Rating all school soccer head coaches as gamers

Each 5 years or so, I take a stab at rating the entire FBS head coaches, based on their careers as school soccer gamers.

The backgrounds of coaches — the place they performed, what they performed, how profitable they had been, how usually they transferred — can make clear how they handle their rosters and oversee their applications nowadays. The group of coaches additionally modifications considerably in every edition of these rankings.

What actually stands out in regards to the present crop of coaches is the elevated variety of ex-superstar gamers on the helm. Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George is an FBS coach at Bowling Inexperienced. So is Deion Sanders, a nationwide award winner and multitime All-America choice, who then grew to become a Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer. Former NFL gamers DeShaun Foster and Trent Dilfer are additionally main school groups. The teaching ranks embrace school stars akin to Timmy Chang, Steve Sarkisian and Mike Gundy, in addition to those that stood out in school soccer’s decrease divisions.

As with previous rankings, I prioritized success in school soccer, no matter degree. Those that shined below the brightest of lights shall be rewarded, however so will those that did unbelievable issues on smaller levels. Achievements akin to nationwide awards and All-America or all-conference recognition carried weight. Reaching the FBS and the Energy 4 definitely issues, however it’s extra about what occurred once you bought there.

For these rankings, I am additionally categorizing the coaches as gamers, moderately than making an attempt to sift by way of a number of the much less adorned careers. I nonetheless will rank the 30 greatest general, however others will seem in tiers.

As a reminder, these rankings highlight what coaches did as school gamers, not essentially on the professional degree, though their whole careers are thought of.

Bounce to a tier:
Limited production | Small-school grads | Transfers
G5 stars | Lower-level legends | Power 4 players
The 30 best | Who never played

Massive faculty, restricted manufacturing (20)

Tim Beck, Coastal Carolina Chanticleers: Beck is from Youngstown, Ohio, and starred in a number of sports activities for Cardinal Mooney Excessive Faculty, which Bo Pelini and the Stoops brothers additionally attended. He performed one season at quarterback for UCF and graduated from the college.

Brent Brennan, Arizona Wildcats: He spent 5 seasons at UCLA as a large receiver, incomes a letter in 1993, because the Bruins received the Pac-10 championship and reached the Rose Bowl. Brennan had one reception for 7 yards in 1994.

Curt Cignetti, Indiana Hoosiers: The son of former West Virginia coach Frank Cignetti, Curt was constantly around the game and grew up largely in Morgantown. Curt went to play for his father at WVU and remained there even after the college fired Frank following the 1979 season. He did not see the sector a lot for the Mountaineers earlier than coming into teaching.

Matt Drinkall, Central Michigan Chippewas: A standout highschool participant in Bettendorf, Iowa, Drinkall went to the College of Iowa as a large receiver. However a career-ending harm pressured him to grow to be a pupil coach for the Hawkeyes. He ended up graduating from Western Illinois.

Jason Eck, New Mexico Lobos: The son of a longtime school basketball coach, Eck walked onto Wisconsin’s soccer workforce throughout this system’s mid-Nineties surge below Barry Alvarez. He earned a scholarship earlier than the 1997 season and was a backup offensive lineman because the workforce received the Massive Ten and the Rose Bowl in 1998.

Tony Elliott, Virginia Cavaliers: A difficult childhood in California ultimately introduced Elliott to South Carolina, the place he performed soccer and basketball. He spent a yr on the Air Pressure Academy’s prep faculty earlier than strolling on at Clemson in 1999. Elliott lettered all 4 years as a large receiver, earned a scholarship as a junior and had 23 catches for 286 yards and a landing throughout his senior yr, when he was a co-captain.

Tyson Helton, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers: Helton was a backup quarterback at Houston whereas his father, Kim, served as Cougars coach within the late Nineties. He had 109 profession go makes an attempt and noticed his most motion in 1997 with 384 passing yards, 1 landing and 4 interceptions.

Charles Kelly, Jacksonville State Gamecocks: Kelly grew up in Ozark, Alabama, and got here to Auburn as a defensive again. He performed there for coach Pat Dye from 1986 to 1989, incomes a letter in his closing season.

Zach Kittley, Florida Atlantic Owls: The 6-foot-7 Kittley performed basketball rising up, and pursued the game at Abilene Christian as a walk-on in 2011. However he then pivoted and transferred to Texas Tech, the place his father, Wes, is the longtime monitor and area coach. Zach ultimately started working for the soccer workforce as a pupil assistant.

Rhett Lashlee, SMU Mustangs: Lashlee put up mammoth numbers as a highschool quarterback for coach Gus Malzahn. He received 40 video games, helped his workforce to 2 state titles and set state or nationwide information for profession landing passes (171), single-game passing yards (672) and profession passing yards (13,201). Lashlee then went to Arkansas, the place he was a backup till a shoulder harm ended his profession.

Clark Lea, Vanderbilt Commodores: Lea had an enchanting school athletics profession, beginning off at Birmingham Southern as a baseball participant and serving to the workforce to an NAIA nationwide title in 2001. The Nashville native then returned dwelling to play a baseball season at Belmont, earlier than ending with Vanderbilt as a soccer participant. He earned a soccer scholarship with the Commodores and logged 9 profession carries.

Jeff Lebby, Mississippi State Bulldogs: Lebby, from Andrews, Texas, was an all-state offensive lineman in highschool who acquired important recruiting curiosity. He landed with Oklahoma, however a spinal harm throughout his freshman yr ended his profession. Lebby grew to become a pupil assistant below Bob Stoops.

Sean Lewis, San Diego State Aztecs: Lewis grew up simply outdoors of Chicago and was a productive dual-threat quarterback. Wisconsin recruited him as a quarterback however moved him to tight finish, the place he earned two letters however did not play a lot. Lewis twice earned Tutorial All-Massive Ten honors with the Badgers.

Dowell Loggains, Appalachian State Mountaineers: Regardless of being solely 5-foot-6, Loggains walked onto the soccer workforce at Arkansas and located a job as a reserve quarterback and the workforce’s holder. He ultimately earned a scholarship and appeared in 50 video games for the Hogs, finishing one go for 11 yards.

Jim Mora, UConn Huskies: Like a number of on this record, Mora is a son of a soccer coach and was always across the sport. He walked on at Washington as a security however did not see a lot enjoying time till switching to outdoors linebacker as a senior in 1983. Mora had 18 tackles, together with a sack, that fall for the Huskies.

Brian Newberry, Navy Midshipmen: Newberry performed each quarterback and defensive again in highschool however got here to Baylor as a security and missed important time with accidents. In 1994, he performed on a Baylor workforce that shared the Southwest Convention title and reached the Alamo Bowl. Newberry was a part of a 1995 Baylor protection that ranked No. 5 nationally.

