Anthony Thompson Hard Running Hoosier...

April 8, 1967, in Terre Haute, Indiana, marked the birth of Anthony Thompson, a running back whose tenacity and talent would leave an indelible mark on Indiana University football and beyond. Even legendary Iowa coach Hayden Fry recognized his exceptional abilities: "Anthony Thompson is by far the best running back we’ve seen in years and years and years."  

✦ College Career:

Thompson's career at Indiana University was nothing short of spectacular. Despite a delayed start to his freshman season in 1986 due to a deep thigh bruise that kept him out of the first six weeks of practice, he burst onto the scene in his first start in week eight, setting a Big Ten freshman rushing record with 207 yards. He continued his impressive performance in his sophomore year, surpassing 100 rushing yards in five games. His junior season in 1988 saw him achieve consensus All-American honors and finish ninth in the Heisman Trophy voting, while ranking third nationally in rushing and second in scoring with 24 touchdowns. Thompson also proved to be a versatile threat, showcasing his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. His senior campaign in 1989 was truly remarkable. He narrowly missed winning the Heisman Trophy in a historically close vote but secured the Maxwell and Camp Awards, recognizing him as the nation's top player. That year, he led the nation in both rushing and scoring and ranked fourth in all-purpose yardage. By the end of his collegiate career, Thompson held the all-time Division I record for touchdowns. Indiana University now honors its most valuable player with the Anthony Thompson MVP Award.  

✦ Road to the Pro Game:

While the provided information doesn't explicitly detail Thompson's professional career, his dominant college performance undoubtedly made him a highly sought-after prospect for the NFL. Further research would be needed to specify the professional teams he played for and the details of his NFL career.

✦ Football Legacy:

Anthony Thompson's legacy extends far beyond his impressive statistics. He is remembered as a powerful and determined runner who consistently defied expectations. His record-breaking performances and numerous accolades cemented his place as one of the greatest players in Indiana University football history. The fact that the university's MVP award bears his name speaks volumes about the impact he had on the program. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007 further solidified his national recognition and lasting impact on the sport.  

✦ Accolades, Awards and Career Stats:

✦ Big Ten Freshman Rushing Record (207 yards)

✦ Consensus All-American (1988)

✦ Heisman Trophy Finalist (1989)

✦ Maxwell Award (1989)

✦ Camp Award (1989)

✦ Led NCAA in Rushing (1989)

✦ Led NCAA in Scoring (1989)

✦ Fourth in NCAA All-Purpose Yardage (1989)

✦ All-Time Division I Record for Touchdowns (at the end of his college career)

✦ Indiana University MVP Award is named in his honor

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2007)