One of the most successful college football programs in the history of the game has been the Bulldogs from the University of Georgia. With a winning percentage that equates to victories in almost two out of every three games they have ever played, the Bulldogs have traditionally occupied a position in the rarified atmosphere of college football’s premier teams. Located in the SEC (Southeastern Conference), the Georgia teams have seen some less than stellar seasons in the last several years, though they remain competitive and are often among the twenty-five top programs in any given year. Many great players have played in their 90,000 seat capacity stadium in Athens – a stadium so large that only four North American stadiums surpass it in size -over the years, with one of the more recognizable of those players being the great Herschel Walker, running back for the Georgia teams of 1980, ’81, and ’82.

The Future Heisman

Walker was one of those rare running backs who made contributions wherever he went. Upon arriving at the Georgia campus, he saw play as a freshman – a lot of play – as he bowled over opposing defenders on his way to new freshman records for yards rushing. Most impressively, the Georgia team was undefeated in Walker’s first season, which helped propel the young man into third place in that year’s Heisman voting. The fact that he was even in contention in an era that frowned on such awards for freshmen is just one indication of how good he really was. After defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the postseason Sugar Bowl, the Bulldogs were awarded a national title. Walker would continue his powerful running throughout the next two seasons, performing so well that he was finally awarded the Heisman Trophy in his junior season of 1982.

The Junior Professional

With his junior year at an end, Walker felt that he had nothing left to prove. Though the existing National Football League rules of the time forbade any team from drafting players until they had completed their senior season, Walker decided to find another way into the pro ranks. It made sense to him from both a personal and financial sense – after winning a national title as a freshman and the Heisman as a junior, it was unlikely that his stock in the NFL draft would be elevated by a return for his senior season. In fact, an injury could have made him less attractive. With an eye toward controlling his own future as a professional, Walker opted to sign on with the United States Football League, utilizing his considerable skills as running back right up until the League disbanded in 1986. The Dallas Cowboys, however, had selected Walker in the draft of 1985, and openly welcomed him to their ranks in 1986.

A Legacy of Unorthodox Decisions

When people hear Herschel Walker’s name today, they most often think of his Heisman year and his skills as a runner. However, his off-field victories were just as important in the evolution of the game. In fact, every underclassman that enters the NFL draft early has Herschel Walker to thank for paving the way.

Author Bio: Ivan Jamison is a big sports fan. You can check out his Georgia Bulldogs Watch or his Philadelphia Phillies Watch or his Atlanta Braves Watch

Category: Sports
Keywords: Georgia Buldogs