2021 College Football Hall of Fame Inductees - Jan.15-Jan.21,2021 Vol.19,Issue21 - Wsimg.com
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2021 College Football
Hall of Fame Inductees
Jan. 15 - Jan. 21, 2021 Vol. 19, Issue 21 www.sportspagdfw.com FREE
2 January 15, 2020 - January 21, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 21 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com
Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 21 | January 15, 2021 - January 21, 2021 3
AROUND THE AREA
Jan.15, 2020 - Jan. 21, 2021
Vol. 19, Issue 21
LOCAL NEWS OF INTEREST
sportspagedfw.com
Established 2002
Cover Photo:
SMU Men's Golf schedule released
Floridian National Golf Club in Palm City,
4 AROUND THE AREA Fla., March 15-16. The final event of the
regular season is The Goodwin, which
5 RANGER REPORT
BY DIC HUMPHREY takes place March 25-27 at Stanford Golf
Course in Palo Alto, California.
6 GOLF, ETC
BY TOM WARD The American Athletic Conference
SONY OPEN IN HAWAII SMU men's golf has scheduled several Championship takes place April 22-24 at
7 BY PGATOUR.COM of college golf's premier events, including Southern Hills Golf Club in Brooksville, West Virginia at Baylor Men’s
hosting the Trinity Forest Invitational, in Fla. SMU's Mac Meissner won the indi- Basketball Game Postponed
NFL PLAYOFFS PREDICTIONS the spring of 2021. vidual championship in 2019, the last time Irving, Texas - In accordance with Big
8 BY MIKE MCFEE
The Mustangs begin their spring cam- the event took place. NCAA Regionals 12 Conference men’s basketball interrup-
2021 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL paign with a match against TCU at take place May 16-19 at six predetermined tion guidelines, the West Virginia at Baylor
9 OF FAME HONOREES
BY NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION Vaquero Club in Westlake, Texas on sites. The NCAA Championships take game scheduled for January 12 has been
January 16 to open the season. After the place at Grayhawk Golf Club in postponed. The Conference will work with
12 COLLEGE
NOTES
FOOTBALL NEWS AND
BY BO CARTER
season-opening match, the Mustangs make Scottsdale, Ariz. from May 28-June 2. the institutions to reschedule.
the first of three trips to California to par- 2021 Men's Golf Schedule In addition, West Virginia’s games
ticipate in the Southwestern Invitational, Jan. 16 – vs. TCU – Westlake, Texas – against TCU (Jan. 16) and Oklahoma State
17 AUTO REVIEW
BY KBB.COM hosted by Pepperdine. The event at North Vaquero Club (Jan. 19) have been postponed.
Ranch Country Club in Westlake Village, Jan. 25-27 – Southwestern Invitational
18 THE TICKET WINDOW California is broadcast on the Golf (hosted by Pepperdine) – Westlake Village,
Channel. Calif. - North Ranch CC
19 RESTAURANT REVIEW
BY RICHARD POLLAK SMU returns to The Prestige, hosted by Feb. 15-17 – The Prestige (hosted by UC
UC Davis at PGA West's Norman Course Davis) – Palm Desert, Calif. - PGA West
in Palm Desert, California February 15-17. Norman Course
In 2020, Ollie Osborne won American Mar. 7-9 – Trinity Forest Invitational (host-
Athletic Conference Golfer of the Week ed by SMU) – Dallas – Trinity Forest Golf
honors after tying for fourth at The Club Victor Rojas returns to north Texas as
Prestige, and teammate Jackson Markham Mar. 15-16 – Valspar Collegiate President/GM of the Roughriders
set an SMU 54-hole individual scoring Invitational (hosted by Houston) – Palm The Frisco RoughRiders, the Double A
record at the concurrent Prestige Individual City, Fla. - Floridian National Golf Club affiliate of the Texas Rangers, announced
Tournament. Mar. 25-27 – The Goodwin (hosted by today that Victor Rojas has agreed to terms
Follow us on The fourth Trinity Forest Invitational
takes place March 7-9 in Dallas at the
Stanford) – Palo Alto, Calif. - Stanford GC
Apr. 22-24 – American Athletic
on a multiyear deal to become the organi-
zation’s next President & General
Twitter & Facebook Mustangs' home course, Trinity Forest Conference Championship – Brooksville, Manager. In his role, Rojas will oversee all
Golf Club. SMU set a course record in the Fla. - Southern Hills GC aspects of the team’s day-to-day business
twitter.com/sportspagedfw event in the 2019-20 season, firing a 16- May 16-19 – NCAA Regionals – & ballpark operations and will report
under 268 in the second round to finish Albuquerque, N.M.; Nashville, Tenn.; directly to Managing Partner & CEO,
facebook.com/sportspageweek- second in the event. Stillwater, Okla.; Cle Elum, Wash.; Chuck Greenberg. Rojas, 52, joins the
SMU closes out the regular season with Noblesville, Ill.; Tallahassee, Fla. RoughRiders after spending the last 11
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4 January 15, 2020 - January 21, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 21 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com
RANGERS WITH DIC HUMPHREY
Victor Rojas new GM of the Roughriders
pitcher Justin Anderson to a minor league arrives, teams will have cost certainty for
contract with an invitation to Spring the salaries of their arbitration eligible
Training. Anderson underwent Tommy players. There is optimism that finalizing
John surgery last July so will not figure in the arbitration component of their salary
the Rangers on field plans until late this structure will bring more certainty to the
season or perhaps not until 2022. He made situation and perhaps spark the free agent
111 relief appearances with the Angels in market.
2018-2019 with a 6-3 record and five One free agent of interest to Ranger
saves. He averaged an impressive 11.2 fans is Corey Kluber. The Coppell native
strikeouts per nine innings. threw a showcase bullpen session of 30
On the free agent front, there is still lit- pitches this week, and representatives from
tle movement. Often in a sluggish market 25 teams showed up to watch. His fastball
like this off season, one event can spark registered in the upper 80’s to lower 90’s, a
activity. There was hope that the trade of good number for a pitcher going into
Francisco Lindor last week would be such spring training. It is still likely that he will
Victor Rojas has been hired as the new GM for the Frisco Roughriders a spark. It has not happened yet. attract a contract with a low base and
Financial uncertainty with the incentive clauses to compensate if he pitch-
Coronavirus pandemic is the most promi- es to the level of his past performance. He
Chuck Greenberg since last fall, but the
nent reason for the lack of activity. One has after all won the Cy Young Award
possibility of taking over this position with
aspect of the uncertainty will come into twice and finished third in the Cy Young
the Roughriders ramped up over the past
focus this weekend. Friday at noon central Award voting twice. At one time, he was
month. Victor’s wife Kim was diagnosed
was the deadline for teams to work out a clearly one of the top two or three pitchers
with Graves disease and thyroid cancer in
deal with their arbitration eligible players, in baseball, so there is high potential.