Gerad Parker, Troy Trojans: Parker got here to Kentucky as one of many high homegrown highschool gamers, having set state information for receiving yards (4,814), receptions (238) and receiving touchdowns (52). He additionally was an all-state basketball participant and ran monitor. However Parker’s school profession at UK did not convey a lot fortune, as accidents restricted him to 23 video games. He had 15 receptions as a senior and was named the workforce’s most inspirational participant.

Matt Rhule, Nebraska Cornhuskers: Rhule was born in State School, Pennsylvania, and returned there for the top of highschool after which school at Penn State. He was a walk-on linebacker with the Nittany Lions below coach Joe Paterno from 1994 to 1997, enjoying totally on the scout workforce and incomes tutorial All-Massive Ten honors.

Lincoln Riley, USC Trojans: Riley performed quarterback in his hometown of Muleshoe, Texas, serving to his highschool workforce to the state semifinals as a senior regardless of a shoulder harm that by no means totally healed and precipitated him to throw sidearm. He had gives to play within the Ivy League however as an alternative walked on at Texas Tech, the place he made the workforce however did not play and ultimately grew to become a pupil assistant for coach Mike Leach.

Dabo Swinney, Clemson Tigers: There is a cause why Swinney feels so strongly about walk-ons and their place in main school soccer. He was one at Alabama, after rising up within the state, and later earned a scholarship as a large receiver for the Tide. Swinney, who had seven profession catches, lettered from 1990 to 1992, and was part of Bama’s 1992 title workforce.

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Small-school grads (17)

Dave Aranda, Baylor Bears: Aranda’s soccer profession was outlined by toughness. He underwent 5 shoulder surgical procedures as a highschool linebacker and offensive lineman and performed the second half of his closing playoff sport with a damaged clavicle. Denied admission to the Navy due to his shoulder points, Aranda went to junior school after which Division II Cal Lutheran, the place he briefly tried to play. One other shoulder harm ended his enjoying profession.

Invoice Belichick, North Carolina Tar Heels: The son of longtime Navy assistant Steve Belichick, Invoice performed soccer and lacrosse in highschool and in addition in school at Wesleyan College. He was a reserve heart and tight finish for Wesleyan, captained the lacrosse workforce and in addition lettered in squash.

Ryan Carty, Delaware Blue Hens: A New Jersey native, Carty got here to Delaware and was a reserve quarterback all through his profession. The undersized Carty performed behind Andy Corridor as Delaware received the Division I-AA nationwide title in 2003, and later backed up Joe Flacco with the Blue Hens. Carty was named a workforce captain as a senior in 2006.

Jamey Chadwell, Liberty Flames: Chadwell has been forward of the curve with offensive schemes each as a coach and a participant. He starred at quarterback in a diffusion offense for Anderson County Excessive Faculty in Tennessee. He then performed at East Tennessee State within the late Nineties and was set to begin in 1997, earlier than a damaged ankle moved him to a reserve function.

Jeff Choate Nevada Wolf Pack: Choate grew up in rural Idaho and performed two seasons at Montana Western, an NAIA program. His profession as a linebacker seemed promising, however a automotive accident earlier than Choate’s junior season left him with a critical knee harm that finally ended his enjoying profession.

Dave Doeren, NC State Wolfpack: A local of Kansas, Doeren performed linebacker at FCS Drake within the early Nineties, incomes 4 letters on the faculty. As a senior, he was named a tutorial All-America choice. He then started his teaching profession at his alma mater.

Mike Elko, Texas A&M Aggies: The New Jersey native performed each quarterback and defensive again in highschool earlier than coming to Penn, the place his future was set on protection. He grew to become a wise and productive security for the Quakers. Elko earned letters in 1995, 1997 and 1998, when he helped Penn to an Ivy League title.

Matt Entz, Fresno State Bulldogs: Entz grew up in Waterloo, Iowa, and attended close by Wartburg School, the place his dad and mom, grandparents and great-grandfather had additionally attended. He was a part of a stretch that included 19 straight wins from 1993 to 1994, and two Division III playoff appearances.

Kirk Ferentz, Iowa Hawkeyes: Ferentz performed highschool soccer in Pittsburgh, and in addition was a standout left-handed baseball pitcher. He went on to play linebacker at UConn, then a Division II program, the place he was named defensive MVP and served as a workforce captain within the mid Seventies.

Tony Gibson, Marshall Thundering Herd: The West Virginia native stayed near dwelling for faculty at Glenville State, the place he performed defensive again and helped the workforce to 2 West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Convention championships. Gibson performed for Glenville State from 1991 to 1994.

Butch Jones, Arkansas State Red Wolves: Jones grew up close to the jap shores of Lake Michigan, the place his father served as police chief in Saugatuck, Michigan. Butch went to Division II Ferris State to play operating again and large receiver and earned letters his first two seasons. A knee harm ended his profession and moved him into teaching.

Pete Lembo, Buffalo Bulls: Lembo grew up on Staten Island earlier than attending Georgetown, the place he began 4 seasons on the Hoyas’ offensive line. Lembo performed heart and was a workforce captain as a senior in 1991. He additionally earned the Coaches’ Award for excellent management.

Derek Mason, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders: Mason grew up in Phoenix and starred for Camelback Excessive Faculty earlier than staying in-state for faculty at Northern Arizona. He earned 4 letters with the Lumberjacks and began two seasons. Mason additionally competed in monitor there.

Jeff Monken, Army Black Knights: Monken grew up in Illinois and performed a number of sports activities each in highschool and school. He attended Millikin College, a Division III program in Decatur, Illinois, the place he performed large receiver and in addition earned two letters in monitor, serving as a co-captain in 1989.

Invoice O’Brien, Boston College Eagles: He is identified for teaching offense and quarterbacks however performed defensive finish and linebacker at Brown. O’Brien earned letters there in 1991 and 1992.

Brent Pry, Virginia Tech Hokies: Pry was born in Pennsylvania and attended highschool in Virginia, the place he earned all-state honors as a quarterback and a defensive again. He began school as a security at Maryville School in 1988 earlier than transferring to Buffalo, then additionally a Division III program. Pry lettered in 1990 however sustained a career-ending harm in 1991.

Jeff Traylor, UTSA Roadrunners: He grew up in Gilmer, Texas, and performed for the highschool workforce that he would later coach to 3 state championships and 12 district championships. Traylor walked onto the workforce at Stephen F. Austin and performed 4 years as a reserve tight finish. He earned two levels from the college.

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Pre-portal transfers (10)

Fran Brown, Syracuse Orange: Brown began off as a highschool quarterback in Camden, New Jersey, setting a workforce file with 47 landing passes and incomes all-league honors 3 times. After beginning school at Hudson Valley Neighborhood School, Brown performed cornerback at Western Carolina, the place he was a workforce captain and earned first-team all-league honors. Brown spent two seasons on the Cincinnati Bengals’ observe squad.

