Fred Dryer dominated the gridiron with a hurtling, slashing style that redefined the defensive end position at San Diego State.
Football Bio
July 6, 1946 – Hawthorne, California – Fred Dryer, who was a defensive lineman in 1967 and 1968 for San Diego State, was born.
The FootballFoundation.org website says Dryer had great speed and the athletic prowess to hunt through blockers, even by hurdling and cutting inside opponents, which earned him a spot on the 1968 Little All-America team. He played in the East-West Shrine Game, the Hula Bowl, and the 1969 College All-Star Game.
In 1967, San Diego State went 10-1 and beat San Francisco State in the Camellia Bowl. In 1968, the record was 9-0-1.
San Diego State’s head coach was Don Coryell, but the man who recruited Dryer away from El Camino Junior College to San Diego State was the defensive coordinator, John Madden.
Fred played for the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams, totaling 13 seasons in the NFL. After his football career, he became an actor, most notably on his own TV series “Hunter.” Dryer was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997.
Fred Dryer cements his legacy as a relentless defensive force who seamlessly transitioned from college dominance to NFL stardom and eventually Hollywood success. By earning his place in the College Football Hall of Fame, Dryer proves that his unique athleticism and fierce competitive drive left an indelible mark on the sport of football.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1997.
- First-Team Little All-American: 1968.
- 2× College Division National Champion: 1967, 1968 (San Diego State).
- Pro Bowl Selection: 1975.
- Second-Team All-Pro: 1974.
- NFL Sacks Co-Leader: 1974 (15.0 sacks).
- NFL Record Holder: Most safeties in a single NFL game (2).
- NFL Career Stats: Recorded 103 career sacks over 13 seasons with the Giants and Rams.
- El Camino Community College Athletic Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1988 (Charter Member).
- San Diego Sports Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1998.