Haze
Dan Morgan and C.J. Spiller Inducted into College Football Hall of Fame
PUBLISHED
Mon, Dec 13, 2021 5:40 PM
Former Florida gridiron greats Dan Morgan and C.J. Spiller will be inducted into the 2021 College Football Hall of Fame class during the 63rd NFF Annual Awards Dinner in Las Vegas, Nevada on Tuesday, December 7th. Both Florida Boys had illustrious college careers and it's befitting that these players are bestowed this ultra-prestigious honor, forever immortalized as all-time elite collegiate players in Chik-Fil-A's College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.
Coral Springs Taravella HS
Coral Springs, FL
Broward Area
University of Miami
Coral Gables, Florida
Dan started his high school journey in Pennsylvania, but touched Florida's gridiron his sophomore season in talent-laden Broward County. He adjusted quickly to Florida's speed and became Broward County's leading rusher his junior season for Taravella, amassing over 1,300 yards and leading his team to the playoffs. Already 6'3", 205 lbs. as a junior, Morgan had good size, and although he projected his future at fullback when he signed with Miami, the Canes' staff saw what they had and could use as part of their vaunted defense, with Morgan becoming the first true freshman to start on defense for the Canes since the pacemaker Ray Lewis in 1993. And there was no looking back, as Dan Morgan would go on to become one of the best players to suit up in a Hurricanes uniform.
Dan Morgan was the Real Deal at The U At a time when The U was reemerging back to The U, Dan was a big instrumental part of the Canes' success becoming the first player EVER to win the coveted trio of top defensive player trophies: Butkus (Top Linebacker), Bednarik, and Nagurski Awards. In a lineage of linebackers molded by Ray Lewis expectations at Mike, Dan did more than hold his own, breaking UM's tackle record with a whopping 532 Tackles over 4 seasons.
Morgan was drafted with 11th pick in the 2001 draft by the Carolina Panthers where he played all of his 7 professional seasons.
During Morgan's stellar career he accomplished the following accolades:
-Inducted into UM's 2011 Hall of Fame class
-Miami Hurricanes' All-Time Leading Tackler (532)
-First player EVER to win the coveted trio of top national defensive player trophies
-Butkus Award (Top Linebacker) (2000, Senior)
-Bednarik Award (Top Defensive Player) (2000, Senior)
-Nagurski Award (Collegiate Defensive Player of the Year) (200, Senior)
-Sporting News 2nd Team All-American (1997, Freshman)
Dan's Official Write Up from the National Football Foundation:
Union County High School
Lake Butler
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
Spiller is the epitome of what many people label Florida Boy's famous for: SPEED. No Doubt About It: Spiller got wheels, top thread Pirellis ready for a burnout of a quick quarter-mile. The Lake Butler Union County starred on Florida's gridiron and took his talents to out of state Clemson to shine for the Tigers during his stellar college career.
At Lake Butler Union County, Spiller was THE MAN. Under Head Coach Buddy Noble, Spiller ran for over 5500 yards during his high school career. His senior season he rushed for 1840 yards on 10.2 yards a pop, and 30 TDs. He was 1st Team USA Today All-American, 1st Team Parade All-American, US Army All-American, and became the highest-rated prospect to ever sign to Clemson's storied program.
Spiller would go on to have one of the most storied careers in Clemson's history, becoming only the fourth player to be inducted into the College Hall of Fame. Spiller and versatile were synonymous as he starred as a running back, out of the backfield receiving, and the nation's leading kickoff return threat with a FBS record 7 returns during his career.
The Buffalo Bills would draft CJ Spiller with the 9th Pick of the 2010 NFL Draft. Remember that speed we talked about... Spiller ran 4.28u and 4.27u, (that's 23.1mph) during the combine. Video
During C.J. Spiller's stellar career he accomplished the following accolades:
--Sixth in Heisman voting
--ACC Player of the Year (2009)
--1st Team All-ACC (2008, 2009)
--2009 ACC Championship Game MVP (233 rushing yards in loss to Georgia Tech)
--Retired #28 Clemson jersey
Spiller's Official Write Up from the National Football Foundation:
A Full Listing of All 2021 College Football Inductees may be found on the National Football Foundation (NFF) official website.