2019. This move will allow him more
or exchange salary figures, and proceed to It is probably unlikely though that he
family time than the announcing job with
the arbitration hearing. The record for returns to the Rangers. He most likely
the Angels demanded.
arbitration hearings in a year is 35. As of wants to be with a contending team that
BY DIC HUMPHREY Rojas may or may not prove to be a
Thursday morning, there were 128 poten- can support him with a good offense and a
DHUMPHREY24@GMAIL.COM good executive. He arrives with no previ-
tial arbitration cases. For sure, many of solid defense. He now seemingly has little
MEMBER: USBWA ous experience, however, he knows base-
those will get settled prior to Friday’s connection to the local area as he lives in
ball having been part of professional base-
deadline to exchange salary figures, and the greater Boston area and is more likely
The Frisco Roughriders surprisingly ball literally from childhood with his father
teams can still negotiate after Friday’s to sign with an East Coast team.
announced this week that Victor Rojas is playing, coaching, and managing. He has a
deadline up to the hearing date; but the NOTABLE:
their new President and General Manager. great personality and is very likeable. The
likelihood is, there will be a new record for • The Rangers announced game times for
Rojas had a brief professional playing bet here is that he will be very effective
arbitration hearings this season. their home schedule this week. What a dif-
career and is the son of noted Major managing people and should be a great hire
A major problem is valuing players ference a retractable roof makes! Texas
League Player and manager Cookie Rojas. for the Riders.
coming off a 60 game season. Luke Vogt will play 29 day games, six more than in
Ranger fans may remember Victor as part Meanwhile the Rangers have been busy
is one of those players potentially going to any previous Ranger season.
of the Rangers’ radio announcing team in this week signing Drew Butera to a minor
an arbitration hearing. He led the Major • Former Dallas Mustangs’ player Archie
2004, replacing Vince Cotronio. He was league contract with an invitation to Major
Leagues with 22 home runs last year. Do Bradley, who became a free agent when the
paired with Eric Nadel in the radio booth League Spring Training. Butera is an 11-
you value him as a player capable of hit- Cincinnati Reds non-tendered him, agreed
and occasionally filled in on the Rangers’ year Major League veteran catcher with
ting 22 home runs in a season? That home to a one-year, $6.0 million contract with
television network for both play-by-play five teams, spending the last two plus sea-
run total prorated over a 162 game season the Philadelphia Phillies this week. The
voice Josh Lewin and color commentator sons with the Colorado Rockies. If he
comes out to 59 home runs. Do you value Phillies had one of if not THE worst
Tom Grieve. makes the Rangers’ ballclub, his salary for
him as a player capable of hitting 59 home bullpens in baseball, so Bradley is a wel-
Rojas joined the MLB Network in 2009 the 2021 season will be $1,000,000 with an
runs? What kind of precedents for the come addition.
as one of the first hosts on the newly additional $500,000 possible in incentives.
future will this year’s arbitration decisions • Baseball America’s top position player
launched Hot Stove offseason show. He It seems likely that Butera will be the
have? eligible for the 2021 Amateur Draft is
also appeared on the MLB Tonight and Rangers’ back-up catcher behind Jose
There are many questions and few Justin Lawler, a shortstop at Jesuit High
called play-by-play for some of the net- Trevino, which will allow the Rangers to
answers. However, when the weekend School in Dallas.
work’s Thursday Night Baseball telecasts. put top prospect Sam Huff in the minor
He went on to join the Angels television leagues for badly needed minor league sea-
team in 2010 and was partnered with for- soning.
mer Major League pitcher Mark Gubicza. Butera, as a member of the Rockies,
They stayed together as a team through the was part of the first games played at the
2020 season. new Globe Life Field last July. He said
Rojas interviewed for the Angels this week that he was impressed with the
General Manager job last fall, which even- young talent the Rangers are bringing
tually went to Perry Minasian. Recently, along and is excited to be part of the team.
Rojas surprisingly announced that he was “Playing against them last year, you
leaving the Angels’ television booth largely could tell the young talent that they had
to be closer to family in the greater and the bright future moving forward.”
Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Butera and Ranger manager Chris
The chance to be general manager of Woodward were teammates on the 2015
the Angels whetted Victor’s interest in World Series winning Kansas City Royals
being involved running a ball club. He had and know each other well.
been in touch with Roughriders’ owner The Rangers also signed right-handed
Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 21 | January 15, 2021 - January 21, 2021 5
MISC
TOM WARD
Puerta Vallarta Memories: The Finale
it was my pleasure. He insisted and would-
n’t except no for an answer. He said thank
you and wished me luck in my career and
said that I was an excellent teacher and
communicated my points very concisely
which he appreciated.
While heading to the locker room to get
cleaned up I counted the money...it added
up to about $200.00. I was thinking that
TOM WARD this was surreal. A year ago at this time, I
TOMPWARD@SBCGLOBAL.NET
was snowbound in freezing cold weather in
I headed over to the golf shop to pick Chicago and now I am in sunny, tropical
up a bucket of balls for the impromptu golf Mexico giving a golf lesson to one of the
lesson with Richard Burton and grabbed greatest actors in the world. I would say I
some clubs as he didn’t have his clubs with could check it off my bucket list, but I did-
him. n’t even think something like this was
While setting up in a shady area of the within the realm of possibilities.
range I could see him walking over with As my time in Vallarta was winding
his friends all laughing. I had played with a down I spent it at the course and the beach
few well known professional athletes in the enjoying the final few days. My left shoul-
past, but have never given any of them a der was still giving me problems so I limit-
lesson. ed my practice to short irons, chipping and
As Burton was loosening up I asked if putting. I could play, but it inhibited my
had any particular questions that I could ability to make the swings I had been dili-
answer. He said he would like to hit the gently practicing. I knew when I got back
ball further and more solid. I checked his to the U.S. a visit with an orthopedic doc-
grip and alignment and adjusted his stance. tor was in order to find out how bad it was
He started making better contact with the injured.
ball which immediately seemed to please The night before my departure a friend
him. I demonstrated a few shots which that owned a new bar nearby threw a going
really helped him visualize what I was away party for me. I played pool and had a
talking about. His skills as an actor were few beers before heading back to the beach
quite useful because he could mirror what I house. I sat outside under the palapa hut
was doing and then replicate it. and watched the lights of downtown PV off
After hitting a few dozen balls I noticed in the distance. I remember thinking how
Me Burton was sweating profusely so we fast time had gone by since I first arrived
took a break. As we were resting, he told there. I was planning on leaving early the
me that he first came to Puerto Vallarta to next morning to get a head start on the
film a movie called “Night of the Iguana.” long ride back to the Texas border and was
Sadly, at that time I hadn’t seen the film restless. One thing I never got used to liv-
and knew nothing about it. He also men- ing so close to the ocean was the loud
tioned that he had purchased a home in crash of waves on the beach throughout the
town, with his former wife Elizabeth night.
