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Members of the 2005 Hall of Fame class (along with Valley of the Sun
Chapter chairman and fellow Hall of Famer Frank Kush) are introduced at
halftime at the 2006 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.
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2005 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS
| Coach |
School |
Years |
Record |
| Pat Dye |
East Carolina
Wyoming
Auburn |
1974-79
1980
1981-92 |
153-62-5 |
| Don Nehlen |
Bowling Green
West Virginia |
1968-76
1980
1980-02 |
202-128-8 |
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From the national ballot of 75 candidates and a pool of hundreds of eligible nominees, Jon F. Hanson, Chairman of the National Football Foundation announced the 2005 College Football Hall of Fame Division I-A Class, which includes the names of 11 All-America players and two legendary coaches. Induction of this latest group of Hall of Famers will take place on December 6 at the 48th annual Awards Dinner in New York City.
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2005 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME DIVISIONAL CLASS
| Player |
School |
Position |
Years |
| Mike Barber |
Marshall (W. Va) |
Wide Receiver |
1985-88 |
| Kirk Baumgartner |
Wisconsin-Stevens Pt. |
Quarterback |
1986-89 |
| Leo Lewis |
Lincoln (Mo) |
Running Back |
1951-54 |
| Willie Totten |
Mississippi Valley St. |
Quarterback |
1982-85 |
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| Coach |
School(s) |
Years |
Record |
| Roger Harring |
Wisconsin-La Crosse |
1969-99 |
261-75-7 |
| Frosty Westering |
Parsons (Iowa)
Lea (Minn.)
Pacific Lutheran (Wash.) |
1962-63
1966-71
1972-2003 |
305-96-7 |
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In order for a player to be eligible for College Football Hall of Fame consideration, they must have received First Team All-America status by a selector that is recognized by the NCAA; played their last year of intercollegiate football within the last 50 years, but no fewer than 10 years ago; and be currently retired from playing on the professional level. Coaches become eligible three years after retirement provided he was a head coach for a minimum of 10 years and coached at least 100 games with a .600 winning percentage.
In both cases, a nominee’s 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.
INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES
Cornelius Bennett
University of Alabama
Linebacker, 1983-86
A devastating hitter and dynamic defender, Cornelius Bennett dominated in
four seasons as the undisputed defensive leader of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
At 6 feet 4 inches tall and 215 pounds, Bennett twice earned First Team
All-America honors, a unanimous choice in 1986. That year, he finished
seventh in the Heisman Trophy voting, received the Lombardi Award as the
nation's top lineman and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year. A
three-time First Team All-Conference pick, Bennett was voted Defensive
Player of the Game in victories at the 1985 Aloha Bowl and the 1986 Sun
Bowl.
A member of Alabama's Team of the Century, Bennett was named the school's
Player of the Decade for the 1980's. A team captain in 1986, he amassed 287
career tackles and 15 sacks, 10 of which came in 1986.
Selected second overall in the 1987 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts,
Bennett played 14 years in the NFL and made five appearances in the Super
Bowl, four as a part of the Buffalo Bills' memorable run in the 1990s.
Currently, Bennett resides in Golden Beach, Florida.
Tom Curtis
University of Michigan
Defensive Back, 1967-69
Opposing quarterbacks beware! Lurking deep within the defensive secondary
stands one of the greatest interception threats in NCAA history, Michigan's
Tom Curtis.
A consensus First Team All-America selection in 1969, Curtis set an NCAA
career record with 431 interception return yards and led the nation with 10
picks in 1968. With 25 career interceptions, he is the all-time leader at
Michigan, ranks second all-time in BIG TEN Conference history and is tied
for fourth in NCAA history. A two-time First Team All-Conference selection,
Curtis led the Wolverines in interceptions for three straight seasons and
helped guide them to a share of the BIG TEN title in 1969.
A recipient of the academic Frederic Matthaei Award in 1968, Curtis went on
to graduate with a degree in Economics in 1970. Following graduation, he
was drafted by the Baltimore Colts, played two seasons in the NFL, and
appeared in Super Bowl V.