Link Here: https://footballfoundation.org/news/2021/1/11/nff-announces-illustrious-2021-college-football-hall-of-fame-class.aspx
DAN MORGAN
Coral Springs Taravella HS
Coral Springs, FL
Broward Area
University of Miami
Coral Gables, Florida
Dan started his high school journey in Pennsylvania, but touched Florida's gridiron his sophomore season in talent-laden Broward County. He adjusted quickly to Florida's speed and became Broward County's leading rusher his junior season for Taravella, amassing over 1,300 yards and leading his team to the playoffs. Already 6'3", 205 lbs. as a junior, Morgan had good size, and although he projected his future at fullback when he signed with Miami, the Canes' staff saw what they had and could use as part of their vaunted defense, with Morgan becoming the first true freshman to start on defense for the Canes since the pacemaker Ray Lewis in 1993. And there was no looking back, as Dan Morgan would go on to become one of the best players to suit up in a Hurricanes uniform.
Dan Morgan was the Real Deal at The U At a time when The U was reemerging back to The U, Dan was a big instrumental part of the Canes' success becoming the first player EVER to win the coveted trio of top defensive player trophies: Butkus (Top Linebacker), Bednarik, and Nagurski Awards. In a lineage of linebackers molded by Ray Lewis expectations at Mike, Dan did more than hold his own, breaking UM's tackle record with a whopping 532 Tackles over 4 seasons.
Morgan was drafted with 11th pick in the 2001 draft by the Carolina Panthers where he played all of his 7 professional seasons.
During Morgan's stellar career he accomplished the following accolades:
-Inducted into UM's 2011 Hall of Fame class
-Miami Hurricanes' All-Time Leading Tackler (532)
-First player EVER to win the coveted trio of top national defensive player trophies
-Butkus Award (Top Linebacker) (2000, Senior)
-Bednarik Award (Top Defensive Player) (2000, Senior)
-Nagurski Award (Collegiate Defensive Player of the Year) (200, Senior)
-Sporting News 2nd Team All-American (1997, Freshman)
Dan's Official Write Up from the National Football Foundation:
DAN MORGAN
University of Miami
Linebacker, 1997-2000
The first player in history to sweep the three major defensive awards in one season, Dan Morgan is Miami's all-time leading tackler. Part of the Hurricanes' reemergence in the late 90s, he becomes the eighth player in school history to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
A unanimous First Team All-American in 2000, Morgan took home the Bednarik, Butkus and Nagurski Awards after leading the Hurricanes to the Big East title, an 11-1 record and a No. 2 final ranking. The 2000 Big East Defensive Player of the Year led Miami in tackles three times, and he holds the school record with 532 career tackles (also a Big East record). A four-time All-Big East selection, Morgan garnered first team honors in 1997, 1999 and 2000 while claiming second team laurels in 1998. The 2000 Football News National Defensive Player of the Year was a four-year starter and a three-time captain, becoming the first sophomore in school history to receive the honor.
The standout linebacker led Miami to three top 20 finishes and three consecutive postseason wins in the 1998 Micron PC Bowl, 2000 Gator Bowl and 2001 Sugar Bowl. Morgan's 45 consecutive starts were a school record at the time, and he was the first player in Hurricane annals to post 100 or more tackles every season of his career. Despite making the switch to linebacker just days prior to the 1997 season opener, he became a Second Team Freshman All-American and was a finalist for the Butkus and Nagurski Awards as a junior. The 2011 University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame inductee played alongside College Football Hall of Famer Ed Reed during his time in Coral Gables.
The 11th overall pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 2001 NFL Draft, Morgan played for the franchise from 2001-07. The All-Rookie Team and 2004 Pro Bowl selection led the Panthers to an appearance in Super Bowl XXXVIII following the 2003 season.
While with the Panthers, Morgan volunteered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Coral Springs, Florida, native has contributed time during his post-NFL career working with FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) and Ben's Fund, which raises money for families with autistic children. After time as the director of player personnel for the Buffalo Bills, Morgan now serves as assistant general manager for the Carolina Panthers.