Taylor, called “Casa Kimberly.” After loading up the car, I paid my
Between frequent breaks he mentioned respects to the couple next door that
a few more tidbits about his career and life watched over the house during my stay. I
which was interesting. I kept the lesson came to really appreciate them and how
light and fun and high fived him a few kind they were to me. I walked out to the PGA qualifiers by the slimmest of margins. lot of the wonderful locals and
times when he hit a good shot. His friends, water’s edge and took one long last look at I continued to play through 1981 with Americans.....and Canadians (we called
who stayed in the shade, would periodical- the place that was my home for the past an injured shoulder with mixed results. I snowbirds) who called PV home during the
ly clap on a well stuck shot. few months. Outside of getting injured I was able to rebound in the late summer by winter months.
As we wrapped up the lesson I was sur- felt that the gamble to get away from cold qualifying for two tour events and two state As the first American golf pro there, I
prised to see that more than an hour had weather and work on my game was a suc- opens. This happened before shutting down would have the opportunity to meet and
passed. Burton commented on that too say- cess. everything because my shoulder required teach people from all over the world as
ing he couldn’t believe how the time flew As I headed out of town towards surgery. well as numerous celebrities. Throughout
by. He waved his friends over and told Guadalajara I could see PV in my rear Fortunately, I was able to secure spon- my travels I helped to promote Vallarta and
them that this was the best golf lesson he view mirror. Looking back I didn’t know if sorship during this time that would allow Mexico as an international golf destination
ever had which was satisfying. One of the or when I would ever return. My mind was me to continue playing once the shoulder when former Mexican President Miguel
men took a photo of us and said he would now focused on the task at hand which was healed. It was because of my contacts in Aleman designated me as an honorary
send a copy (which I never received.) a long arduous 17 hour drive through Vallarta that led to new sponsors. ambassador.
I reached out to shake hands with Mr. Mexico to get to the U.S. border at Nuevo I would end up returning to Vallarta in My years in Puerto Vallarta were unfor-
Burton telling him that I was surprised, but Laredo. Upon my arrival in Texas the next January of 1982 for a month before head- gettable and the town and the people will
happy he accepted my offer. He grabbed stop would be Houston where I would ing to play on the Asian Golf Tour. It was- always have a special place in my heart.
my hand and gave me a wad of cash mixed attempt to open qualify for the PGA Tour’s n’t until December of 1983 that I would
with denominations in pesos and dollars. I Houston Open. start spending my winters there again. Over Tom Ward can be contacted at www.tee-
explained that he didn’t have to pay me as P.S. I started out missing the first two the years living in Vallarta I got to know a timewithtom.com
6 January 15, 2020 - January 21, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 21 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com
GOLF PGA TOUR
The First Look: Sony Open in Hawaii
year it was a team event) with a birdie on
the 72nd hole and a matching birdie on the
first playoff hole. Steele was 2 over for his
final six holes and opened the door for
Smith, who had offered to donate $500 for
every birdie and $1,000 for every eagle on
the week to his home country’s effort
against the raging Australian bushfire cri-
sis. On the 72nd hole, Steele misjudged his
approach shot and had to take a drop, but
he still nearly dropped a snaking 30-foot
birdie try for the win. He missed, and
couldn’t get it done in the playoff, either.
Simpson finished third (missing a 14-foot
birdie try on the final hole to get into the
playoff) while Graeme McDowell, Ryan
Palmer, and Kevin Kisner rounded out the
top five.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Television: Thursday-Saturday, 7 p.m.-
10:30 p.m. ET (Golf Channel). Sunday, 6
p.m.-10 p.m. (Golf Channel)
Radio: Thursday-Saturday, 5 p.m.-10:30
p.m. ET. Sunday, 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. ET (PGA
Cameron Smith won the 2020 Sony Hawaii Open TOUR Radio on SiriusXM and PGA-
TOUR.com/liveaudio)
By Adam Stanley FEDEXCUP: Winner receives 500 points
PGATOUR.COM Follow COURSE: Waialae Country Club, par-70,
Cameron Smith returns to defend last 7,044 yards (yardage subject to change).
season’s Sony Open in Hawaii victory, The Seth Raynor design, founded 94 years
while past THE PLAYERS champion ago, has hosted the Sony Open ever year
Webb Simpson and 10 of the top-25 since 1965. The narrower, flatter layout is a
golfers in the world tee it up at Waialae contrast to last week’s venue, Kapalua.
Country Club. STORYLINES: University of San Diego
In its longtime spot on the schedule, the golfer and former Hawaii state champion
Sony Open marks the first full-field event Evan Kawai will make his PGA TOUR
of the calendar year. debut this week after winning a qualifier in
FIELD NOTES: Collin Morikawa looks November. His college coach is TOUR
to build off his two victories in 2020, winner Chris Riley… Can Charles Howell
including his first major championship, III continue his impressive effort at
with his second Hawaii start in a row. Waialae? He has 13 top-25s, including 10
Morikawa finished T21 at least year’s Sony top-10s, in 19 starts at Waialae. That
Open after holding the first-round lead… includes two runners-up and two third-
Thirty-two of the 42 golfers who teed it up place finishes… Smith’s 11-under score
at the Sentry Tournament of Champions was the highest winning total at the Sony
will make the jump over to the Sony Open Open since 2012. He was 4 over par on his
and complete in both events of the Hawaii first two holes of the tournament… Smith
swing… Sponsor exemptions include is looking to become the first golfer to
major winners Y.E. Yang and Mike Weir, defend his title at the Sony Open since
along with Ryo Ishikawa and Takumi Jimmy Walker in 2014-15. There have been
Kanaya, who turned pro last year after just four golfers to go back-to-back at
reaching No. 1 in the world amateur rank- Waialae… Morikawa has a lot of family
ings. Kanaya recently won on the Japan that lives on Maui and Oahu and visited the
Tour and is already ranked 120th in the island many times growing up. Although
world… Five of the top 10 golfers in the there will be no spectators allowed on site,
FedExCup standings (as of the weekend at he’ll have plenty of good vibes on the
the Sentry Tournament of Champions) will island.
