave Parks, Texas Tech-End: Named First Team All-America and played in the
East-West Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl in 1963…Two-time First Team
All-Southwest Conference selection…Established numerous Texas Tech records
and was team tri-captain in 1963.

Mike Phipps, Purdue-Quarterback: Named unanimous First Team All-America in
1969 and placed second in the Heisman Trophy voting…Two-time First Team
All-Conference selection including BIG TEN Player of the Year honors in
1969.

Ahmad Rashad (Bobby Moore), Oregon-Running Back: Named First Team
All-America in 1971…Three-time First Team All-Conference (1969-71)…Became
the first player to lead the PAC-10 in scoring in consecutive years at two
different positions…Two-time team MVP…Broke 14 school records.

Ron Rivera, California-Linebacker: Named First Team All-America in 1983 and
was a Lombardi Award Finalist…Named All-Conference and was selected as
Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 1983…Led team in tackles from 1981-83.

Mike Rozier, Nebraska-Running Back: Two-time First Team All-America
selection – unanimous in 1983, consensus in 1982…Recipient of the Heisman
Trophy, Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Player of the Year honors in
1983…Two-time BIG-8 Offensive Player of the Year.

Lucius Sanford, Georgia Tech-Linebacker: Named First Team All-America in
1977…A three-time First Team All-Conference selection, he led Georgia Tech
in tackles in 1975 (121) and 1976 (117)…Named to the Georgia Tech Hall of
Fame and their All-Time Team in 1991.

Jim Seymour, Notre Dame-End: Two-time First Team All-America selection
(1967-68)…Led the team in receiving from 1966-68…Holds Notre Dame’s
receiving record for pass receptions in a game (13) and receiving yards in a
game (276).

Sterling Sharpe, South Carolina-Wide Receiver: Named First Team All-America
and played in the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl in 1987…Two-time
First Team All-Conference pick (1986-87)…Currently holds virtually all of
the school’s receiving records.

Jeff Siemon, Stanford-Linebacker: Named consensus First Team All-America and
received the Butkus Award in 1971…A two-time First Team All-Conference pick,
he helped Stanford to two Rose Bowl victories and was named Most Outstanding
Senior in 1971.

Ron Simmons, Florida State-Noseguard: Two-time consensus First Team
All-America selection (1979-80)…Three-time All-South pick (1978-80)…Set
school records for quarterback sacks in a career (25) and season (12) in
1979…Ranks second on FSU all-time tackles list (483).

Bruce Smith, Virginia Tech-Defensive Tackle: Two-time First Team All-America
selection (1983-84) – consensus in 1984…The recipient of the Outland
Trophy, he was named Lineman of the Year by the Washington Touchdown Club in
1984…VT’s all-time sacks leader.

Emmitt Smith, Florida-Running Back: Named unanimous First Team All-America
and SEC Player of the Year in 1989…Placed seventh in the 1989 Heisman Trophy
voting and ninth in 1987…Three-time First Team All-Conference selection
(1987-89). Broke 58 school records.

Chris Spielman, Ohio State-Linebacker: Two-time First Team All-America
selection (1986-87) – unanimous in 1987, consensus in 1986…The recipient of
the 1987 Lombardi Award, he is a three-time First Team All-Conference
selection and a member of two BIG TEN title teams.

Larry Station, Iowa-Linebacker: Two-time First Team All-America selection
(1984-85) – unanimous in 1985, consensus in 1984…A three-time First Team
All-Conference selection, he was named team captain and MVP in 1985…Iowa’s
all-time leader in tackles with 492.

Don Stephenson, Georgia Tech-Center: Two-time First Team All-America
selection (1956-57). Two-time First Team All-Conference pick…Led the team
in tackles for two years…Member of the Georgia Tech Football Hall of
Fame…Played in the Hula Bowl.

Pat Swilling, Georgia Tech-Defensive End: Named First Team All-America,
All-Conference and set an NCAA single-game record with seven sacks vs. N.C.
State in 1985…Broke four GT records and led the school to their first bowl
victory in 13 years.

Darryl Talley, West Virginia-Linebacker: Named unanimous First Team
All-America in 1982…Considered the most prolific tackler in school history
holding the school’s record for career tackles (484)…Member of the WVU
Sports Hall of Fame.

Jim Taylor, Louisiana State-Fullback: Named First Team All-America in
1957…Named First Team All-Southeastern Conference in 1957…Named MVP of the
1958 Senior Bowl…Member of the LSU Athletic Sports Hall of Fame.

Lawrence Taylor, North Carolina-Linebacker: Named unanimous First Team
All-America and ACC Player of the Year in 1980…Recorded 16 sacks his senior
year…Totaled 95 tackles and caused seven fumbles in 1979.

Clendon Thomas, Oklahoma-Running Back: Named consensus First Team
All-America, he led the nation in scoring (108 points) in 1957…A two-time
First Team All-Conference selection, he helped lead Oklahoma to two National
Championships (1955-56).

Thurman Thomas, Oklahoma State-Running Back: Two-time First Team All-America
selection (1985, 1987) - consensus in 1985…Twice named BIG-8 Offensive
Player of the Year and finished seventh in the 1987 Heisman Trophy voting.