University of Miami
Linebacker, 1997-2000
The first player in history to sweep the three major defensive awards in one season, Dan Morgan is Miami's all-time leading tackler. Part of the Hurricanes' reemergence in the late 90s, he becomes the eighth player in school history to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
A unanimous First Team All-American in 2000, Morgan took home the Bednarik, Butkus and Nagurski Awards after leading the Hurricanes to the Big East title, an 11-1 record and a No. 2 final ranking. The 2000 Big East Defensive Player of the Year led Miami in tackles three times, and he holds the school record with 532 career tackles (also a Big East record). A four-time All-Big East selection, Morgan garnered first team honors in 1997, 1999 and 2000 while claiming second team laurels in 1998. The 2000 Football News National Defensive Player of the Year was a four-year starter and a three-time captain, becoming the first sophomore in school history to receive the honor.
The standout linebacker led Miami to three top 20 finishes and three consecutive postseason wins in the 1998 Micron PC Bowl, 2000 Gator Bowl and 2001 Sugar Bowl. Morgan's 45 consecutive starts were a school record at the time, and he was the first player in Hurricane annals to post 100 or more tackles every season of his career. Despite making the switch to linebacker just days prior to the 1997 season opener, he became a Second Team Freshman All-American and was a finalist for the Butkus and Nagurski Awards as a junior. The 2011 University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame inductee played alongside College Football Hall of Famer Ed Reed during his time in Coral Gables.
The 11th overall pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 2001 NFL Draft, Morgan played for the franchise from 2001-07. The All-Rookie Team and 2004 Pro Bowl selection led the Panthers to an appearance in Super Bowl XXXVIII following the 2003 season.
While with the Panthers, Morgan volunteered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Coral Springs, Florida, native has contributed time during his post-NFL career working with FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) and Ben's Fund, which raises money for families with autistic children. After time as the director of player personnel for the Buffalo Bills, Morgan now serves as assistant general manager for the Carolina Panthers.
C.J. SPILLER
Lake Butler
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
Spiller is the epitome of what many people label Florida Boy's famous for: SPEED. No Doubt About It: Spiller got wheels, top thread Pirellis ready for a burnout of a quick quarter-mile. The Lake Butler Union County starred on Florida's gridiron and took his talents to out of state Clemson to shine for the Tigers during his stellar college career.
At Lake Butler Union County, Spiller was THE MAN. Under Head Coach Buddy Noble, Spiller ran for over 5500 yards during his high school career. His senior season he rushed for 1840 yards on 10.2 yards a pop, and 30 TDs. He was 1st Team USA Today All-American, 1st Team Parade All-American, US Army All-American, and became the highest-rated prospect to ever sign to Clemson's storied program.
Spiller would go on to have one of the most storied careers in Clemson's history, becoming only the fourth player to be inducted into the College Hall of Fame. Spiller and versatile were synonymous as he starred as a running back, out of the backfield receiving, and the nation's leading kickoff return threat with a FBS record 7 returns during his career.
The Buffalo Bills would draft CJ Spiller with the 9th Pick of the 2010 NFL Draft. Remember that speed we talked about... Spiller ran 4.28u and 4.27u, (that's 23.1mph) during the combine. Video
During C.J. Spiller's stellar career he accomplished the following accolades:
--Sixth in Heisman voting
--ACC Player of the Year (2009)
--1st Team All-ACC (2008, 2009)
--2009 ACC Championship Game MVP (233 rushing yards in loss to Georgia Tech)
--Retired #28 Clemson jersey
Spiller's Official Write Up from the National Football Foundation:
C.J. SPILLER
Clemson University
Running Back/Kick Returner, 2006-09
When he had the ball in his hands, C.J. Spiller was one of the most exciting all-purpose players to ever step foot on the college gridiron. The Lake Butler, Florida, native becomes the fourth Tiger player in the College Football Hall of Fame.
A unanimous First Team All-America kick returner in 2009, Spiller finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting and was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award. He was named a Second Team All-America running back by Walter Camp in 2009, making him the first player in the organization's history to earn All-America honors at two positions in the same season. The 2009 ACC Player of the Year set a single-season conference and school record with 2,680 all-purpose yards while also becoming the first player in conference history to gain 1,000 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving in the same season. A three-time All-ACC selection, Spiller garnered first team honors in 2008 and 2009 while receiving honorable mention laurels in 2007. Despite losing the 2009 ACC Championship Game to Georgia Tech, he earned MVP honors in the game after setting an ACC title game record with 233 rushing yards.