be teeing it up at the Sony Open, the high- 72-HOLE RECORD: 253, Justin Thomas
est-ranked being Viktor Hovland at No. (2017)
3… Simpson was just one shot out of a 18-HOLE RECORD: 59, Justin Thomas
playoff between Smith and Brendan Steele (1st round, 2017)
a year ago. Steele, who started Sunday LAST TIME: Smith defeated Steele in a
with a three-shot lead, returns to try to earn playoff to capture his first PGA TOUR title
the title that eluded him, while Simpson is as an individual (he and Jonas Blixt won
on the hunt for his eighth PGA TOUR title. the Zurich Classic of New Orleans the first
Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 21 | January 15, 2021 - January 21, 2021 7
NFL NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
2021 NFL Playoffs Divisional Round
offense didn’t blink. They didn’t have the to be all Chiefs early and in control
ball all that much, but when they did, they throughout.
were explosive. Pick: Kansas City 34, Cleveland 23
Here’s Buffalo’s problem – third downs.
It lives off of them offensively – leading Tampa Bay (11-5) at New Orleans (11-5)
the league in third down conversions – but Sunday, 5:40 / FOX
Baltimore is second in the NFL in third Line: Saints -3 / 52
down stops and Lamar and that attack are There’s no way New Orleans can make
fourth in the league at keeping the chains it a threezie that easy, can it?
moving. It had few problems in 34-23 Week 1
The Ravens have the defense that’s win and dominated 38-3 in early
humming, and they have Lamar Jackson, November, but this is a stronger, sharper,
JK Dobbins, and a running game that better Buccaneer team now.
should rip through a Buffalo run defense Tom Brady appears to be in sync with
that gives up way too many yards per carry. all of his high-end fantasy targets, he’s get-
Pick: Baltimore 34, Buffalo 30 ting a whole lot of time to work, and he’s
getting help from a running game that was
Cleveland (11-5) at Kansas City (14-2) without Ronald Jones, but got a huge day
Saturday, 2:05 / CBS against Washington from Leonard
Line: Chiefs -10 / 57 Fournette.
Kansas City isn’t going to start the And the defense couldn’t seem to do
game by snapping the ball over Patrick much to hold down Taylor Heinecke.
Mahomes’ head. The Football Team was never going to
Give Cleveland all the credit in the beat the Bucs, but Heinecke and company
world for coming out sharp, roaring, and made it very, very interesting.
focused after a rough run, no head coach, Blow it off.
and with an offensive line that got banged Tampa Bay got the free space game
up throughout the win over Pittsburgh. against the NFC East team with the losing
However, it’s not going to be +5 in record, New Orleans got its own free space
turnover margin again and a rested Kansas matchup against an overmatched Chicago,
By Mike McFee Saturday, 3:35 / FOX City will come up with a much, much bet- and now the two get what they wanted in
Line: Packers -6.5 / 45.5 ter first quarter. Round 3.
The massive expanded NFL Wild Card The Rams were able to pull it off It won’t be 28-0 Cleveland. Tampa Bay will start out hot – jacked to
weekend was outstanding from beginning against a Seattle team that – for some That’s not to say the Browns can’t pull prove that this will be a very, very different
to end. Even when there was a bit of a dud bizarre reason – thought the answer to not this off as long as Baker Mayfield plays as game this time around – but New Orleans
– (cough) Chicago - New Orleans (cough) being able to hit third down plays was to well as he did in Pittsburgh. He didn’t take will slowly and steadily keep producing,
– it was still relatively entertaining in the keep chucking it deep. Green Bay will be any chances, he spread the ball around and then everything will come together
glut of all those games that matter. sharper all the way around. well, and the offensive design that negated early in the fourth.
And now we get even more fun. That LA D....No. 1 in the NFL....is the Steeler pass rush can absolutely work Michael Thomas is starting to come
Two games Saturday, two games obviously amazing, but Aaron Donald is against this Chief D. back. Alvin Kamara is fine. The Saint D
Sunday, and they’re going to be loaded. banged up, and as good as that perform- As good as the Cleveland pass rush is, appears to have its groove back.
Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen headline ance against the Seahawks was, that’s not and as strong as the offense will be to keep The Drew Brees ride isn’t ending quite
Saturday night when Baltimore goes to going to be enough to overcome a still- making this a ball game, Mahomes will be yet.
Buffalo, and we get Round 3 of Brady vs. injured Jared Goff. too fantastic. Expect a shootout, expect this Pick: New Orleans 31, Tampa Bay 26
Brees when Tampa Bay goes to New Green Bay doesn’t turn the ball over
Orleans to end Sunday night. enough to matter here, but there’s a bigger
Oh yeah, and the Rams going to Green problem … Green Bay.
Bay on Saturday and Cleveland taking its It’s still almost a week away, but it’s
show to Kansas City on Sunday isn’t bad expected to be around 20ish degrees at
either. game time.
So what’s going to happen? Pick: Green Bay 26, Los Angeles 16
As we do this for the college side, we
go with the first-guess picks and then work Baltimore (11-5) at Buffalo (13-3
from there. Like they tell you in third Saturday, 7:15 / NBC
grade, always go with your first answer. I Line: Bills -2.5 / 49.5
don’t look at the lines, guess at what they Baltimore is playing its best football of
are, and then add them at the end. the season at the exact right time.
