By Darin How did a receiver from a “basketball school” become the most feared scoring threat in ACC history? During the late 1980s, Clarkston Hines turned Duke University into a pass-happy powerhouse under the guidance of Steve Spurrier. Known for his uncanny ability to find the open seam and his elite ball skills, Hines became a nightmare for defensive backs across the Atlantic Coast Conference. From his three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, discover the story of the man who set the gold standard for Blue Devil football.
Football Bio
March 3, 1967 – Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Clarkston Hines, the nifty wide receiver of 1986 through 1989 from Duke University, celebrated his entrance into this life. The NFF says Clarkston was a two-time All-American and is the only player in ACC history to lead the league in receiving yards three consecutive seasons. When he ended his collegiate career, Hines held the ACC record for career touchdown receptions with 38. Clarkston Hines was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
Conclusion
Clarkston Hines remains the quintessential wide receiver in the history of Duke football. His dominance during the Steve Spurrier era helped elevate the Blue Devils to an ACC Championship and proved that their offensive aerial attack was among the nation’s best. With double-digit records at Duke and a career touchdown mark that stood as an NCAA record at the time of his graduation, Hines’ legacy as the “Frequent Flyer” is firmly etched in the hallowed halls of college football history.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2010.
- Consensus First-Team All-American: 1989.
- First-Team All-American: 1988 (FWAA).
- ACC Player of the Year: 1989.
- ACC Male Athlete of the Year (McKevlin Award): 1990.
- 3× First-Team All-ACC: 1987, 1988, 1989.
- ACC Record Holder: First player to lead the conference in receiving yards for three straight seasons (1987–1989).
- ACC Career Record: 38 touchdown receptions (stood for over 20 years).
- Duke University Record Holder: Career receiving yards (3,318) and 100-yard receiving games (17).
- ACC Champion: 1989.
- NFL Draft: 9th Round pick of the Buffalo Bills (1990).
- NC Sports Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2023.