Clay Helton, Georgia Southern Eagles: Helton completed highschool in Texas earlier than heading to Auburn. He was a backup quarterback there earlier than transferring to Houston, the place his father Kim was head coach. Clay additionally held a reserve function at Houston however noticed some motion in 1994, finishing 46 passes in eight video games for 417 yards with a landing and 4 interceptions.

Phil Longo, Sam Houston Bearkats: He started his school profession in Pennsylvania at East Stroudsburg College, the place he performed quarterback for a yr earlier than transferring to Rowan College. Longo performed operating again for Rowan and helped the workforce to its first championship within the New Jersey Athletic Convention, in addition to its first Division III playoff look.

Bronco Mendenhall, Utah State Aggies: A Utah native, Mendenhall had a adorned profession at two school applications. He began in juco at Snow School and earned All-America honors in 1985 as he helped the workforce to an undefeated season and an NJCAA nationwide championship. Mendenhall then went to the Pac-10 at Oregon State, the place he performed security and linebacker and was a workforce captain in 1987.

Sherrone Moore, Michigan Wolverines: The Kansas native started his school profession within the state at Butler Neighborhood School, the place he began two seasons, helped the workforce to 2 league titles and earned second-team all-conference recognition as a guard. Moore then transferred to Oklahoma, the place he appeared in 14 video games throughout two seasons and performed for 2 Massive 12 championship squads.

Pat Narduzzi, Pitt Panthers: Narduzzi was an all-state linebacker in Ohio and started his school profession at Youngstown State, the place his father Invoice served as head coach. Pat began his freshman season at YSU in 1985 and led the Ohio Valley Convention in tackles earlier than transferring to Rhode Island, the place he began from 1987 to 1989.

Tony Sanchez, New Mexico State Aggies: Sanchez started his school profession at Oakland’s Laney School, the place he was a standout large receiver. He then transferred to New Mexico State and performed his closing two seasons there, recording 42 receptions for 546 yards as a senior. Sanchez earned letters in each years at NMSU.

Willie Simmons, Florida International Panthers: A coveted quarterback recruit, Simmons went to Clemson and earned three letters, spending two seasons as a backup earlier than beginning in 2002. He handed for two,530 yards and 16 touchdowns in 24 video games with the Tigers. After serving to Clemson to 3 bowl video games, Simmons transferred to The Citadel and earned first-team all-league honors in 2003. He then spent one season within the United Indoor Soccer League.

Brent Venables, Oklahoma Sooners: Venables grew up in Kansas and performed at two faculties inside his dwelling state, first at Backyard Metropolis Neighborhood School, the place he was a junior school All-America linebacker with 276 profession tackles. He then transferred to Kansas State and performed for coach Invoice Snyder, incomes honorable point out All-Massive Eight honors in 1992 after recording 124 tackles.

Scotty Walden, UTEP Miners: The 35-year-old Walden can definitely relate to the expertise of the fashionable school soccer participant. He hung out at three faculties: Dordt School in Iowa, and Hardin-Simmons College and Sul Ross State in Texas. Walden began in 2008 for Dordt and 2011 for Sul Ross State, and performed each quarterback and defensive again for Hardin-Simmons in between. He was a workforce captain as a senior in 2011.

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Group of 5 stars (6)

Troy Calhoun, Air Force Falcons: Calhoun performed quarterback at Air Pressure within the Nineteen Eighties, and was certainly one of simply two freshmen to letter on the 1985 workforce that completed 12-1. He ultimately grew to become the Falcons’ starter below longtime coach Fisher DeBerry.

P.J. Fleck, Minnesota Golden Gophers: After a adorned highschool profession that featured all-state honors in three sports activities and two state championships, Fleck went to Northern Illinois, the place he earned first-team All-MAC honors as a senior and helped the workforce to 10 wins. Fleck set a workforce file for profession punt returns and had 77 receptions for 1,028 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2003. He spent two years within the San Francisco 49ers group, showing in a single sport.

Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss Rebels: He has been across the sport since delivery because the son of Monte Kiffin, a longtime defensive guru in each school soccer and the NFL. Lane Kiffin attended highschool in Minnesota, enjoying soccer, basketball and baseball. In school at Fresno State, he shared the quarterback room with David Carr, an eventual No. 1 NFL draft choose. After three years as a reserve, Kiffin grew to become a pupil assistant as a senior.

Jerry Mack, Kennesaw State Owls: A Memphis native, Mack started his school profession as a large receiver at Jackson State earlier than transferring to Arkansas State. He earned letters in his three seasons with Arkansas State and noticed his most area motion in 2002.

Ken Niumatalolo, San Jose State Spartans: Niumatalolo grew up in Honolulu and have become a multisport star at Radford Excessive Faculty, which he led to an Oahu Prep Bowl Championship. After serving an LDS mission, he performed quarterback on the College of Hawai’i, incomes three letters and serving to the Rainbows to their first bowl look in 1989.

Brian Smith, Ohio Bobcats: Smith was a standout California highschool wrestler along with enjoying soccer. He went to Hawai’i for faculty and primarily performed lengthy snapper throughout his first few seasons however ultimately grew to become the workforce’s beginning heart in 2000 and 2001. He spent 2002 and 2003 as a free agent with the Baltimore Ravens and Inexperienced Bay Packers.

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Small-school standouts (22)

Tim Albin, Charlotte 49ers: The Oklahoma native did not drift far for faculty, enjoying at Division II Northwestern Oklahoma State, the place he was an all-conference large receiver. He had 109 profession receptions for 1,811 yards from 1985 to 1988, and have become the college’s first participant to earn all-district honors 3 times.

David Braun, Northwestern Wildcats: Braun was a defensive lineman at Winona State in Minnesota, incomes all-league honors. He served as a captain and helped the workforce to 3 convention championships and three Division II playoff appearances.

Jason Candle, Toledo Rockets: Few school applications at any degree have a stronger coaching tree than Mount Union, a Division III powerhouse the place Candle, Tremendous Bowl champion Nick Sirianni and others performed. Candle was an all-conference large receiver for the Purple Raiders, contributing to 2 nationwide championships and main the workforce in receptions (41), receiving yards (778), and touchdowns (9) in 2001.

Mark Carney, Kent State Golden Flashes: Carney, serving as Kent State’s interim coach for the 2025 season, was a standout quarterback at Fordham. He received workforce MVP honors in 2001, when he twice eclipsed 365 passing yards and was named second-team All-Patriot League. Carney had 9 profession video games of 200 passing yards or extra and ranks within the high 15 in workforce historical past for a number of classes, together with sixth for single-season landing passes (27).

