Don McCauley Tar Heel Legendary Rusher

May 12, 1949, in Worcester, Massachusetts, Don McCauley established himself as a phenomenal all-around offensive threat during his time at the University of North Carolina.  

College Career:

Don McCauley played running back for the North Carolina Tar Heels from 1968 to 1970 and quickly became a standout player. Even as a sophomore in 1968, he showcased his versatility by leading the team in receptions with 23. His junior year in 1969 saw him lead the nation in all-purpose running, averaging 183.7 yards per game across rushing, receiving, and kick returns. That same year, he earned his first of two ACC Player of the Year awards and First-team All-ACC honors. His senior season in 1970 was record-breaking. McCauley led the nation in rushing with 1,720 yards, breaking O.J. Simpson's NCAA single-season record at the time, and in scoring with 126 points, including 21 touchdowns. He also had a 97-yard kickoff return against Georgia Tech. A consensus All-American and team captain in 1970, McCauley set numerous school records and finished ninth in the Heisman Trophy voting. North Carolina honored his remarkable collegiate career by retiring his jersey number 23.  

Road to the Pro Game:

Following his stellar career with the Tar Heels, Don McCauley was drafted in the first round (22nd overall) of the 1971 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts.  

Football Legacy:

Don McCauley went on to have an impactful 11-year career in the NFL, all with the Baltimore Colts. While he didn't replicate his NCAA single-season rushing record, he proved to be a reliable and versatile player in the professional ranks. McCauley played in 156 games, amassing 2,627 rushing yards and 40 rushing touchdowns. Notably, he also became a significant receiving threat out of the backfield, catching 333 passes for 3,026 yards and 17 touchdowns. In fact, he finished his NFL career with more receiving yards than rushing yards. McCauley's versatility as a runner and receiver made him a valuable offensive weapon for the Colts. His outstanding college career earned him induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001, solidifying his legacy as one of the great all-around players in ACC history.  

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

✦ Consensus All-America (1970)

✦ 2x ACC Player of the Year (1969, 1970)

✦ 2x First-team All-ACC (1969, 1970)

✦ Led NCAA in Rushing Yards (1970)

✦ Led NCAA in All-Purpose Yards (1970)

✦ Led NCAA in Scoring (1970)

✦ North Carolina Tar Heels Jersey No. 23 honored

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2001)

✦ NFL Career Stats: 156 games played, 2,627 rushing yards, 40 rushing touchdowns, 333 receptions, 3,026 receiving yards, 17 receiving touchdowns.