Football

2002 College Football Hall of Fame Class Announced

Morristown, NJ - National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Chairman Jon F. Hanson and Honors Court Chairman Gene Corrigan announced the names of the 2002 College Football Hall of Fame Division I-A Class today. 

"I would like to thank the members of the Foundation's Honors Court for their efforts in selecting an exceptional class, stated Chairman Jon F. Hanson. "We are pleased to recognize these outstanding players and coaches with college football's ultimate honor of induction into the College Football Hall of Fame." 

Honors Court Chairman Gene Corrigan said, "With so many strong candidates on the ballot, our goal to select a class that represented the many positions in the game as well as different areas of the country was difficult. By selecting an extremely talented, diverse group of athletes, I feel we have accomplished our goal." 

PLAYER SCHOOL POSITION YEARS
Terry Beasley Auburn Split End 1969-71
George "Sonny" Franck Minnesota Tailback 1938-40
Cosmo Iacavazzi Princeton Running Back 1962-64
John Jefferson Arizona State Wide Receiver 1974-77
Ronnie Lott Southern California Safety 1977-80
Dan Marino Pittsburgh Quarterback 1979-82
Napoleon McCallum Navy Tailback 1981-85
Reggie McKenzie Michigan Offensive Guard 1969-71
Randy Rhino Georgia Tech Defensive Back 1972-74
Jerry Sisemore Texas Offensive Tackle 1970-72
Gary Spani Kansas State Linebacker 1974-77
Reggie White Tennessee Defensive Tackle 1980-83
Kellen Winslow Missouri Tight End 1976-78



COACH SCHOOL(s) YEARS RECORD
Earle Bruce Tampa 1972-92 154-90-2
Iowa State
Ohio State
Northern Iowa
Colorado State
Carmen Cozza Yale 1965-96 179-119-5

Hall of Fame Selection Criteria 

1. FIRST AND FOREMOST, A PLAYER MUST HAVE RECEIVED MAJOR FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICA RECOGNITION

2. A player becomes eligible for consideration, by the Foundation's Honors Court ten years after his last year of intercollegiate football played. 

3. While each nominee's football achievements are of prime consideration, his post football record as a citizen is also weighed. He must have proven himself worthy as a citizen, carrying the ideals of football forward into his relations with his community and his fellow man with love of his country. Consideration may also be given for academic honors and whether or not the candidate earned a college degree. 

4. Players must have played within the last 50 years. (It is within the jurisdiction of the Awards Committee and Honors Court to make exceptions to this rule). In addition, players who are playing professionally and coaches who are coaching on the professional level are not eligible until after they retire. 

5. A coach becomes eligible three years after retirement providing he was a head coach for a minimum of 10 years and coached at least 100 games with a .600 winning percentage. 

INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES 

Terry Beasley

Auburn University

Split End, 1969-71
 

Regarded by many was one of the greatest split ends of all-time, Terry Beasley broke numerous Auburn University and Southeastern Conference records despite playing only three years. 

A unanimous All-America selection in 1971, Beasley currently ranks first on the All-Time Auburn list in career receiving yards (2,507), touchdowns receptions (29), career 100-yard receiving games (12) and ranks first and second in touchdowns caught in a season with 12 and 11. The primary receiver when quarterback Pat Sullivan won the Heisman Trophy in 1971, Beasley finished eighth in the voting that same year. 

A two-time All-Conference pick, Beasley was the leading scorer and receiver in the SEC and tied the NCAA record for yards per catch with 20.2 in 1970. He finished his career ranked third nationally in receiving touchdowns with 29 and eighth in receiving yards with 2,507. Beasley is a member of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and Auburn's All-Century Team. 

Following his collegiate career, Beasley was a first round draft choice of the San Francisco 49ers and later owned a successful landscaping business and golf cart company. Despite battling serious medical conditions, Beasley has continued to contribute to the game of football, starting the Terry Beasley Number 88 Scholarship Program, which provides funds to an underprivileged but gifted student to pursue his or her education at Auburn University. 