Bob Chesney, James Madison Dukes: Chesney performed school ball at Dickinson School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, a Division III program. Chesney stood out at defensive again for Dickinson, twice incomes second-team all-league honors and being named workforce MVP in 1997. He was a workforce captain as a senior.

Chris Creighton, Eastern Michigan Eagles: His fascinating path started in San Francisco and took him to Kenyon School in Ohio, the place he was a Kenyon corridor of fame quarterback and set single-season convention information for passing yardage (2,843) and touchdowns (29). He led Kenyon to its solely North Coast Athletic Convention title in 1989 and later guided a Swedish workforce, the Limhamn Griffins, to a nationwide championship as player-coach in 1993.

Spencer Danielson, Boise State Broncos: The Southern California native started his school profession on the College of San Diego earlier than transferring to Azusa Pacific, the place he grew to become a standout linebacker. Danielson began 29 video games in his profession and completed with 190 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and 5 interceptions between 2009 and 2012.

Jake Dickert, Wake Forest Demon Deacons: Dickert attended Wisconsin-Stevens Level, the place he was recruited to play quarterback however switched to large receiver. He had an appendectomy as a senior however missed solely two video games and led the league in receptions per sport (7), whereas rating third in receiving yards (74 YPG) and incomes second-team all-conference honors.

Willie Fritz, Houston Cougars: You merely do not sport this haircut with out backing it up, which Fritz did as a four-year starter at Pittsburg State in Kansas, the place he performed for 2 league championship squads. He additionally performed level guard for the college’s basketball workforce from 1978 to 1981.

Willie Fritz
Pittsburg State, Defensive Again/Punt Returner 1978-1981 pic.twitter.com/RJ642VY5j5

— Random School Athletes (@RandomAthletess) September 7, 2021

Joe Harasymiak, UMass Minutemen: The New Jersey native went to Division III Springfield School in Massachusetts, the place he grew to become a captain and a standout defensive again. He tied workforce information for single-season interceptions (10 in 2006) and profession interceptions (17 from 2004 to 2007). He was a co-captain in 2007.

Charles Huff, Southern Miss Golden Eagles: Huff had a flexible and profitable profession at Hampton, an FCS program, the place he performed heart, guard, fullback and tight finish. He began at heart in 2005 when Hampton went undefeated and received certainly one of three MEAC championships throughout Huff’s profession. Huff performed on two groups that reached the FCS playoffs.

Ok.C. Keeler, Temple Owls: After enjoying 4 sports activities in highschool in Pennsylvania, Keeler got here to Delaware, the place he began at linebacker because the Blue Hens received a Division II nationwide championship in 1979. He began three seasons and recorded six interceptions, together with picks on three consecutive go makes an attempt in a 1978 Division II playoff quarterfinal. Keeler signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles however was reduce.

Brian Kelly, LSU Tigers: After rising up within the Boston space, Kelly attended Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts, the place he grew to become a standout center linebacker. Kelly would earn all-league honors within the New England Collegiate Soccer Convention and set a workforce file for tackles with 314.

Chris Klieman, Kansas State Wildcats: Klieman performed school ball at Northern Iowa. He was a three-time all-conference defensive again for the Panthers and earned 4 letters with this system. Klieman helped the workforce to convention titles in 1987 and 1990, and two FCS playoff wins in 1987.

Dan Lanning, Oregon Ducks: Lanning grew up close to Kansas Metropolis and performed for William Jewell, an NAIA program. He was a linebacker there from 2004 to 2008. As a senior, he recorded 57 tackles, together with 10.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks, and added a pressured fumble whereas incomes all-conference honors.

Mike Locksley, Maryland Terrapins: Locksley grew up in Washington D.C. and performed school ball in Baltimore at Towson, the place he began at security and was a defensive captain. He earned defensive MVP honors as a senior in 1991 and completed nineteenth on the college’s all-time tackles record.

Joe Moorhead, Akron Zips: Moorhead performed quarterback for Fordham, the place he began three seasons and was a workforce captain as a senior. He earned second-team All-Patriot League honors as a senior in 1995 and completed with workforce single-season and profession information for each completions and passing yards.

Dan Mullen, UNLV Rebels: Mullen performed tight finish for Ursinus School, a Division III program in Pennsylvania, the place he earned two letters and was a first-team All-Centennial Convention choice as a senior in 1993.

Mike Norvell, Florida State Seminoles: Like Fritz, Norvell had an unforgettable college haircut whereas enjoying large receiver at Central Arkansas, then a Division II program. However he, too, backed it up with nice play. Norvell completed because the workforce’s profession receptions chief with 213. He was fifth in profession receiving yards with 2,611. He helped the Bears to an 11-win season and a Gulf South championship as a senior.

#FlashbackFriday Mike Norvell rocking the corn rows as a participant at Central Arkansas. #PlayOnPlaya pic.twitter.com/aZxpUguXPH

— School Sports activities Solely 🏈 🏀 ⚾️ (@CollegeSportsO) November 25, 2016

Scott Satterfield, Cincinnati Bearcats: Satterfield is among the many key figures to propel Appalachian State up the ranks and into the FBS. He began 27 video games at quarterback for the FCS Mountaineers from 1992 to 1995. Satterfield earned first-team all-league honors as a dual-threat QB in his closing yr, as Appalachian State went 11-0 within the common season and completed 12-1.

Jay Sawvel, Wyoming Cowboys: A part of the huge Mount Union tree, Sawvel grew up in Ohio and attended Mount, the place he earned three letters and was an all-conference choice as a senior in 1993, because the Purple Raiders received the Division III nationwide title. He had 118 tackles that fall.

Greg Schiano, Rutgers Scarlet Knights: The New Jersey native performed school ball at Bucknell, the place he earned three letters and led the workforce with 114 tackles as a junior. Schiano was named to the All-Patriot League workforce that fall and captained the Bucknell workforce as a senior in 1987, incomes Sporting Information preseason All-America honors that yr.

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Small-school superstars (9)

Ryan Day, Ohio State Buckeyes: Few New Hampshirites have had higher careers inside the state than Day. He was a star quarterback for Manchester Central Excessive Faculty, turning into Gatorade Participant of the Yr in 1996 after setting state information for profession go yards (4,099) and landing passes (57). Day then attended the College of New Hampshire, the place he began for then-offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. He set 9 workforce information there, together with profession landing passes, completions, completion proportion and complete offense.

Matt Campbell, Iowa State Cyclones: Campbell mentioned enjoying at Mount Union, after a tough yr at Pitt, “saved my life,” and put him on a path to achievement. He joined the Division III energy and helped the Purple Raiders to 3 consecutive nationwide championships and 4 league titles. A defensive lineman, Campbell was twice named defensive lineman of the yr within the Ohio Athletic Convention and earned All-America honors because the workforce went 54-1 in his profession.

