The FWAA’s announcement of its three All-america teams marks the 75th anniversary of the organization’s founding in 1941.
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Carter, a three-time All-American, played at U-M from 1979-82 and is the Wolverines’ all-time leader in receptions with 161 for 3,042 yards and 37 touchdowns.
Former Michigan State defensive end Charles “Bubba” Smith, one of only three players in Spartan football history to have his jersey number (No. 95) retired, has been named to the Football Writers Association of America’s 75th Anniversary All-America Team (third-team selection).
The St. Louis Rams selected Bly in the second round (41st overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft. Smith was a member of the 1970 Colts team that defeated Dallas, 16-13, in Super Bowl V (Jan. 17, 1971).
Southern Miss punter Ray Guy, Georgia kicker Kevin Butler and Nebraska kick returner Johnny Rodgers also were named to the first team.
So now, while these FWAA honors are essentially impossible to get flawless, it’s about as close as one can get to contextualizing post-war college football performances at their peak.
Auburn fans may argue Jackson deserved better. Balloting for the teams began in the spring and involved participation from the entire FWAA membership. The popular vote was then taken into consideration by a Blue Ribbon Committee of FWAA past presidents, current board members and officers. That committee selected the final 75-man team.
The first-team running backs are Ohio State’s Archie Griffin, who won back-to-back Heisman Trophies in 1974-75, and Georgia’s Herschel Walker, the 1982 Heisman Trophy victor.
The Longhorns’ four representatives tied for the fourth-most among all programs, trailing Nebraska (six), Ohio State (five) and Pittsburgh (five).
All told, the Big Ten was represented with 19 selections, the most of any conference.
Two Husker legends make the third team, as Quarterback Tommie Frazier and Dean Steinkuhler are on the Offense.
As team captain in 1955, Jones earned the prestigious Outland Trophy, given to the nation’s top interior lineman. Hannah would go on to become a member of both the college and pro football hall of fame.
The FWAA has selected All-America Teams in different forms over the years. He was also chosen to Iowa’s all time football team in 1989.
Walker is perhaps the most decorated player in UGA history. “All of our All-Americans were great, but picking this team was like choosing between a filet mignon and a Kansas City strip”.
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The FWAA consists of 1,400 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all areas that involve the game. Please send your comments to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards and its annual All-America team. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
