1 – Herschel Walker
Easter Sunday morning, 1980, Mrs. Walker told her son Herschel it was time to make a decision, and Georgia football changed forever.
The recruiting battle for the best running back to play the college game required Georgia assistant Coach Mike Cavan to move to Wrightsville, saw near gunplay, and ended when Herschel pulled Georgia out of a hat – twice.
Cavan decided a joke was in order, telling Head Coach Vince Dooley, “Herschel signed with Clemson.” Dooley responded, “You’re fired.”
From 1980 to 1982, Walker became a three time All-American, the 1982 Heisman Trophy winner, established 11 NCAA records, 16 SEC records, 41 University of Georgia records, and led Georgia to a national championship in 1980. Georgia lost three times in three years with Herschel carrying the ball.
Walker’s jersey is one of four retired by the University of Georgia.
Next: Honorable Mention Players