Anthony Thompson, Indiana-Running Back: Two-time First Team All-America –
consensus in 1988, unanimous in 1989, he placed eighth in the Heisman Trophy
voting in 1988 and second in 1989…A two-time BIG TEN MVP, he was named
Walter Camp Player of the Year in 1989.

Gino Torretta, Miami (Fla.)-Quarterback: In 1992, he earned unanimous First
Team All-America honors, won the Heisman Trophy, Davey O’Brien Award,
Maxwell Award and was named Walter Camp Player of the Year…Led Miami to a
the 1991 National Championship.

Don Trull, Baylor-Quarterback: Named consensus First Team All-America and
led the nation with 22 touchdowns in 1963…Named First Team All-Conference,
he set a school record with 174 completions in 1963…Twice named First Team
Academic All-America.

Charlie Ward, Florida State-Quarterback: In 1993, he was earned unanimous
First Team All-America honors, won the Heisman Trophy, Davey O’Brien Award,
Maxwell Award, and was named Walter Camp Player of the Year…Led FSU to the
1993 National Championship.

Wilson Whitley, Houston-Defensive Tackle: Named consensus First Team
All-America and received the Lombardi Award in 1976…Named the SWC Defensive
Player of the Decade for the 1970s…Sparked Houston to a share of the SWC
title and a Cotton Bowl title.

Clarence Williams, Washington State-Running Back: Named First Team
All-America and All-Conference in 1964…Twice led the Cougars in rushing,
scoring and kickoff returns…Played in the Hula Bowl, East-West Shrine and
All-West Coast All-Star Games in 1964.

Reggie Williams, Dartmouth-Linebacker: Named First Team All-America and
played in the Japan All-Star game as well as Senior and Hula Bowls in
1975…Three-time First Team All-Conference performer (1973-75)…Named
Dartmouth’s Most Outstanding Player in 1975.

Scott Woerner, Georgia-Defensive Back: Named First Team All-America,
All-Conference and team Most Valuable Back in 1980…Twice named Georgia’s
Outstanding Special Teams Player of the Year (1977, 1980)…Led team to the
1980 National Championship.

Richard Wood, Southern California-Linebacker: USC’s only three-time First
Team All-America selection (1972-74), two of which were consensus
picks…Three-time First Team All-Conference pick (1972-74).

Chris Zorich, Notre Dame-Defensive Tackle: Two-time First Team All-America
selection (1989-90) – consensus in 1989, unanimous in 1990…Received Lombardi
Award in 1990 and was an Outland Trophy finalist…Member of the 1988
undefeated National Championship team.

** Consensus All-America: Player made more All-America Teams at his position
than any other player
** Unanimous All-America: Player made every major All-America Team for that
season

COACH CANDIDATE CAPSULE BIOS

John Cooper-Tulsa (1977-84), Arizona State (1985-87), Ohio State
(1988-2000): Led his teams to at least a share of nine conference
championships and 14 bowl game appearances, including two Rose Bowls.
Coached Ohio State to a Top 25 finish in 12 of 13 seasons…Coached 21 First
Team All-Americas.

Herb Deromedi-Central Michigan (1978-93): Twice named Mid-American
Conference Coach of the Year, he ranked 15th among all active NCAA Division
I coaches upon retirement…Led CMU to three MAC championships and the
California Raisin Bowl in 1990…All-time winningest coach in team and
conference history.

William “Lone Star” Dietz-Washington State (1915-17), Purdue (1921),
Louisiana Tech (1922-23), Wyoming (1924-26), Haskell Indian Institute
(1929-32), Albright (1937-42): Coached 19 seasons as a head coach in
addition to a highly successful assistant coaching career with Pop Warner
among others…Guided Washington State to a Rose Bowl victory in 1915.

Wayne Hardin-Navy (1959-64), Temple (1970-82): Led Navy to a #2 ranking in
1963 and Temple to a #17 ranking in 1979…Ranks third in wins (38) all-time
at Navy and beat Army in five of six seasons…Temple’s all-time leader in
wins (80), he led them to their only 10-win season and the Garden State Bowl
in 1979.

Dick MacPherson-Massachusetts (1971-77), Syracuse (1981-90): Named National
Coach of the Year in 1987 while leading the Orangemen to an undefeated
season…Led Massachusetts to four conference titles in seven years…Ranks
third all-time at Syracuse in most wins (66) and seasons coached (10)…Made
six bowl game appearances in his career – won four and tied one.

Billy Jack Murphy-Memphis State (1958-71): All-Time winningest coach in
Memphis history…Had 11 winning seasons and retired as the 15th winningest
coach in the nation…Member of the Memphis Hall of Fame and Mississippi State
Hall of Fame.

Darryl Rogers-Cal State-Hayward (1965), Fresno State (1966-72), San Jose
State (1973-75), Michigan State (1976-79), Arizona State (1980-84): Took
Fresno State to two bowl games. Achieved an unprecedented national ranking
at San Jose State…Was BIG TEN Coach of the Year in 1977 and National Coach
of the Year by Sporting News in 1978…Won the BIG TEN title in 1978.