George "Sonny" Franck

University of Minnesota

Tailback, 1938-40
 

One of the most versatile athletes the University of Minnesota has seen, George "Sonny" Franck served stints as quarterback, safety, kick and punt returner and punter as well as sharing the primary tailback role with fellow College Football Hall of Fame member, Bruce Smith. The two combined for more than 60 percent of the Golden Gophers' touchdowns. 

In 1940, Franck was named consensus All-America, All-BIG TEN Conference, finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting, was Most Valuable Player of the College All-Star Game and most notably, led the team to a perfect 8-0 National Championship season. Academically, he was also a recipient of the BIG TEN Medal for Scholarship and Athletics. 

Following his collegiate career, Franck played parts of four seasons with the New York Giants of the National Football League despite serving time as a World War II captain USMCR/Fighter Pilot in the U.S. Navy. A recipient of nine battle stars, he survived his plane being shot down in the South Pacific in 1945. 

The University of Minnesota Hall of Famer has displayed his supreme athleticism in other sports as well - belonging to the Rock Island Bowling Hall of Fame and winning the BIG TEN Championship in the 60-yard dash in 1941. 

Cosmo Iacavazzi

Princeton University

Running Back, 1962-64
 

A first team All-America in 1964, Cosmo Iacavazzi was the key component to Princeton's Ivy League dominance in the early 1960s. 

A quick and hard-hitting ball-carrier, Iacavazzi led the nation in scoring in 1963. A two-time All-Ivy League selection, he was named Co-Most Valuable Player of the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference in 1964 and received the Poe-Kazmaier Trophy awarded to the player that best exemplifies loyalty and devotion to Princeton. His teams captured back-to-back Ivy League titles in 1963 and 1964, including a perfect 7-0 senior campaign. 

The team captain in 1964, Iacavazzi was named a National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete. After graduating in 1965 with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in aero engineering, he played a season with the New York Jets before becoming a successful entrepreneur and businessman. 

Possessing a boyhood interest of making airplanes, Iacavazzi turned down recruiting opportunities from Notre Dame, Indiana and Iowa. He felt that receiving a top-notch education in engineering was as important as football, which is why he chose Princeton. Iacavazzi went on to a highly successful non-playing career, becoming an engineer for Boeing Aircraft, vice president of Smith Barney, managing director of William Sword & Company and is currently president of Marjem Management Company. 

John Jefferson

Arizona State University

Wide Receiver, 1974-77
 

Known as arguably the greatest pass-catcher in the history of the Arizona State football program, John Jefferson rewrote the university, Western Athletic Conference and NCAA record books. 

Jefferson's breakout year occurred in 1975 when he led the Sun Devils with 52 receptions and 921 yards receiving on the way to a perfect 12-0 season and an appearance in the Fiesta Bowl, where he was named Most Valuable Player. 

A consensus All-America selection in 1977 and two-time All-Conference pick, Jefferson concluded his career with an NCAA record 42 consecutive games with a reception. He remains the ASU All-Time leader in career receptions with 188 and career receiving yardage with 2,993. Recognized as Arizona Amateur Athlete of the Year in 1977, he was twice selected as the team's Most Valuable Player and led the team in receiving all four years. 

Following graduation, Jefferson was selected fourth overall in the first round of the 1978 National Football League draft by the San Diego Chargers. He played parts of eight NFL seasons with the Chargers, Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns, being named to the Pro Bowl four times. After retiring, Jefferson became an assistant coach at the University of Kansas before assuming his current role as director of player development for the Washington Redskins. 

Ronnie Lott

University of Southern California

Safety, 1977-80
 

A fierce hitter with an eye for interceptions, Ronnie Lott is one of the greatest players in football history ever to roam the defensive backfield. 

A member of Southern California's 12-1 National Championship team in 1978, Lott's field presence and emerging leadership was elevated to another level in 1980. The team captain, Lott was named unanimous All-America, played in the Hula Bowl and led the nation with eight interceptions. In 1980, the Trojans recognized him as their Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year and Most Inspirational Player. 