By the way … went 6-0 straight up and Lamar Jackson was brilliant against
5-1 against the spread when doing this for Tennessee, the defense stuffed Derrick
the Wild Card round. Henry, and this was the confident, tough
However, when our game previews team that rolled through the end of the reg-
come out – after the news of the week hap- ular season with five straight wins.
pens and there’s even more of a deep dive The Colts were always going to be a
happening – these can and might change, tough matchup for the Bills – they control
but … the clock and have the great lines and vet-
L.A Rams (10-6) at Green Bay (13-3) eran QB – but Josh Allen and the Bill
8 January 15, 2020 - January 21, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 21 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.com
COLLEGES COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
College Football HoF Class announced
• 5 winners of college football major
awards (Morgan – Butkus, Bednarik,
Nagurski; Palmer – Heisman; Romo –
Walter Payton; Sims – Lombardi; Taylor –
Lombardi)
• 1 member of a national championship
team (Wilson)
• 5 conference players of the year
(Barton, Morgan, Palmer, Romo (3),
Spiller)
• 6 members of conference championship
teams (Morgan, Palmer, Romo (2), Sproles,
Tippett, Wilson (2))
• 8 players who still hold school records
(Morgan, Palmer, Romo, Sims, Spiller,
Sproles, Tippett, Wilson)
• 5 played for College Football Hall of
Fame coaches (Fulcher – John Cooper,
Sproles – Bill Snyder, Taylor – Lou Holtz,
Tippett – Hayden Fry, Wilson – Phillip
Fulmer)
• 7 first-round NFL draft picks (Barton,
Morgan, Palmer, Sims, Spiller, Taylor,
Wilson)
• 6 offensive players (Barton, Palmer,
Romo, Spiller, Sproles, Taylor)
• 5 defensive players (Fulcher, Morgan,
Sims, Tippett, Wilson)
• 3 decades represented: 1980s (4) –
Barton, Fulcher, Sims, Tippett; 1990s (3) –
Morgan, Taylor, Wilson; 2000s (4) –
Palmer, Romo, Spiller, Sproles
• 1 school with its first-ever Hall of Fame
By Mike McFee • Rudy Hubbard – 83-48-3 (63.1%); exclusive supplier of NFF rings and awards.
player (Eastern Illinois – Romo)
mmc@gmail.com Florida A&M (1974-85) “With two College Football Hall of
COACHES:
• Bob Stoops – 190-48-0 (79.8%); Fame classes, the NFF Annual Awards
• 2 national championships (Hubbard –
11 All-America players and two coaches Oklahoma (1999-2016) Dinner will prove to be one of the biggest
1, Stoops – 1)
will be inducted during the 63rd NFF The 11 First Team All-America players events in the NFF’s history when it returns
• 2 Black national championships
Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 7. and two standout coaches in the 2021 Class this December,” said NFF President &
(Hubbard)
The National Football Foundation (NFF) were selected from the national ballot of 78 CEO Steve Hatchell. “We are beyond
• 12 conference championships (Hubbard
& College Hall of Fame announced the players and seven coaches from the Football excited to announce the 2021 electees and
– 2, Stoops – 10)
2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class Bowl Subdivision and the 99 players and look forward to making induction worth
• Most wins in school history (Stoops)
during “SportsCenter” on ESPN. 33 coaches from the divisional ranks. the wait for the 2020 class.”
• 23 Bowl/postseason appearances
2021 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL “We are extremely proud to announce the The announcement of the 2021 Class
(Hubbard – 5, Stoops – 18)
OF FAME CLASS 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class,” was made during the Noon edition of
• 36 First Team All-Americans coached
PLAYERS: said Archie Manning, NFF Chairman and a “SportsCenter” on ESPN.
(Stoops)
• Harris Barton – OT, North Carolina 1989 College Football Hall of Famer from “We want to thank ESPN for the oppor-
• 8 national coach of the year honors
(1983-86) Mississippi. “Each of these men has estab- tunity to announce the 2021 College
(Stoops)
• David Fulcher – DB, Arizona State lished himself among the absolute best to Football Hall of Fame Class during
• 6 conference coach of the year honors
(1983-85) have ever played or coached the game, and ‘SportsCenter,’” said Hatchell. “Today’s
(Stoops)
• Dan Morgan – LB, Miami [FL] (1997- we look forward to immortalizing their announcement shines a light on the accom-
SELECTION CRITERIA
2000) incredible accomplishments.” plishments of some of college football's
1. First and foremost, a player must have
• Carson Palmer – QB, Southern The 2021 College Football Hall of Fame greatest legends."
received First Team All-America recogni-
California (1998-2002) Class will officially be inducted during the 2021 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL
tion by a selector recognized by the NCAA
• Tony Romo – QB, Eastern Illinois 63rd NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 7 OF FAME CLASS NOTES
and utilized to comprise its consensus All-
(1999-2002) alongside the 2020 Hall of Fame Class (the PLAYERS:
America teams.
• Kenneth Sims – DT, Texas (1978-81) 2020 event was canceled due to COVID-19). • 1 NFF National Scholar-Athlete
2. A player becomes eligible for considera-
• C.J. Spiller – RB/KR, Clemson (2006- The inductees will also be recognized at (Barton)
tion by the NFF’s Honors Court 10 full
09) their respective collegiate institutions with • 1 Heisman Trophy winner (Palmer)
seasons after his final year of intercolle-
• Darren Sproles – RB, Kansas State NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salutes, • 4 unanimous First Team All-Americans
giate football played.
(2001-04) presented by Fidelity Investments, during (Morgan, Sims, Spiller, Taylor)
3. While each nominee's football achieve-
• Aaron Taylor – OT, Notre Dame (1990- the fall. Their accomplishments will be for- • 6 consensus First Team All-Americans
ments in college are of prime considera-
93) ever immortalized at the Chick-fil-A (Fulcher (2), Palmer, Sims, Taylor, Tippett,
tion, his post football record as a citizen is
• Andre Tippett – DE, Iowa (1979-81) College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Wilson)
also weighed. He must have proven himself
• Al Wilson – LB, Tennessee (1995-98) and each inductee will receive a custom • 3 multi-year First Team All-Americans
worthy as a citizen, carrying the ideals of
COACHES: ring created by Jostens, the official and (Fulcher (2), Sims (2), Taylor (2))
(continued on page 10)
Follow us on twitter @sportspagedfw | www.sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 - Issue 21 | January 15, 2021 - January 21, 2021 9
football forward into his relations with his A First Team All-American in 1986, collegiate game in 1983, he posted 15 tack- he became a Second Team Freshman All-
community. Consideration may also be Barton was named the ACC’s Most les and returned an interception 40 yards American and was a finalist for the Butkus
given for academic honors and whether or Outstanding Offensive Lineman after help- against UCLA. Named Arizona State’s and Nagurski Awards as a junior. The 2011
not the candidate earned a college degree. ing the Tar Heels finish sixth in the nation Most Outstanding Defensive Back in 1985, University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame
4. Players must have played their last year and first in the conference with 436 yards Fulcher guided the Sun Devils to a berth in inductee played alongside College Football
of intercollegiate football within the last 50 of total offense per game. The 1986 First the Holiday Bowl. Hall of Famer Ed Reed during his time in
years*. For example, to be eligible for the Team All-ACC selection was also part of A 1996 inductee into the Arizona State Coral Gables.