James Franklin, Penn State Nittany Lions: Franklin went to East Stroudsburg, a Division II program. He began at quarterback in the course of the 1993 and 1994 seasons, ending sixth nationally in complete offense in 1994 (312.9 YPG). Franklin had 4,498 passing yards and 33 touchdowns in his two seasons because the starter, and completed with 23 workforce information.

Tre Lamb, Tulsa Golden Hurricane: Lamb comes from a soccer household and earned Georgia all-state honors as a highschool quarterback whereas enjoying for his father, Hal. He went 21-4 because the starter earlier than coming to Tennessee Tech, the place he was a three-time captain and in 2011 led the workforce to its first league title since 1975 and its first FCS playoff look. Lamb set three workforce information, together with single-season complete offense, and had 5,301 profession passing yards.

Lance Leipold, Kansas Jayhawks: Earlier than main Wisconsin-Whitewater to 6 Division III nationwide championships in eight years as coach, Leipold performed quarterback for the Warhawks. He led Whitewater to a convention title in 1984 and completed his profession with 9 workforce information, together with single-season completions (145), makes an attempt (306) and yards (2,034). Leipold completed his profession with 4,277 passing yards on 303 completions.

Chuck Martin, Miami (Ohio) RedHawks: He performed school ball at Division III Millikin from 1986 to 1990. Martin earned All-America honors as each a security and a placekicker, and was named a tutorial All-American.

Billy Napier, Florida Gators: After enjoying highschool soccer for his father, Invoice, Napier went to Furman, the place he twice earned All-Southern Convention honors as a quarterback. Furman received two league titles and reached the Division I-AA (now FCS) nationwide championship sport in Napier’s junior season of 2001. Napier set workforce information as a senior with 64.8% completions and a pair of,475 yards and was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, given to the highest FCS participant.

Ricky Rahne, Old Dominion Monarchs: Rahne grew to become among the finest gamers in Cornell historical past, setting 33 workforce passing and complete offense information as a three-year starter. Rahne’s 7,718 passing yards marked the third most amongst Ivy League gamers, and he set Cornell marks for complete offense (7,994 yards), completions (678), landing passes (54) and different classes. He twice earned honorable point out all-league honors and was a three-time workforce MVP.

Jimmy Rogers, Washington State Cougars: Earlier than teaching South Dakota State to nationwide titles, Rogers was a tackling machine for the Jackrabbits from 2006 to 2009. He began all 4 years at linebacker and earned all-conference honors two instances, together with a first-team choice in 2007. He led the Nice West Soccer Convention with 110 tackles that fall, and completed his profession with 312 profession tackles, 3 interceptions and three pressured fumbles. Rogers was a captain on South Dakota State’s first FCS playoff workforce.

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POWER 4 KEY CONTRIBUTORS (8)

Shane Beamer, South Carolina Gamecocks: The Beamer teaching household is understood for particular groups, and Shane not surprisingly served because the beginning lengthy snapper for Virginia Tech, the place his father Frank was a Corridor of Fame coach. Shane snapped and performed large receiver on 5 bowl groups and three Massive East championship groups, together with the 1999 squad that performed for a nationwide title.

Bret Bielema, Illinois Fighting Illini: Bielema is within the huge teaching tree of ex-Iowa gamers. He walked on as a defensive lineman earlier than incomes a scholarship from longtime coach Hayden Fry. He performed for Iowa’s Massive Ten title workforce in 1990, began in 1991 and was a co-captain in 1992. Bielema had temporary stints with the Seattle Seahawks and the Enviornment League’s Milwaukee Mustangs.

Bret Bielema throughout his enjoying days at Iowa (1988-1992):

• walk-on defensive lineman
• earned a scholarship
• named workforce captain his senior yr

This can be a Bert appreciation tweet. pic.twitter.com/Rw79TsH1NM

— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) January 19, 2023

Dell McGee, Georgia State Panthers: McGee grew up in Columbus, Georgia, and performed defensive again at Auburn, the place he earned 4 letters and began two seasons. He had a late interception within the 1993 Iron Bowl to assist undefeated Auburn defeat Alabama. McGee was a fifth-round NFL draft choose in 1996 and performed within the NFL, NFL Europe, XFL and the Enviornment Soccer League throughout seven professional seasons.

Frank Reich, Stanford Cardinal: Reich performed quarterback at Maryland, the place he backed up Boomer Esiason for 3 seasons. He lastly began as a senior and led the largest comeback in NCAA history in opposition to reigning nationwide champion Miami, as Maryland erased a 31-0 deficit to win 42-40. Reich set a workforce file with six landing passes and completed with 1,446 passing yards that fall. A 3rd-round draft choose by Buffalo, Reich performed behind Jim Kelly however led the Payments to the most important comeback in NFL historical past in opposition to Houston within the 1993 playoffs.

The Making of a Miracle.

Frank Reich to Greg Hill for 68-yards to stun the Canes within the Orange Bowl! pic.twitter.com/4665ka4Ezc

— Maryland Soccer (@TerpsFootball) July 21, 2020

Wealthy Rodriguez, West Virginia Mountaineers: RichRod is again in his dwelling state, the place he was an all-state soccer and basketball participant in highschool earlier than going to WVU. He walked on and began at defensive again in 1981, earlier than incomes letters from 1982 to 1984. Rodriguez had a key interception in WVU’s 1984 win in opposition to Penn State, which ended a 29-year shedding streak to the Nittany Lions. Rodriguez had 54 profession tackles and three interceptions as a backup security.

Kalani Sitake, BYU Cougars: An all-state highschool operating again in Missouri, Sitake got here to BYU and performed fullback for Corridor of Fame coach Lavell Edwards. He began three seasons and served as workforce captain in 2000, Edwards’ closing yr as Cougars coach. Sitake had 70 carries, 57 receptions and 752 all-purpose yards in his profession. He signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as a free agent however didn’t play due to harm.

Jon Sumrall, Tulane Green Wave: A two-time all-state highschool participant in Huntsville, Alabama, Sumrall went to Kentucky, the place he earned three letters and began at center linebacker in the course of the 2004 season. He led the workforce in tackles that fall with 72, whereas recording a sack and an interception.

Mark Stoops, Kentucky Wildcats: One other former Iowa participant below coach Hayden Fry, Stoops adopted his brothers Bob and Mike as Hawkeyes defensive backs. He participated in 4 bowl video games with the Hawkeyes, earned three letters and recorded two interceptions.

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The 30 greatest

30. Luke Fickell, Wisconsin Badgers: The dialog about Fickell’s athletic profession has to begin with wrestling, since he received three consecutive state titles in Ohio and posted a file of 106-0. He then performed nostril guard for Ohio State, beginning all 4 seasons for the Buckeyes and setting a workforce file with 50 consecutive begins within the mid-Nineties. Fickell completed with 206 profession tackles, together with 26 for loss and 6 sacks, whereas including two interceptions.