A two-time All-PAC-10 selection, Lott twice led the team in interceptions, pass deflections and fumble recoveries. His career number include: 250 tackles, 14 interceptions, 37 pass deflections, 10 fumble recoveries and two touchdowns. 

Selected eighth overall in the first round of the 1981 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers, Lott would play for 15 seasons in the NFL for four different teams. His best seasons were with San Francisco when he earned four Super Bowl rings and was named to the Pro Bowl 10 times. Lott is a member of the USC Athletic Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

Dan Marino

University of Pittsburgh

Quarterback, 1979-82
 

Possessing a cannon of an arm, a lightening quick release and pinpoint accuracy, Dan Marino became a legend at the University of Pittsburgh, and his legacy as one of the greatest collegiate passers of all-time followed him into the professional ranks. 

A four-year starter, Marino guided the Panthers to three consecutive 11-1 seasons, capping each of them with bowl game victories, 1979-81. During his tenure, Pittsburgh went 42-6 and finished each season ranked amongst the top 10 in the nation. 

In 1981, Marino was named All-America after setting single-season school records with 2,876 passing yards and 37 touchdown passes, a mark that led the nation. Currently ranked second all-time at Pittsburgh with 8,597 career passing yards, Marino continues to hold the record for career touchdown passes with 79 and most consecutive games having thrown a touchdown pass with 19. 

Marino's legendary football career was magnified after being drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the National Football League draft in 1983. He played 16 seasons, all with Miami, while earning All-Pro Honors eight times and rewriting the NFL's record books along the way. Upon retirement in 1999, Marino held 38 team and 25 NFL records, including career passing yardage and touchdown passes. For his work with charity and civic involvement, he was named 1999 NFL Man of the Year. 

Napoleon McCallum

United States Naval Academy

Tailback, 1981-85
 

One of the greatest collegiate tailbacks of all-time, Napoleon McCallum ran over, through and around the opposition during parts of five seasons with the United States Naval Academy. 

A two-time consensus All-America, McCallum finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1983 and eighth in 1985. Named Most Valuable Player in the 1985 Blue-Gray Game and the 1986 Senior Bowl, McCallum ranks second all-time with 7,172 career all-purpose yards on the Division I-A level. He also ranks among the all-time top 20 in all-purpose yards per game in a single season (216.8) and total all-purpose yards (2,385). 

A legendary name at the Naval Academy, McCallum set 26 school rushing and return records, including single season rushing yards (1,587) and career marks for rushing yards (4,179), kick return yards (2,197) and punt return yards (858). In 1985, McCallum, Navy's Co-Captain, led the team in yards rushing, receiving, all-purpose, punt returning, kick returning, and was the team's leading scorer. 

Following graduation, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Raiders of the National Football League. Although his professional career was interrupted for three years so he could honor his military assignment, McCallum returned to play five seasons in the NFL for Los Angeles before a severe knee injury ended his playing career. 

Reggie McKenzie

University of Michigan

Offensive Guard, 1969-71
 

A legendary offensive lineman at the University of Michigan, Reggie McKenzie's legacy has been felt in the collegiate and professional ranks and continues in his devout commitment to the community and its children. 

A consensus All-America in 1971, McKenzie played along side fellow College Football Hall of Fame member Dan Dierdorf for two seasons, highlighting one of the most formidable offensive lines in history, which helped break nearly all of team's rushing records. Regarded as one of the nation's top pulling guards, McKenzie was twice named All-BIG TEN Conference. 

A member of two conference championship teams, McKenzie was drafted in the second round of the National Football League draft by the Buffalo Bills following graduation in 1972. He played a total of 12 seasons in the NFL, 11 of which were spent with the Bills. 

McKenzie's largest impact may come from what he has done off the field dating back to 1970 when he served as the director of youth fitness for the Highland Park Recreation Department and worked for their Board of Education. In 1974, McKenzie founded "The Reggie McKenzie Foundation," which focuses its efforts on creating a positive atmosphere for youth and addresses their needs through sports, health awareness and academics. 