2021 ballot, the player must have played an offensive unit that finished 10th in the University Sports Hall of Fame, Fulcher The 11th overall pick by the Carolina
his last year in 1971 or thereafter. In addi- nation with 252.5 rushing yards per game. finished his career with 293 tackles and 12 Panthers in the 2001 NFL Draft, Morgan
tion, current professional players and/or A four-year starter, Barton began his career interceptions. During his time in Tempe, played for the franchise from 2001-07. The
coaches are not eligible until retirement. at center before being switched to tackle as "Fo-Rock" played for College Football All-Rookie Team and 2004 Pro Bowl
5. A coach becomes eligible three full sea- a sophomore to take better advantage of his Hall of Fame Coach John Cooper and selection led the Panthers to an appearance
sons after retirement or immediately fol- skills. After leading UNC to berths in the alongside Hall of Famer Randall McDaniel. in Super Bowl XXXVIII following the
lowing retirement provided he is at least 70 1983 Peach Bowl and the 1986 Aloha A third-round pick by the Cincinnati 2003 season.
years old. Active coaches become eligible Bowl, he concluded his stellar collegiate Bengals in the 1986 NFL Draft, Fulcher While with the Panthers, Morgan volun-
at 75 years of age. He must have been a career in the Japan Bowl all-star game. spent eight years in the league with the teered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
head football coach for a minimum of 10 In addition to being an NFF National Bengals (1986-92) and the Los Angeles The Coral Springs, Florida, native has con-
years and coached at least 100 games with Scholar-Athlete, Barton was an Academic Raiders (1993). The three-time Pro Bowl tributed time during his post-NFL career
a .600 winning percentage. All-ACC selection, and he received the selection guided the Bengals to an appear- working with FEAT (Families for Effective
6. Nominations may only be submitted by 1987 Jim Tatum Award as the conference’s ance in Super Bowl XXIII following the Autism Treatment) and Ben’s Fund, which
the current athletics director, head coach or top football scholar-athlete. A member of 1988 season. raises money for families with autistic chil-
sports information director (SID) of a the 2007 ACC Legends Class, he is one of The founder and director of the David dren. Morgan currently serves as the direc-
potential candidate’s collegiate institution. 27 players to have his jersey honored at Fulcher Foundation, he is active in tor of player personnel for the Buffalo Bills.
Nominations may also be submitted by the Kenan Stadium. During his freshman year, fundraising and awareness for multiple CARSON PALMER
president/executive director of a dues-pay- Barton played alongside College Football sclerosis. Fulcher has also operated his University of Southern California
ing chapter of the National Football Hall of Famer William Fuller. Mentoring Against Negative Actions pro- Quarterback, 1998-2002
Foundation. Selected in the first round of the 1987 gram for 15 years, working in prisons to The winner of the 2002 Heisman
* Players that do not comply with the 50- NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, help inmates learn life skills. In 2016, he Trophy, Carson Palmer helped usher in a
year rule may still be eligible for consider- Barton spent his entire career with the fran- helped launch Cincinnati Christian new era of dominance at USC and finished
ation by the Football Bowl Subdivision and chise from 1987-98. A 1993 Pro Bowler, University’s football program, serving as his career as the Pac-10’s all-time leading
Divisional Veterans Committees. Veterans he led the team to victories in Super Bowls the head coach for two seasons. Fulcher passer. The Rancho Santa Margarita,
Committee candidates must still meet First XXIII, XXIV and XXIX. also previously coached at Cincinnati California, native becomes the 33rd Trojan
Team All-America requirement. Christian High School. Decades after leav- player to be inducted into the College
COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF After both of his parents passed away ing college early for the NFL, he garduated Football Hall of Fame.
FAME QUICK FACTS from brain tumors, Barton founded from Arizona State in May 2020. A consensus First Team All-American in
• Including the 2021 Hall of Fame class, Champion Charities in 2004 with fellow DAN MORGAN 2002, Palmer was the first USC quarterback
only 1,038 players and 223 coaches have College Football Hall of Famer and former University of Miami to win the Heisman, and he also received
been inducted into the College Football 49ers teammate Ronnie Lott. The non- Linebacker, 1997-2000 the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Pop
Hall of Fame from the nearly 5.47 million profit has contributed significantly to treat- The first player in history to sweep the Warner Award and Sporting News National
who have played or coached the game dur- ing and researching brain tumors while three major defensive awards in one sea- Player of the Year. The Pac-10 Co-Offensive
ing the past 151 years. In other words, less helping those afflicted with the disease. son, Dan Morgan is Miami’s all-time lead- Player of the Year as a senior, he guided
than two one-hundredths of a percent Barton is also a board member of the ing tackler. Part of the Hurricanes’ reemer- the 2002 USC squad to its first 11-win sea-
(.02%) of the individuals who have played Roberts Enterprise Development Fund, a gence in the late 90s, he becomes the son since 1979, a share of the conference
the game have earned this distinction. venture philanthropy that invests exclusive- eighth player in school history to enter the title and a No. 4 national ranking. The
• Founded in 1947, The National ly in social enterprises that employ and College Football Hall of Fame. 2002 co-captain and team MVP capped his
Football Foundation & College Hall of empower people overcoming barriers to A unanimous First Team All-American stellar career earning MVP honors in the
Fame inducted its first class of inductees in work. He is the founder and managing in 2000, Morgan took home the Bednarik, Trojans’ 2003 Orange Bowl victory.