Owner and publisher of the Football News and three NFL team publications,
Curtis remains active in the community with the Haileah/Miami Springs Rotary
and the NFL Alumni Association in Miami, Florida.
Anthony Davis
University of Southern California
Running Back, 1972-74
Continuing in a long line of legendary USC Hall of Fame running backs,
Anthony Davis has cemented himself as one of the greatest rushers in PAC-8
and NCAA history. He becomes the sixth Trojan in six consecutive years to
enter college football's national shrine.
A unanimous First Team All-America selection, Davis finished second in the
Heisman Trophy voting in 1974. A two-time First Team All-Conference pick,
he became the first player in PAC-8 history to rush for at least 1,000 yards
in three individual seasons. A two-time recipient of the Voit Trophy as the
Most Outstanding Player on the West Coast, Davis led USC in rushing, scoring
and kick return yardage for three consecutive seasons.
A proven winner, Davis guided the Trojans to a 31-3-2 record, three
conference titles, three Rose Bowl victories and two national championships
in three years. Upon the completion of his career, he accumulated 24
school, conference and NCAA records, including over 5,400 all-purpose yards
and 52 touchdowns.
Following a brief NFL career, Davis became a successful real estate
developer and continues to serve as a motivational speaker for youth in
Irvine, California where he currently resides.
Keith Dorney
Pennsylvania State University
Offensive Tackle, 1975-78
An immovable force and staple on the Penn State offensive line, Keith Dorney
proved his prowess on the athletic field and in the classroom.
A two-time First Team All-America selection, unanimous in 1978, Dorney saw
action in the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Game his senior year. Named
National Lineman of the Year by the Columbus Touchdown Club, he helped lead
the Nittany Lions to a 38-10 record and four straight bowl appearances.
Dedicated to his studies, Dorney was named to the Penn State Dean's List
numerous times and was named to the Academic All-America First Team in 1978.
Named to Penn State's All-Century First Team, Dorney was selected 19th
overall by the Detroit Lions in the 1979 NFL Draft. In a nine-year NFL
career, he made one Pro Bowl and earned the Ed Block Courage Award in 1987.
Following his playing days, Dorney has worked with children and young adults
as a full-time special education teacher for True to Life Children's
Services and also coaches the defensive line at a local high school in Santa
Rosa, California.
Jim Houston
The Ohio State University
End, 1957-59
A fierce competitor and team leader, Jim Houston guided the Ohio State
Buckeyes to great heights and solidified himself as one of his era's
legendary athletes.
A First Team All-America selection in 1958, Houston was invited to
participate in the East-West Shrine Game and Hula Bowl. A two-time First
Team All-Conference pick, he was named team MVP twice and led the Buckeyes
to a 9-1 record, the BIG TEN title and a National Championship in 1957.
Following graduation in 1960, Houston was selected fifth overall by the
Cleveland Browns in the NFL Draft. Dominating on the professional level, he
made four Pro Bowl appearances and served as team captain seven times in his
13-year career.
Off the field, Houston continues to work with Canada Life Insurance Company,
where he has been for more than 40 years. A native of Sagamore Hills, Ohio,
he is a former president of the NFL Alumni Cleveland Chapter and continues
to assist at various local hospitals and children's organizations.
John Huarte
University of Notre Dame
Quarterback, 1962-64
One of the great quarterbacks of his day, Notre Dame's John Huarte assembled
one of the finest single-season performances in school history in 1964.
Claiming national awards and setting records, he guided the Fighting Irish
to a share of the national championship and firmly stamped his place in
college football lore.
In 1964, Huarte became the 30th recipient of the Heisman Trophy, was named
Back of the Year by the UPI and Football News and ranked third nationally in
total offense. In a season where he earned MVP honors in the North-South
Shrine Game and College All-Star Game, he set 12 school records, including
single-season passing yards (2,062) and touchdown passes (16).