Randy Rhino

Georgia Tech

Defensive Back, 1972-74
 

The only three-time First Team All-America selection in Georgia Tech history, Randy Rhino roamed the defensive secondary like no other and made his mark on the Yellow Jacket return teams as well. 

In addition to being a three-time All-America (consensus in 1973), Rhino was named an All-Southeastern Independent Conference pick three times and saw action in the Blue-Gray Game and Hula Bowl in 1975. 

Defensively, Rhino twice led the team in interceptions and is currently tied for second all-time at Georgia Tech with 14 in his career. A fierce hitter, Rhino also ranks 13th all-time in career tackles by a defensive back with 203, which includes a team best 11 touchdown-saving tackles during the 1973 season. 

On special teams, Rhino led the nation, averaging 17.6 yards per punt return in 1972, a mark that ranks second all-time at Georgia Tech. He is the school's leader with 749 career punt return yards and ranks sixth with a 13.1 return average. Returning kicks, Rhino ranks seventh with 860 career return yards and a 23.5 return average. 

After being drafted by the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League in 1975, Rhino flourished in the Canadian Football League, where he was named All-Pro in three of his five seasons. Today Rhino is a successful chiropractor in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Jerry Sisemore

University of Texas

Offensive Tackle, 1970-72
 

One of the great offensive tackles of his era, Jerry Sisemore was a three-year letterwinner and team captain during arguably the best three-year period in the history of the University of Texas football program. 

In the three seasons Sisemore started at offensive tackle for Texas, the Longhorns lost only a single game in Southwest Conference play en route to three consecutive championships and three Cotton Bowl appearances. In 1970, he reached the pinnacle of college football success when the team recorded a perfect 10-0 regular season and the school's third National Championship. 

At 6-4, 260 pounds, Sisemore's domination of the offensive line earned him numerous all-star games selections, including the Senior Bowl and Coaches All-America Game in 1973. Year's later, he was selected to be included among UT greats in the Longhorn Hall of Honor. 

Sisemore was chosen in the first round of the National Football League draft by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1973 and remained with the team for the duration of his 12-year career. During his tenure, Philadelphia appeared in the postseason four times and won the NFC Championship in 1980 before bowing to the Raiders in Super Bowl XV. 

Gary Spani

Kansas State University

Linebacker, 1974-77
 

Arguably the greatest football player in Kansas State University history, Gary Spani dominated the defensive side of the ball and will become the first player from the school to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. 

Named Kansas State's first ever consensus All-America in 1977, Spani played in several postseason all-star games including the East-West Shrine Game and the Japan Bowl in 1978. A three-time All-BIG-8 Conference selection, he was named Defensive Player of the Week four times. 

Three seasons the Wildcats' leader in tackles and twice named team Most Valuable Player, Spani continues to dominate the Kansas State career record books. He is the team's all-time leader in career tackles (543), career assists (343) and assists in a season (110). Recording at least 20 tackles in a single game four times, Spani is also ranked first, fifth and sixth on the Wildcats record list for most tackles in a single season. 

Following graduation in 1978, Spani was chosen in the third round of the National Football League draft by the Kansas City Chiefs where he played all nine years of his career and led the team in tackles four straight seasons. 

Spani is a member of the Kansas State Sports Hall of Fame and was named to Sports Illustrated's 50 Greatest Players of the 20th Century from the state of Kansas. 

Reggie White

University of Tennessee

Defensive Tackle, 1980-83
 

Terrorizing quarterbacks from the collegiate level to the professional ranks, few defensive players in the history of the game of football have dominated the line of scrimmage like Reggie White. 

A unanimous All-America selection in 1983, White was a Lombardi Award finalist, was named Defensive Lineman of the Year by the Atlanta Touchdown Club and was Most Valuable Player of the Japan Bowl. Named Southeast Conference Player of the Year in 1983, White was chosen by the Birmingham Quarterback Club as the SEC's Most Outstanding Lineman and Most Outstanding Senior Football Player. 

Renowned for his relentless sacking ability, White holds Tennessee records for most sacks in a single game (4), season (15) and career (32). He was chosen by his teammates to receive the UT Simpson Theatre Award as the Volunteer's Outstanding Lineman and the Spiva Award as Most Improved Defensive Player in 1981. 