1951. The first class included 32 players director of H. Barton Asset Management, Butkus and Nagurski Awards after leading The USC record holder with 1,569
and 22 coaches, including Illinois’ Red where he specializes in providing invest- the Hurricanes to the Big East title, an 11-1 career pass attempts, Palmer finished his
Grange, Notre Dame’s Knute Rockne, ment capital to up-and-coming VC-backed record and a No. 2 final ranking. The 2000 time in Los Angeles as the Trojans’ all-
Amos Alonzo Stagg and Carlisle (PA)’s technology startups. Big East Defensive Player of the Year led time leader in career passing yards and
Jim Thorpe. DAVID FULCHER Miami in tackles three times, and he holds career total offense, and he currently ranks
• 314 schools are represented with at Arizona State University the school record with 532 career tackles second in both categories. His 11,818 pass-
least one College Football Hall of Famer. Defensive Back, 1983-85 (also a Big East record). A four-time All- ing yards and 11,621 yards of total offense
• Induction for the 2021 Class will take Referred to as “a safety in a line- Big East selection, Morgan garnered first – both also Pac-10 career records at the
place Dec. 7 during the 63rd NFF Annual backer’s body” for his rare combination of team honors in 1997, 1999 and 2000 while time – currently rank sixth and eighth in
Awards Dinner. The event will also feature size and speed, David Fulcher is one of claiming second team laurels in 1998. The conference history, respectively. A two-
the induction of the 2020 Hall of Fame only three Sun Devils to twice earn con- 2000 Football News National Defensive time recipient of the Marv Goux Award for
Class. sensus All-America honors. The L.A native Player of the Year was a four-year starter efforts in the annual USC-UCLA rivalry
2021 College Football Hall of Fame is the ninth Arizona State player to join the and a three-time captain, becoming the first game, Palmer ranks second all-time in sin-
Class Bios College Football Hall of Fame. sophomore in school history to receive the gle-season passing at USC with 309 com-
A consensus First Team All-American honor. pletions for 3,942 yards in 2002. A team-
HARRIS BARTON in 1984 and 1985, Fulcher also earned The standout linebacker led Miami to mate of College Football Hall of Famer
University of North Carolina Second Team All-America laurels as a three top 20 finishes and three consecutive Troy Polamalu at USC, Palmer is a mem-
Offensive Tackle, 1983-86 freshman. The three-time First Team All- postseason wins in the 1998 Micron PC ber of the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame,
An NFF National Scholar-Athlete in Pac-10 selection twice led the Sun Devils Bowl, 2000 Gator Bowl and 2001 Sugar and his No. 3 jersey has been retired.
1986, Barton matched his success in the in tackles (1983, 1984) and interceptions Bowl. Morgan’s 45 consecutive starts were The first overall pick in the 2004 NFL
classroom by becoming one of the most (1983, 1985). A three-year starter, Fulcher’s a school record at the time, and he was the Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, Palmer
dominant offensive linemen in North established himself as a star early – record- first player in Hurricane annals to post 100 played 15 seasons with the Bengals (2003-
Carolina history. The Atlanta native ing 53 tackles, three interceptions, six or more tackles every season of his career. 10), Oakland Raiders (2011-12) and
becomes the sixth Tar Heel to enter the sacks and six pass deflections just four Despite making the switch to linebacker Arizona Cardinals (2013-17). A three-time
College Football Hall of Fame. games into his college career. In his second just days prior to the 1997 season opener, Pro Bowler, he was named the 2005 AFC
10 January 15, 2020 - January 21, 2021 | The Sports Page Weekly | Volume 19 Issue 21 | www.sportspagedfw.com | follow us on twitter @sportspagdfw.comPlayer of the Year after leading the Bengals the Lombardi Award… despite being side- honorable mention laurels in 2007. Despite in the 2002 Holiday Bowl, and two top-15
to their first winning season and playoff lined following the ninth game of the sea- losing the 2009 ACC Championship Game finishes in 2002 (No. 7) and 2003 (No. 14).
appearance in 15 years. A member of the son due to injury. The Groesbeck, Texas, to Georgia Tech, he earned MVP honors in Playing for College Football Hall of
Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor, Palmer native becomes the 20th Longhorn player the game after setting an ACC title game Fame Coach Bill Snyder, Sproles finished
ranked 12th all-time in both passing yards to enter the College Football Hall of Fame record with 233 rushing yards. his career 11th all-time in rushing and sixth
and passing touchdowns when he retired A two-time First Team All-American, The NCAA record holder with seven all-time in all-purpose yards in NCAA his-
from the NFL. Sims earned unanimous honors as a senior career kickoff returns for touchdowns, tory. A member of the K-State Football
Off the field, he established the Carson and consensus laurels as a junior. The 1981 Spiller ranks third all-time in FBS history Ring of Honor, he left Manhattan with 28
Palmer Foundation to assist abused and UPI Lineman of the Year finished eighth with 7,588 career all-purpose yards. He single-game, single-season or career records,
abandoned children. Palmer has provided for the Heisman Trophy, receiving three joined USC’s Reggie Bush as the only 21 of which are still standing. The senior
aid and support to organizations like the first-place votes. Sims’ 23 tackles for loss players in college football history with team captain boasts program career records
Boys and Girls Club, the Make-A-Wish that season were a then-school record. He 3,000 rushing yards, 1,500 kickoff-return for rushing yards (4,979), all-purpose yards
Foundation and Phoenix Children’s also led Texas to four wins over top 15 yards, 1,000 receiving yards and 500 punt- (6,812), rushing attempts (815), rushing
Hospital. He and his wife recently pledged teams during stellar senior campaign, return yards in a career. Spiller set 31 yards per carry (6.11), 100-yard rushing
to make a challenge gift of $300,000 for including a 12-tackle performance in a Clemson records by career’s end, including games (24) and consecutive 100-yard rush-
Compassion International’s “Fill the decisive 34-14 win over No. 10 Oklahoma. career all-purpose yards (7,588), kickoff ing games (10). Sproles still holds three of
Stadium” initiative, which seeks to provide The two-time consensus First Team All- return yards (2,052) and kickoffs returned the top five single-season rushing perform-
essential food, medical care and support Southwest Conference selection led the for a TD (seven). He led the Tigers to four ances in school history, including the top
for children and their families during the Longhorns to four consecutive postseason bowl games, earning MVP honors at the mark of 1,986 in 2003. His 2,735 all-pur-
Coronavirus pandemic. berths, including wins in the 1978 Sun 2007 Chick-fil-A and 2009 Music City pose yards in 2003 are a Big 12 and K-
TONY ROMO Bowl and the 1982 Cotton Bowl. The 1981 bowls. Spiller twice led the ACC in all-pur- State single-season record, and he also
Eastern Illinois University team captain guided Texas to three top 25 pose yards, and he helped Clemson finish holds conference records for career 100-
Quarterback, 1999-2002 finishes: No. 9 in 1978, No. 12 in 1979 and in the top 25 in 2007 (No. 21) and 2009 yard games and career all-purpose yards.