29. Ryan Beard, Missouri State Bears: Beard was a star highschool defensive again earlier than going to Western Kentucky. He twice earned All-Solar Belt honors with the Hilltoppers, and made the Solar Belt’s all-freshman workforce in 2008, when he began 10 video games and led the workforce with three interceptions. Beard had a career-high 71 tackles as a junior and 51 throughout his senior season.

28. Eric Morris, North Texas Mean Green: A standout highschool receiver, Morris performed for coach Mike Leach at Texas Tech within the Air Raid offense. He grew to become a key contributor in his closing two seasons and completed with 184 receptions for 1,965 yards and 19 touchdowns. Morris additionally earned second-team All-Massive 12 honors as a punt returner, averaging greater than 10 yards per runback.

27. Justin Wilcox, California Golden Bears: The son of Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame linebacker Dave Wilcox, Justin adopted the household path and performed at Oregon after quarterbacking his highschool to a state title. He switched to protection with the Geese and performed security, nook and nickel, and was on three bowl groups. Wilcox earned second-team All-Pac-10 honors as a senior in 1999.

26. Jay Norvell, Colorado State Rams: Yet one more coach with Iowa/Hayden Fry roots, Norvell performed security for the Hawkeyes, very like the Stoops brothers. He grew to become an All-Massive Ten participant and led the league with seven interceptions in 1985, because the workforce received the Massive Ten and went to the Rose Bowl. Norvell went undrafted within the NFL however grew to become a “Spare Bear” in the course of the 1987 labor strike and appeared in six video games that season.

25. Brent Key, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: Anybody who has adopted Key’s teaching profession is aware of he is an unapologetic ex-offensive lineman who likes to RUN THE BAWL. He began at guard from 1997 to 2000 below coach George O’Leary, and earned All-ACC honors as a senior, when he additionally captained the workforce. Georgia Tech completed ranked within the AP High 25 in all 4 of Key’s seasons there.

24. Barry Odom, Purdue Boilermakers: A highschool star in Oklahoma who performed operating again and linebacker, Odom left the state for Missouri and have become a productive linebacker for the Tigers. He appeared in 10 video games in every of his 4 seasons with Missouri, and recorded 362 profession tackles, which ranks seventh on the workforce’s all-time record. Odom earned third-team All-Massive 12 honors in 1998 and honorable point out honors in 1997 and 1999.

23. Kalen DeBoer, Alabama Crimson Tide: DeBoer was the Bo Jackson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, shattering College of Sioux Falls workforce information in each soccer and baseball. He hit .520 in 1998 and completed as a .492 hitter with information for common, dwelling runs, hits and RBIs. DeBoer was an All-America large receiver in 1996, serving to Sioux Falls to its first NAIA Division II nationwide title. As a senior, he set a workforce file with 99 receptions for 1,372 yards. DeBoer briefly performed professionally in an indoor soccer league.

22. Thomas Hammock, Northern Illinois Huskies: Hammock performed a key function in NIU’s rise below coach Joe Novak, as he had consecutive 1,000-yard dashing seasons in 2000 and 2001. He earned first-team All-MAC honors in each seasons, enjoying forward of future NFL again Michael Turner. A coronary heart situation pressured him to retire from soccer in 2002, however he completed with 2,432 dashing yards and 25 touchdowns.

21. Sam Pittman, Arkansas Razorbacks: One among a number of NAIA All-America choices on this record, Pittman was a standout defensive lineman at Pittsburg State in Kansas. He earned first-team All-America honors at finish and made the all-conference workforce 3 times whereas placing up record-setting numbers at finish. Pittman had 46 profession sacks, together with a team-record 22 in 1982. The Oklahoma native was a highschool state champion within the shot put.

20. Mario Cristobal, Miami Hurricanes: He was a first-team All-Massive East offensive lineman who helped Miami to nationwide titles in 1989 and 1991. Cristobal earned 4 letters at The U after which spent a season as a Denver Broncos free agent and two in NFL Europe with Amsterdam.

19. Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame Fighting Irish: A Parade highschool All-American from the Dayton, Ohio, space, Freeman performed school ball at Ohio State, the place he began 37 video games at linebacker, usually alongside James Laurinaitis. He earned second-team All-Massive Ten honors in every of his closing two seasons, and completed with 268 profession tackles, together with 23 for loss and 6 sacks, in addition to two interceptions and two pressured fumbles. A fifth-round NFL draft choose, Freeman hung out with three groups earlier than retiring due to a coronary heart situation.

18. Sonny Cumbie, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs: A standout athlete from West Texas, Cumbie handed up scholarship gives to stroll on at Texas Tech. He performed behind Kliff Kingsbury and B.J. Symons till 2004, when he grew to become the starter and led the nation with 4,742 passing yards, whereas recording 32 landing passes and finishing greater than 65% of his makes an attempt. He earned Vacation Bowl MVP honors after passing for 520 yards in opposition to Cal. Cumbie was named 2006 Rookie of the Yr within the Enviornment Soccer League with the Los Angeles Avengers, and led the workforce to the playoffs the next yr.

17. Trent Bray, Oregon State Beavers: Bray grew up round soccer as his father, Craig, was a longtime school coach within the Northwest. He then adopted his dad to Oregon State, the place Trent began 34 consecutive video games at linebacker. He earned first-team All-Pac-10 honors in 2005 and second-team honors in 2004. He ranks sixth in workforce historical past with 337 profession tackles.

16. Jeff Brohm, Louisville Cardinals: Brohm is on the Mount Rushmore of soccer in his hometown of Louisville. A quarterback for Trinity Excessive, Brohm was named Kentucky highschool participant of the last decade for the Nineteen Eighties, and received Kentucky Mr. Soccer in 1988. He then began three seasons at Louisville, twice incomes workforce MVP honors and passing for five,451 and 38 touchdowns. Brohm nonetheless ranks among the many faculty’s high 10 in most main passing classes. He then performed eight NFL seasons however noticed the sector hardly ever, earlier than incomes first-team All-XFL honors with the Orlando Rage in 2001.

15. Kirby Good, Georgia Bulldogs: Good was a star highschool security for his father, Sonny, a longtime Georgia highschool coach, earlier than coming to Athens to play for the Bulldogs. Kirby lettered in all 4 seasons as a ball-hawking defensive again, and had at the least one interception per yr. He earned first-team All-SEC recognition as a senior in 1998. He had six interceptions in 1997 and 5 — tops within the SEC — throughout his senior season. Good’s 13 profession interceptions ranks sixth in workforce historical past. He went undrafted and went to a tryout with the Indianapolis Colts earlier than coming into teaching.