A first round draft choice (fourth overall) of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1985, White embarked on a 13-year NFL career, which included 11 Pro-Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl XXXI Championship as a member of the Green Bay Packers. White retired as, and continues to be, the NFL's all-time career sack leader. 

Kellen Winslow

University of Missouri

Tight End, 1976-78
 

One of the marquis pass-catching tight ends of the 1970s, Kellen Winslow became a legend at the University of Missouri and shattered the receiving records for a tight end along the way. 

A consensus All-America in 1978, Winslow helped guide the Tigers to three winning seasons and a Liberty Bowl victory his senior year. Twice named to the All-BIG-8 Conference team, he was selected as conference Male Athlete of the Year in 1978 and made appearances in the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl. 

A three-year letterwinner, Winslow totaled 71 receptions, 1,089 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns for his career. Additional Missouri accolades include having his number retired and being named to the school's All-Century Football Team and Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame. 

In 1979, Winslow was selected in the first round of the National Football League draft by the San Diego Chargers, where he spent the duration of his nine year professional career. In the NFL, Winslow caught 541 receptions for 6,741 yards and 45 touchdowns en route to being named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995. 

Earle Bruce

Head Coach - University of Tampa (1972), Iowa State (1973-78),

Ohio State (1979-87), Northern Iowa (1988), Colorado State (1989-92)

154-90-2, .630
 

A master motivator, leader and BIG TEN coaching legend, Earle Bruce has rescued and rejuvenated football programs, leading four different schools to postseason bowl games. 

After beginning his coaching career with one season at the University of Tampa, Bruce was hired at Iowa State where he took a struggling Cyclone program and guided them to three consecutive eight-win seasons and two bowl game appearances. In 1978 and 1979, Bruce was named BIG-8 Coach of the Year for guiding Iowa State to identical 8-4 records. 

Best known for his unparalleled success at Ohio State University, Bruce began his tenure with the Buckeyes in 1979. In nine seasons while in Columbus, his teams had eight seasons with at least nine victories, eight postseason appearances and at least a share of four BIG TEN Conference Championships. During that time, the Buckeyes went 81-26-1, and Bruce was named conference Coach of the Year in 1980. 

Bruce capped his career with a short stint at the University of Northern Iowa in 1988 and his final four years as head coach with Colorado State University. In 1990, Bruce worked his magic for the final time - leading the Rams to their winningest season ever, a 9-4 record and the program's first trip to the postseason in 42 years with a victory in the Freedom Bowl. 

Carmen Cozza

Head Coach - Yale University (1965-96)

179-119-5, .599
 

Few in the history of collegiate athletics have had the impact and staying power on a school and football program like that of Yale's Carmen Cozza. His influence on the school and the game of amateur football will be felt for years to come. 

Guiding Yale through its transition from Division I-A to Division I-AA, Cozza holds the school's coaching record for seasons coached (32), wins (179) and winning seasons (18). Upon his retirement in 1996, Cozza ranked 12th among active Division I coaches in wins and has coached in numerous all-star games including the East-West Shrine Game, Blue-Gray Game and Epson Ivy League Bowl in Japan. 

Winning ten Ivy League Championships, Cozza has earned seven Kodak District I Coach of the Year Awards. Under his tutelage, several of his players have been honored with various academic awards and distinctions including five National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar-Athletes, seven NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship recipients, seven CoSIDA Academic All-Americas and five Rhode Scholars. 

A community-minded individual, Cozza received the Walter Camp Award and the Veritas Award from Providence College for his outstanding civic work. 

The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit educational organization comprised of more than 11,000 members in 118 chapters nationwide, dedicated to the promotion of amateur football, scholarship, citizenship, and superior athletic performance. Through various programs and initiatives, such as Play It Smart and the NFL/NFF Coaching Academy, the Foundation endeavors to promote the positive values learned through participation in sport. The College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Indiana serves as the shrine where those who exemplify the Foundation's ideal of excellence both on and off the field are immortalized.

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