Author: Darin

“Boo” Smith: The Savior of the Gophers and Minnesota’s Only Heisman King

In the golden era of the single-wing offense, one man stood as the ultimate “triple-threat” savior for the University of Minnesota. Bruce “Boo” Smith…

The “Aerial Ace” of DeKalb: How George Bork Revolutionized the Passing Game

In the early 1960s, while most of college football was grinding out yards in the trenches, a revolutionary “Blitz-T” attack was brewing in the…

The First Legend of Linebacker U: The All-Purpose Brilliance of Dennis Onkotz

Before Penn State was universally recognized as “Linebacker U,” a versatile athlete from Northampton, Pennsylvania, helped build the foundation of that prestige. Dennis Onkotz…

February 26 Football Fix

Football History of February 9

February 9 in Football History: The Ravens’ Wings and Gridiron Foundations How did a “no tampering” pact between rival leagues and the official naming…

March 3 Football Fix

Football History of February 7

What do the New Orleans Saints’ first-ever championship and Von Miller’s defensive masterclass in Super Bowl 50 have in common? They both happened on…

The Enforcer of “Luv Ya Blue”: Robert “Dr. Doom” Brazile and the 3-4 Revolution

Before the 3-4 defense became a staple of the NFL, one man proved just how terrifying an outside linebacker could be in that system.…

The Great “Bonnie Banks”: Banks McFadden and the Dawn of Clemson Football Glory

Long before the modern era of multi-million dollar stadiums and national television contracts, one man put Clemson athletics on the map. Banks McFadden, affectionately…

The “Finest End” of Troy: The Heroic Career of USC Legend Paul Cleary

In the storied history of the USC Trojans, few players have earned higher praise than Paul Cleary. A man whose career was defined by…