Following graduation, Huarte was selected by the New York Jets in the second
round of the 1965 AFL Draft and spent 12 seasons in professional football in
the AFL, NFL and WFL.
The owner of Arizona Tile Company, Huarte has proven to be a highly
successful businessman, expanding the company to six branches. He currently
lives in Pacific Palisades, California.
Roosevelt Leaks
University of Texas
Fullback, 1972-74
A tremendous running back and fearless pioneer, Roosevelt Leaks became the
first black athlete to earn All-America and All-Conference honors for the
Texas Longhorns, forever changing the complexion of football at Texas and
the Southwest Conference.
Prior to suffering a serious knee injury that hampered his senior season,
Leaks earned consensus First Team All-America honors in 1973 and finished
third in the Heisman Trophy voting. A two-time First Team All-Conference
selection, he was named Southwest Conference MVP in 1973, while setting the
conference record for rushing yards (1,415).
A team captain and MVP, Leaks guided the Longhorns to two conference titles.
Drafted in the fifth round of the 1974 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts,
Leaks enjoyed a nine-year professional career with the Colts and Buffalo
Bills.
A community minded individual, Leaks hosts an annual charity golf tournament
for children in East Austin, Texas. In 2003, he became the first recipient
of the Living Legends Award presented by the Ministry of Challenge.
Mark May
University of Pittsburgh
Offensive Tackle, 1977-80
A massive specimen at 6 feet 6 inches tall and 280 pounds, Mark May was the
anchor of the Pittsburgh offensive line and the leader of a historic Panther
team. In 1980, he captained the team that went 11-1 and finished #2 in the
AP final rankings, a squad that featured three other College Football Hall
of Fame teammates, Jimbo Covert, Hugh Green and Dan Marino.
A First Team All-America selection in 1980, May became the 35th recipient of
the Outland Trophy, which goes to the nation's top interior lineman. A
participant in the 1981 Hula and Japan Bowls, May helped guide the Panthers
to four bowl game appearances and three AP Top 10 finishes.
Following graduation in 1981, May was selected in the first round of the NFL
Draft by the Washington Redskins. In all, he enjoyed a 13-year NFL career,
which included two Super Bowl championships.
A current studio analyst for ESPN, May maintains a dedicated philanthropic
schedule. A member of Nancy Reagan's "Team Up Against Drugs" program, he is
the honorary chairman of the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the Juvenile
Diabetes Association and a United Way spokesperson. May currently resides
in Mesa, Arizona.
Joe Washington
University of Oklahoma
Running Back, 1972-75
"Like smoke through a keyhole" is how legendary Oklahoma running back Joe
Washington described his running style during the days he ruled the BIG-8
Conference. Upon the completion of his remarkable Sooner career, Washington
stood atop the school's all-time career rushing list with over 4,000 yards.
For two extraordinary seasons, Washington dominated the national scene. In
1974, he earned unanimous First Team All-America status as a running back,
was named National Player of the Year and finished third in the Heisman
Trophy voting. In 1975, Washington was named First Team All-America as a
kick returner and placed fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting. Both seasons,
Washington's offensive brilliance led to Sooner national championships.
A three-time First Team All-Conference pick, Washington's teams lost only
twice in 46 career games.
Selected in the first round of the 1976 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers,
Washington played 10 seasons in the NFL and was named MVP of the Redskins in
1981. He is currently the owner of a marketing and advertising company and
lives in Lutherville, Maryland.
Paul Wiggin
Stanford University
Defensive Tackle, 1954-56
A dominating defensive tackle, Stanford's Paul Wiggin owned the line of
scrimmage for three punishing years.
A two-time First Team All-America selection, Wiggin was invited to
participate in the East-West Shrine Game in 1956 and the Hula Bowl in 1957.
A two-time All-Pacific Conference pick, he is one of only two players in
Stanford history to return as head coach. A three-year starter and
letterwinner, Wiggin was named the school's Defensive Player of the Century
in fan voting.