14. Michael Desormeaux, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns: Desormeaux had a memorable enjoying profession in southern Louisiana, first as an all-state quarterback from New Iberia, after which on the College of Louisiana, then Louisiana-Lafayette. He grew to become an all-purpose star and dual-threat quarterback, incomes All-Solar Belt honors 3 times, setting the workforce single-season passing effectivity file and being named Solar Belt Participant of the Yr in 2008. He grew to become solely the eighth FBS quarterback to file consecutive 1,000-yard dashing seasons and completed with 3,893 passing yards and 23 touchdowns, and a pair of,843 dashing yards and 16 touchdowns. Desormeaux performed briefly on NFL and CFL observe squads after his school profession.

13. G.J. Kinne, Texas State Bobcats: A adorned highschool quarterback from Texas, Kinne started his school profession on the College of Texas earlier than transferring to Tulsa. He grew to become a three-year starter for the Golden Hurricane, incomes Convention USA Offensive Participant of the Yr honors in 2010. Kinne was a second-team all-league choice in 2011 and completed his Tulsa profession with 9,472 passing yards and 81 touchdowns, eclipsing 2,700 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in all three years he performed there. He spent 2012 to 2016 bouncing across the NFL, CFL and Enviornment League however hardly ever seeing the sector.

12. Kyle Whittingham, Utah Utes: A coach synonymous with Utah soccer initially had extra connections to archrival BYU. Whittingham grew up in Provo and starred for Provo Excessive Faculty after which BYU, the place he racked up 240 tackles in his closing two seasons. In 1981, he was named WAC Defensive Participant of the Yr after recording 7 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions and 9 quarterback hurries. Whittingham performed within the first 4 Vacation Bowls, incomes Defensive MVP honors in 1981. He hung out with two USFL groups and was a alternative participant for the Los Angeles Rams within the 1987 NFL labor strike.

11. Timmy Chang, Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors: School soccer followers of a sure age undoubtedly bear in mind staying up late to look at Chang dissect defenses at previous Aloha Stadium. A prolific quarterback in coach June Jones’ run-and-shoot offense, Chang set Division I information for passing yardage (17,072), complete offense (16,901), completions (1,388) and makes an attempt (2,436). Chang earned All-WAC honors 4 instances, twice earned Hawai’i Bowl co-MVP honors and was a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He bounced across the NFL, NFL Europe and CFL after school.

10. Main Applewhite, South Alabama Jaguars: After a powerful highschool profession as a quarterback in Louisiana, Applewhite got here to Texas, the place he made a direct influence for the Longhorns. He earned Massive 12 Freshman of the Yr honors in 1998, when he set Texas freshman information for passing yards (2,453) and passing touchdowns (18). Applewhite was named Massive 12 Co-Offensive Participant of the Yr in 1999 and went 22-8 as Texas’ starter, regardless of enjoying behind Chris Simms for a lot of the 2001 season. He left with Texas information for profession passing yards (8,353), single-season passing yards (3,357 in 1999) and profession landing passes (60), and nonetheless ranks within the high 5 in lots of classes. Applewhite signed a free agent contract with the New England Patriots however quickly stop to pursue teaching.

9. Scott Frost, UCF Knights: A Parade All-America choice at Nebraska’s Wooden River Excessive Faculty, Frost piled up yards as a dual-threat quarterback and in addition shined in basketball and monitor. However he began school at Stanford, the place he performed quarterback and security earlier than transferring again dwelling. Frost grew to become Nebraska’s QB1 in 1996 and had 22 touchdowns (13 go, 9 rush), successful Massive 12 newcomer of the yr. In 1997, he grew to become Nebraska’s first QB to eclipse 1,000 yards in each passing and dashing yards as he helped the workforce to a nationwide title. A 3rd-round NFL draft choose, Frost performed security for 4 groups in six years.

8. Trent Dilfer, UAB Blazers: A part of the spectacular Fresno State quarterback custom, Dilfer began for 2 and a half seasons with the Bulldogs, serving to the workforce to 3 outright or shared WAC titles. He shined in bowl video games in opposition to USC and Colorado and received WAC Offensive Participant of the Yr honors in 1993, when he handed for 3,799 yards and 30 touchdowns. Dilfer additionally earned the Sammy Baugh Trophy because the nation’s high quarterback. He skipped his season to enter the NFL, the place he was drafted No. 6 and had 20,518 passing yards and 113 touchdowns throughout a 14-year profession. Dilfer made the Professional Bowl in 1997 and helped the Baltimore Ravens to a victory in Tremendous Bowl XXXV.

7. Jonathan Smith, Michigan State Spartans: Smith is likely one of the nice underdog tales amongst present school coaches. He got here to Oregon State as a walk-on quarterback from Glendora, California, however took over because the Beavers’ starter on Halloween 1998. Smith would begin the ultimate 38 video games of his profession, and set Oregon State information for passing yards (9,680), landing passes (55) and single-season passing yards (3,053 yards in 1999). He twice earned All-Pac-10 honors, twice served as captain and led Oregon State to an 11-win season and a No. 4 closing AP rating in 2000, when he earned Fiesta Bowl Offensive MVP honors in a win in opposition to Notre Dame.

6. DeShaun Foster, UCLA Bruins: A workhorse operating again for UCLA, Foster left with the workforce file for profession carries (722) and ranked within the high 5 for profession touchdowns (44), dashing yards (3,194) and scoring (266 factors). As a senior he led the Pac-10 in dashing (138.6 YPG), scoring (9.75 PPG) and all-purpose yards (154.75 YPG). Foster twice earned first-team all-league honors and was a second-team All-America choice in 2001. A second-round draft choose of the Carolina Panthers, Foster performed six NFL seasons and had a 33-yard landing in opposition to New England in Tremendous Bowl XXXVIII. He was inducted into the UCLA corridor of fame in 2022.

5. Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State Cowboys: Gundy led his highschool to a state championship, incomes Oklahoma Participant of the Yr honors, and in addition excelling in baseball. He then got here to Oklahoma State, the place he began all 4 seasons and started his profession with 138 go makes an attempt with out an interception, then an NCAA file. In Gundy’s closing two seasons, enjoying alongside operating backs Thurman Thomas and Barry Sanders, Oklahoma State went 20-4 and received two bowl video games. He completed because the Massive Eight’s profession chief in go yards (8,473) and complete offense (8,272 yards).

4. Steve Sarkisian, Texas Longhorns: As an undersized highschool quarterback, Sarkisian wasn’t recruited closely and began his school profession as a USC baseball participant. He then went to El Camino School, the place he resumed soccer. Sarkisian grew to become a junior school All-American in 1994 and set a juco file for completion proportion (74.2), whereas additionally enjoying baseball. His subsequent cease was BYU, the place he had nice success as a two-year starter, incomes All-WAC honors as a junior and being named WAC Offensive Participant of the Yr and a second-team All-American as a senior. That fall, he received the Sammy Baugh Trophy because the nation’s high quarterback, led the nation in passer score and completed with 4,027 passing yards and 33 touchdowns. Sarkisian helped BYU (14-1) to a No. 5 end. He then performed three seasons within the CFL, beginning in 1999 for Saskatchewan.

