Homer Hazel Rutgers College Football...
"Homer Hazel Rutgers College Football Hall of Fame Back"
Born June 2, 1895, in Piffard, New York, was Homer “Pop” Hazel, an end and fullback out of Rutgers University in 1916 and in 1923 and 1924 was born. The FootballFoundation.org website explains that Hazel won his first letter in football at Rutgers in 1916. He left school because of a lack of funds therefore he worked at various jobs saved for his future then at age 28, played football again at Rutgers. It was worth the wait for gridiron fans at Rutgers as he was without doubt, the most versatile player the Scarlet ever produced.
Homer led Rutgers to identical 7-1-1 records in his final two seasons, earning All- America selections in each. He played end in 1923, when the only Scarlet loss was from West Virginia by the tune of 27-7. Pop had Rutgers on the way to an unbeaten finish in 1924 - this time as a hard-hitting fullback - when this time Bucknell untracked The Scarlet in the final game of the season, 12-7.
Hazel was also well known for his excellent passing, punting and kicking skills on the gridiron. In 1923 he was a Walter Camp hand picked All-American at end and then the following year he received the same honor as a fullback and was first player to have the distinction of doing that at two different positions. Homer secured a place in the College Football Hall of Fame when he was inducted into the gridiron museum in 1951. Homer later served as Athletic Director as well as the football and basketball coach at the University of Mississippi for five years. Then even was a golf pro for four years.
- HASHTAGS: #June02 #HazelHomer #HomerHazelton #End #RutgersScarletKnights #NumberB4 #CollegeFootballHallofFame #CollegeFootball #Football
- DOB: June 02
- EVENTDAY: June 02
- FOOTBALL NAME: Hazel Homer, Homer Hazelton
- FOOTBALL POSITION: End
- FOOTBALL TEAM: Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- NCAAF JERSEY: Number B4
- SPORTS: College Football Hall of Fame, College Football, Football
"Hazel, Homer"
Explore the remarkable career of Homer Hazel, a true All-American talent at multiple positions for Rutgers and a respected early coach.
Homer Hazel was a dominant figure in the early landscape of American football, a versatile athlete who excelled on both offense and defense for Rutgers University. A rare two-time First-Team All-American at different positions (end and fullback), Hazel was known for his exceptional punting, kicking, and passing abilities. This series will delve into his impactful playing career with the Scarlet Knights, highlighting his record-setting performances and his status as one of the nation's premier talents.
Beyond his playing days, Hazel transitioned into coaching, notably leading the football and basketball programs at the University of Mississippi. This series will also explore his coaching tenure, examining his influence on the early development of football in the South. Join us as we remember Homer Hazel, a true embodiment of early football versatility and a significant figure in the history of both Rutgers and Ole Miss athletics.