By Darin George Rogers was the embodiment of a dominant running back: agile, powerfully built at 220 pounds, and possessing 4.5-second speed in the 40-yard dash. As the centerpiece of the University of South Carolina’s offense, Rogers became a legendary runner, culminating in a Heisman Trophy win that forever etched his name into college football history before he became the NFL’s top rookie.
Agile Power: How George Rogers Ran His Way from South Carolina to the Heisman and NFL Stardom
December 8, 1958 – Duluth, Georgia – The University of South Carolina’s legendary runner George Rogers celebrates his birthday. When you are blessed with being agile, well-balanced, can run a 40-yard dash in 4.5, and weigh in at 220 pounds, you should be bound for gridiron greatness. That is precisely what the NFF states that George Rogers was in college. In both 1979 and 1980, he was an All-America player and even won the Heisman Trophy in 1980 as the nation’s top player.
George averaged about 6 yards per carry in his fourth year with the Gamecocks, putting up 1781 rushing yards, and set a school career record with his 4958 yards on the ground in his 4 seasons. The National Football Foundation selected George Rogers to enter the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997.
George played in the NFL for the Saints and the Redskins, won Rookie of the Year honors in 1981, and in 1986 led the League with 18 touchdowns.
Conclusion
George Rogers’s college career at South Carolina was a masterpiece of rushing dominance, highlighted by a staggering 1,781 yards in his Heisman season and a school record that stood for years. He successfully transitioned his talent to the professional level, immediately earning Rookie of the Year honors and later leading the league in touchdowns. His accomplishments at both levels secured his legacy, and the National Football Foundation appropriately inducted him into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
George Rogers: Career Accomplishments
- Birth Date: December 8, 1958 (Duluth, Georgia).
- College: University of South Carolina (Running Back).
- College Accolades: Two-time All-America player (1979, 1980).
- Heisman Trophy: Winner in 1980.
- College Rushing Stats: Set a school career rushing record with 4,958 yards; rushed for 1,781 yards in the 1980 season.
- NFL Teams: New Orleans Saints, Washington Redskins.
- NFL Awards: Rookie of the Year in 1981.
- NFL Leader: Led the NFL with 18 touchdowns in 1986.
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1997.