The NCAA record holder with seven career kickoff returns for touchdowns, Spiller ranks third all-time in FBS history with 7,588 career all-purpose yards. He joined USC's Reggie Bush as the only players in college football history with 3,000 rushing yards, 1,500 kickoff-return yards, 1,000 receiving yards and 500 punt-return yards in a career. Spiller set 31 Clemson records by career's end, including career all-purpose yards (7,588), kickoff return yards (2,052) and kickoffs returned for a TD (seven). He led the Tigers to four bowl games, earning MVP honors at the 2007 Chick-fil-A and 2009 Music City bowls. Spiller twice led the ACC in all-purpose yards, and he helped Clemson finish in the top 25 in 2007 (No. 21) and 2009 (No. 24). A member of both the Clemson Athletics and State of South Carolina Athletic halls of fame, Spiller's No. 28 jersey was retired by the Tigers.
The ninth overall pick by the Buffalo Bills in the 2010 NFL Draft, Spiller played for the Bills (2010-14), New Orleans Saints (2015), Seattle Seahawks (2016), New York Jets (2016) and Kansas City Chiefs (2017).
Off the field, Spiller was a First Team Academic All-ACC selection at Clemson. A regular visitor to hospitals and convalescent homes, he also hosts the annual C.J. Spiller Football & Life Skills Camp. In 2020, Spiller returned to Clemson to get his master's in athletic leadership, and he joined his former coach Dabo Swinney's football staff as an unpaid graduate intern. He is also a board member of IPTAY, the fundraising organization for Clemson Athletics.
Clemson University
Running Back/Kick Returner, 2006-09
When he had the ball in his hands, C.J. Spiller was one of the most exciting all-purpose players to ever step foot on the college gridiron. The Lake Butler, Florida, native becomes the fourth Tiger player in the College Football Hall of Fame.
A unanimous First Team All-America kick returner in 2009, Spiller finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting and was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award. He was named a Second Team All-America running back by Walter Camp in 2009, making him the first player in the organization's history to earn All-America honors at two positions in the same season. The 2009 ACC Player of the Year set a single-season conference and school record with 2,680 all-purpose yards while also becoming the first player in conference history to gain 1,000 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving in the same season. A three-time All-ACC selection, Spiller garnered first team honors in 2008 and 2009 while receiving honorable mention laurels in 2007. Despite losing the 2009 ACC Championship Game to Georgia Tech, he earned MVP honors in the game after setting an ACC title game record with 233 rushing yards.
The NCAA record holder with seven career kickoff returns for touchdowns, Spiller ranks third all-time in FBS history with 7,588 career all-purpose yards. He joined USC's Reggie Bush as the only players in college football history with 3,000 rushing yards, 1,500 kickoff-return yards, 1,000 receiving yards and 500 punt-return yards in a career. Spiller set 31 Clemson records by career's end, including career all-purpose yards (7,588), kickoff return yards (2,052) and kickoffs returned for a TD (seven). He led the Tigers to four bowl games, earning MVP honors at the 2007 Chick-fil-A and 2009 Music City bowls. Spiller twice led the ACC in all-purpose yards, and he helped Clemson finish in the top 25 in 2007 (No. 21) and 2009 (No. 24). A member of both the Clemson Athletics and State of South Carolina Athletic halls of fame, Spiller's No. 28 jersey was retired by the Tigers.
The ninth overall pick by the Buffalo Bills in the 2010 NFL Draft, Spiller played for the Bills (2010-14), New Orleans Saints (2015), Seattle Seahawks (2016), New York Jets (2016) and Kansas City Chiefs (2017).
Off the field, Spiller was a First Team Academic All-ACC selection at Clemson. A regular visitor to hospitals and convalescent homes, he also hosts the annual C.J. Spiller Football & Life Skills Camp. In 2020, Spiller returned to Clemson to get his master's in athletic leadership, and he joined his former coach Dabo Swinney's football staff as an unpaid graduate intern. He is also a board member of IPTAY, the fundraising organization for Clemson Athletics.
A Full Listing of All 2021 College Football Inductees may be found on the National Football Foundation (NFF) official website.
Link Here: https://footballfoundation.org/news/2021/1/11/nff-announces-illustrious-2021-college-football-hall-of-fame-class.aspx