3. Josh Heupel, Tennessee Volunteers: Heupel grew up in South Dakota and was the state’s participant of the yr in highschool. However with no clear path to begin for a significant school program, he first went to Weber State, the place he went by way of an ACL harm and appeared in solely 4 video games earlier than transferring inside the state to Snow School. Heupel earned junior school All-America honors there earlier than transferring to Oklahoma. He instantly made his presence identified in 1999 with 3,850 passing yards and 33 touchdowns. Heupel then led the Sooners to a nationwide title in 2000, recording 3,606 passing yards and 20 touchdowns. He was named AP Participant of the Yr, received the Walter Camp Award and consensus All-America honors, and was runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. A sixth-round NFL draft choose in 2001, Heupel did not see time within the professionals.

2. Eddie George, Bowling Green Falcons: The controversy between George and Deion Sanders for the highest spot gave these rankings a enjoyable new taste. Sanders’ general athletic exploits gave him the sting, however he does not have a Heisman Trophy. George captured the 1995 Heisman after a monster season with Ohio State: 328 carries for a team-record 1,927 yards and 24 touchdowns, whereas including 47 receptions for 417 yards. An enormous participant recruited by some faculties to play linebacker, George had 12 consecutive 100-yard dashing performances in 1995 and swept the Heisman, Maxwell, Walter Camp and Doak Walker awards. He had 1,442 dashing yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior, and was a School Soccer Corridor of Fame inductee. A primary-round NFL draft choose in 1996, George received Offensive Rookie of the Yr honors and made 4 Professional Bowls. He joined Jim Brown as the one operating again to eclipse 10,000 dashing yards whereas by no means lacking a begin.

1. Deion Sanders, Colorado Buffaloes: One of many best American athletes of the previous 50 years, Sanders did all of it and did it nicely at Florida State. He earned first-team All-America honors in his closing two years after being named a third-team All-American in 1986. He captured the Jim Thorpe Award because the nation’s high defensive again and had 14 profession interceptions, 4 pick-sixes, led the nation in punt returns in 1988 and had 1,429 profession punt return yards with three touchdowns. Sanders additionally starred in baseball and monitor for Florida State. He performed within the NFL from 1989 to 2005, incomes All-Professional honors six instances and being named defensive participant of the yr in 1994. The Professional and School Soccer Corridor of Famer additionally performed parts of 9 seasons in Main League Baseball.

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Who by no means performed (13)

Scott Abell, Rice Owls: Abell performed each baseball and soccer rising up however went the baseball route at Longwood School, the place he began at catcher on a workforce that reached the Division II World Collection semifinals. Drafted by the Kansas Metropolis Royals within the thirty seventh spherical of the 1992 beginner draft, Abell spent two seasons within the minor leagues.

Manny Diaz, Duke Blue Devils: Diaz grew up in Miami, the place his father Manny was an legal professional and later served as mayor from 2001 to 2009. The youthful Manny Diaz performed soccer, basketball and baseball in highschool, the place he earned recognition from the Miami Herald as a standout scholar-athlete. Diaz went to Florida State however didn’t play. He hung out in sports activities media, briefly working as a manufacturing assistant at ESPN, earlier than coming into teaching.

Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State Sun Devils: Dillingham started teaching as a 17-year-old in highschool after an ACL tear ended his enjoying profession. He coached the junior varsity workforce at his highschool earlier than coming to Arizona State, the place he did not play however continued teaching at his highschool.

Eliah Drinkwitz, Missouri Tigers: The Arkansas native earned all-state and all-conference recognition as an undersized linebacker for Alma Excessive Faculty. He went on to Arkansas Tech however did not play there, incomes tutorial honors and serving as pupil physique president.

Sonny Dykes, TCU Horned Frogs: The son of longtime Texas Tech soccer coach Spike Dykes, Sonny performed quarterback in highschool, in addition to baseball. However when he got here to Texas Tech, he ended up on the diamond as a primary baseman for the Pink Raiders in 1989 and 1990. Dykes really started teaching baseball earlier than pivoting to soccer.

Jedd Fisch, Washington Huskies: Fisch grew up in New Jersey however didn’t play soccer. An all-state tennis participant in highschool, he started teaching highschool soccer as a pupil at Florida, whereas additionally working for Corridor of Fame coach Steve Spurrier. Fisch additionally was roommates with present Philadelphia Eagles basic supervisor Howie Roseman at Florida.

Hugh Freeze, Auburn Tigers: The son of a highschool coach in Independence, Mississippi, Freeze was all the time round soccer. However he did not play the game at a excessive degree, as an alternative enjoying baseball at Northwest Mississippi Neighborhood School, the place he earned tutorial All-America honors in 1990. Freeze later transferred to Southern Miss however did not play baseball there.

Alex Golesh, South Florida Bulls: Golesh was born in Moscow (the one in Russia, not Idaho) and got here to america at age 7, first residing close to New York after which Dublin, Ohio. Golesh performed highschool soccer there, incomes three letters, however didn’t play in school at Ohio State.

Blake Harrell, East Carolina Pirates: Harrell attended Western Carolina however didn’t play there, and as an alternative joined the teaching workers as a pupil assistant for the 2001 and 2002 seasons.

Joey McGuire, Texas Tech Red Raiders: McGuire’s teaching roots run deep in his dwelling state, first as a highschool coach earlier than becoming a member of the school ranks at Baylor and now Texas Tech. However McGuire did not play soccer at Texas-Arlington, as he appeared headed for a profession in medication or prescription drugs earlier than deciding to pursue soccer teaching as an alternative.

Ryan Silverfield, Memphis Tigers: He was a standout defender for The Bolles Faculty, a highschool powerhouse in Jacksonville, Florida, which earned the nation’s No. 1 rating and received two state titles. Silverfield earned first-team all-area honors as a senior, however a neck harm ended his profession and he did not play school ball at Hampden-Sydney, a Division III program in Virginia.

Mike Uremovich, Ball State Cardinals: Uremovich grew up outdoors Chicago and performed highschool soccer at Windfall Catholic, the place he teamed with present Ball State defensive coordinator Jeff Knowles. He graduated from Purdue however didn’t play soccer there.

Bryant Vincent, UL Monroe Warhawks: Vincent grew up in Kentucky and performed sports activities at Glasgow Excessive Faculty. He spent a semester at Western Kentucky earlier than transferring to West Alabama, the place he joined the baseball program. Vincent then grew to become a pupil assistant in soccer and pursued teaching.