Williams named finalist for Hall
Former Longhorns running back great will learn his fate in May.
Ricky Williams, the 1998 Heisman Trophy winner and one of the best tailbacks in college history, now is up for another honor — National Football Foundation Hall of Fame.
Williams, at 36, was one of the youngest finalists announced Thursday. Former Longhorns offensive tackle Bob McKay, who helped Texas to a national title in 1969, also is a finalist.
Williams left Texas with 46 school records. He also led the country in rushing in 1997-98 and set the NCAA career rushing record in his final home game against Texas A&M.
McKay, who was a previous finalist, was a main reason the Longhorns’ wishbone formation was so successful.
In all, there were 75 players and six coaches nominated from schools in the Football
Bowl Subdivision and 87 players and 26 coaches from the divisional ranks. The 2014 class will be announced in May and honored in December. They’ll be the first class enshrined in the new College Football Hall of Fame, which is being built in Atlanta.
To be eligible, players must have made a firstteam All-American list recognized by the NCAA. They needed to have played their last down of college football at least a decade ago. They also can’t be playing pro football.
There was a decided Texas and Big 12 flavor to the list. Other finalists include:
Oklahoma linebacker Brian Bosworth, a two-time consensus All-America in 1985-86.
Texas Tech linebacker Zach Thomas, an All-American in 1994-95 and two-time Southwest Conference defensive player of the year.
Texas-El Paso linebacker Freddie Carr, 1967 All-American
Texas-Arlington offensive tackle Bruce Collie, All-American in 1984
Nebraska quarterback Eric Crouch, the 2001 Heisman winner. He was the youngest finalist announced Thurs- day.
Iowa State running back Troy Davis, a twotime Heisman finalist and 1996 Big 12 player of the year.
Southern Methodist running back Eric Dickerson, All-American and third in 1983 Heisman balloting.
Texas A&M-Kingsville quarterback Karl Douglas, who led the Javelinas to NAIA national titles in 1969-70.
Oklahoma defensive back Randy Hughes, a 1974 All-American.
TCU tailback LaDainian Tomlinson, the 2000 Doak Walker Award winner
Those nominated as coaches must’ve won at least 60 percent of their games over a minimum of 10 years. They have to be retired for at least three years.
Texas Tech had three coaches nominated:
Jim Carlen, who led the Red Raiders in 197074, was a three-time SWC coach of the year. He also coached at West Virginia and South Carolina.
Pete Cawthon led the Red Raiders from 193040. His teams won four Border Conference titles and in 1938, Tech made its first-ever appearance in the Cotton Bowl.
Jerry Moore was with Texas Tech from 1981-85. He also coached at North Texas and Appalachian State.