The winner of the 2002 Walter Payton No. 2 in 1981. The two-time team MVP (No. 24). A member of both the Clemson A fourth-round pick by the Chargers in
Award as the top player in the Football boasts the Longhorn record with 15 career Athletics and State of South Carolina the 2005 NFL Draft, Sproles played 15
Championship Subdivision (FCS), Tony forced fumbles. On the Texas career charts, Athletic halls of fame, Spiller’s No. 28 jer- seasons in the league with the Chargers
Romo goes down as one of the greatest Sims ranks fourth in sacks (29), fifth in sey was retired by the Tigers. (2005-10), Saints (2011-13) and Eagles
players in Eastern Illinois history. He fumble recoveries (seven) and ninth in The ninth overall pick by the Buffalo (2014-19). The three-time Pro Bowl selec-
deservedly becomes the first Panther player tackles for loss (50). His other honors Bills in the 2010 NFL Draft (2010-14), tion was a member of the Eagles team that
to enter the College Football Hall of Fame. include the 1981 Houston Post SWC Spiller also played for the Saints (2015), won Super Bowl LII. Currently ranked
A First Team All-American in 2002, Romo Defensive MVP Trophy and a 1982 NCAA Seattle Seahawks (2016), N.Y Jets (2016) sixth in NFL history with 19,696 all-pur-
became the first three-time Ohio Valley Today’s Top V Award. Sims was inducted and Kansas City Chiefs (2017). pose yards, Sproles set the single-season
Conference Offensive Player of the year into the University of Texas Athletics Hall Off the field, Spiller was a First Team league record with 2,696 in 2011.
in league history. The Walter Payton Award of Honor in 1997. Academic All-ACC selection at Clemson. Giving back to the community, Sproles
winner led the Panthers to consecutive con- The first overall pick in the 1982 NFL A regular visitor to hospitals and convales- has funded football and life skills camps
ference titles (2001,2002) and threestraight Draft by the New England Patriots, Sims cent homes, he also hosts the annual C.J. for at-risk youth in Kansas and San Diego.
FCS Playoff berths. EIU was 25-10 overall spent his entire pro career with the fran- Spiller Football & Life Skills Camp. In He also helped a family in New Orleans
and 17-2 in OVC games with Romo start- chise from 1982-89. He helped guide the 2020, Spiller returned to Clemson to get rebuild their home. Sproles currently works
ing, and the team was nationally ranked team to an appearance in Super Bowl XX his master’s in athletic leadership, and he as a personnel consultant for the Eagles.
during his final three seasons. A three-time following the 1985 season. joined former coach Dabo Swinney’s foot- AARON TAYLOR
First Team All-OVC selection, Romo set A dedicated supporter of UT Athletics, ball staff as an unpaid graduate intern. He University of Notre Dame
conference and school records for single- Sims has participated in numerous letter- is also a board member of IPTAY, the fund Offensive Tackle, 1990-93
season (34 in 2002) and career (85) touch- man functions. He is also an annual volun- raising organization for Clemson Athletics. At a school with a long history of stel-
down passes, which remained unbroken for teer for the Grays Harbor Football Camp, a DARREN SPROLES lar offensive lineman, Aaron Taylor was
more than a decade. The 2001 Third Team free youth event. Now retired, Sims resides Kansas State University one of the best to ever suit up at Notre
All-American owns the school record with in Round Rock, Texas. Running Back, 2001-04 Dame. A monster in the trenches, is the
a 157.5 career passing efficiency, and he C.J. SPILLER One of the most electric and prolific 48th Fighting Irish player to enter the
ranks third in career passing yards with Clemson University runners in college football history, Darren College Football Hall of Fame, the most of
8,212. In 2009, Romo was inducted into Running Back/Kick Returner, 2006-09 Sproles ranks as Kansas State’s all-time any school.
the EIU Athletic Hall of Fame; the same When he had the ball in his hands, C.J. leading rusher holding more than 20 school A two-time First Team All-American,
day, he became the first player to have his Spiller was one of the most exciting all- and conference records. The Olathe,Kansas Taylor earned unanimous honors in 1993
number retired by the Panthers. purpose players to ever step foot on the native becomes the third Wildcat player in and consensus recognition in 1992. The
After going undrafted in 2003, Romo college gridiron. The Lake Butler, Florida, the College Football Hall of Fame. anchor for one of the best stretches of
would put together a standout NFL career native becomes the fourth Tiger player in A First Team All-American in 2003, Notre Dame football in the last thirty years
with the Dallas Cowboys from 2003-16. the College Football Hall of Fame. Sproles finished fifth in the Heisman the Irish went 40-8-1 and won three major
The four-time Pro Bowl selection holds A unanimous First Team All-America Trophy voting after leading the nation with bowl games (1992 Sugar Bowl and the
Cowboy records for career passing yards kick returner in 2009, Spiller finished sixth 1,986 rushing yards. A three-time All-Big 1993 and 1994 Cotton Bowls) during his
and passing touchdowns. in the Heisman Trophy voting and was a 12 performer, he earned first team honors career. The 1993 Lombardi Award recipi-
Off the field, Romo has annually hosted finalist for the Doak Walker Award. He was in 2003 and 2004 and second team acco- ent, Taylor also won the Jim Parker Award
youth football camps in his hometown of named a Second Team All-America run- lades in 2002. In 2003, Sproles led K-State from the Touchdown Club of Columbus,
Burlington, Wisconsin. He is also heavily ning back by Walter Camp in 2009, mak- to the Big 12 title, its first conference title and he was a finalist for the Outland
involved with the United Way, Make-A- ing him the first player in the organiza- since 1934, after posting 345 all-purpose Trophy. The senior team captain guided the
Wish Foundation and the Society for the tion’s history to earn All-America honors at yards, catching a 60-yd touchdown pass Fighting Irish to top-15 finishes every year
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Since two positions in the same season. The 2009 and rushing for a Big 12 Championship of his career: No. 6 in 1990, No. 13 in
retiring, Romo has served as the lead color ACC Player of the Year set a single-season Game record 235 yards in an upset win 1991, No. 4 in 1992 and No. 2 in 1993.
analyst for CBS’ NFL telecasts, working conference and school record with 2,680 over No. 1 Oklahoma. One of three final- The 1993 Moose Krause Lineman of the
alongside Jim Nantz. all-purpose yards while also becoming the ists for the 2003 AP Player of the Year, he Year, Taylor blocked for consecutive 1,000-
KENNETH SIMS first player in conference history to gain earned Honorable Mention All-America yard rushers in Reggie Brooks (1992) and
University of Texas 1,000 yards rushing and 500 yards receiv- honors in 2002, and he led the FBS in all- Lee Becton (1993). He burst onto the scene
Defensive Tackle, 1978-81 ing in the same season. A three-time All- purpose yards (2,067) in 2004. The 2003 in Notre Dame’s upset of Florida in the
Kenneth Sims was so dominant in 1981 ACC selection, Spiller garnered first team Doak Walker Award finalist led the Wildcats 1992 Sugar Bowl when Jerome Bettis
that he became Texas’ first-ever winner of honors in 2008 and 2009 while receiving to three postseason berths, including a win scored two of his three touchdowns behind
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