Also a Rugby player and noted scholar, Wiggin earned his bachelor's degree
in 1956 and a master's degree in 1959.
Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 1957 NFL Draft,
Wiggin enjoyed an 11-year professional career. During his off-seasons, he
taught high school and college classes, and coached defensive tackles at
spring practice for Stanford. When his playing days finally ended, Wiggin
coached the Kansas City Chiefs and Stanford University for three years each.
Currently, he serves as the Director of Pro Scouting for the Minnesota
Vikings and resides in Edina, Minnesota.
David Williams
University of Illinois
Wide Receiver, 1983-85
One of the greatest wide receivers of all-time, Illinois' David Williams
finished his collegiate career as the second-leading receiver in NCAA
history with 245 receptions and 3,195 receiving yards in only 33 games.
Collecting numerous records and awards, Williams was the only two-time
unanimous First Team All-America on the 2005 College Football Hall of Fame
ballot. In 1984, he led the nation with a BIG TEN record 101 receptions,
becoming only the second player in NCAA history to surpass the 100-reception
mark in a single-season. In 1986, Williams was named Illinois Athlete of
the Year and participated in the Japan Bowl.
The holder of every Illinois receiving record, Williams twice earned First
Team All-Conference recognition and team MVP honors. In 1983, he led the
Fighting Illini to their first BIG TEN title in 20 years.
Following two seasons in the NFL, Williams flourished in the Canadian
Football League where he earned All-Star status five times and was named
league MVP in 1988. He currently works in sales and lives in Cardena,
California.
Pat Dye
Head Coach - East Carolina University (1974-79),
University of Wyoming (1980),
Auburn University (1981-92)
A coaching legend, Pat Dye's career began with success at East Carolina and
peaked at Auburn University, where he led the Tigers to their first SEC
title in 26 years.
In 1974, Dye began his head coaching career with East Carolina. In six
years, his East Carolina teams never won fewer than seven games in a season,
and in 1978 he guided the Pirates to an Independence Bowl victory, the
program's first bowl appearance in 13 years.
Following one year at Wyoming, Dye found a home with the Auburn Tigers.
Prior to his arrival, Auburn had won only one SEC title in 48 years. During
Dye's 12 seasons with the Tigers, they took home four SEC titles, including
three straight from 1987-89. Named National Coach of the Year in 1983, he
is one of only seven coaches in college football history to have coached a
winner of the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award.
A three-time SEC Coach of the Year, Dye coached the Tigers to six bowl
victories in nine appearances and 99 victories overall. Upon retirement,
his total coaching record includes 153 victories against only 62 losses and
five ties for a win percentage of .707. Dye currently resides in Notasulga,
Alabama.
Don Nehlen
Head Coach - Bowling Green State University (1968-76),
West Virginia University (1980-2000)
The greatest coach ever at West Virginia University, Don Nehlen became the
17th coach in NCAA Division I-A history to record 200 career victories.
After winning 53 games in nine seasons at Bowling Green, Nehlen firmly
planted himself on the college football landscape at West Virginia. Named
National Coach of the Year in 1988, he coached more seasons (21) and won
more games (149) than any other coach in Mountaineer history. Selected to
coach in numerous Blue-Gray, East-West Shrine and Hula Bowl all-star games,
Nehlen coached 15 First Team All-Americas and 82 First Team All-Conference
performers.
Helping the Mountaineers to two undefeated regular seasons in 1988 and 1993,
Nehlen guided the team to 13 bowl game appearances, 17 winning seasons and
the 1993 BIG EAST Conference title. His career record included 202 wins,
128 losses and eight ties.
The 1997 president and a current trustee of the American Football Coaches
Association, Nehlen received the 2002 Distinguished West Virginian Award
from the WV Broadcasters Association. An all-time great, he is a member of
the Mid-American Conference, Bowling Green State University, Gator Bowl and
West Virginia University Halls of Fame. Nehlen continues to reside in
Morgantown, West Virginia.
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