Hunter Scarlett: Penn Quaker Hall of Fame End

Hunter Scarlett: Penn Quakers Hall of Fame Football End

Hunter Scarlett anchored the dominant University of Pennsylvania Quakers during their undefeated 1908 National Championship run, securing his place among the gridiron’s earliest legends.

Football Bio

October 16, 1885, Erie, Pennsylvania – The birth of Hunter Scarlett. Hunter played end for the University of Pennsylvania Quakers from 1904 through the 1908 season.

The 1908 season was special. Scarlett and halfback Bill Hollenback sparked the Quakers to an 11-0-1 record and the National Championship. Scarlett, alongside halfback Hollenback, led the Quakers to a near-perfect 11-0-1 record in 1908. The team outscored opponents by a staggering 215-18 margin, with their only imperfection being a 6-6 tie against the Carlisle Indians.

That season, Penn outscored all its opponents 215-18.

The tie came against the Pop Warner-coached Carlisle Indians when the final ended 6-6.

The National Football Foundation selected Hunter Scarlett to enter the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991. [National Football Foundation]

Hunter Scarlett left an indelible mark on early college football, leading Penn to a historic championship before stepping off the field to become a world-renowned eye surgeon.

UPDATE: Our friend Dave Peters in the Vintage Football Collectors Forum shares this additional information about Hunter Scarlett that he retrieved from Find a Grave and the Whitney War Hospital WW1 sites.

Following his College Football Hall of Fame career, Hunter Scarlett pursued a distinguished medical path. He earned his M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and advanced his training by studying ophthalmology in Paris.

During World War I, Scarlett utilized his medical expertise, serving as a doctor in both the French and American armies. After returning to the United States, he became a renowned ophthalmologist, first practicing at Bryn Mawr Hospital and later at Pennsylvania Hospital.

One of nine children, Scarlett was forced to retire in his 50s due to declining health. He passed away at age 69 and is buried in his family’s plot in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Accolades and Football Accomplishments

• Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (Note: While the provided text mentions 1991, the College Football Hall of Fame officially inducted Scarlett as part of the Class of 1970).
• Consensus First-Team All-American in 1908.
• Second-Team All-American in 1907.
• Key catalyst for the Penn Quakers’ 1908 undefeated National Championship season (11-0-1).
• Played four years of grueling varsity football during the sport’s early era without ever leaving a game due to injury.

Celebrate Football History With Your Collection

"Heads up: A few links in this description are affiliate links. That means if you click through and grab something, I might get a small cut that helps keep the lights on here—at zero additional cost to you!"

Football Card SinglesJosh Allen Buffalo Bills 2022 Panini PrizmJosh Allen Buffalo Bills 2022 Panini Prizm Profiles Case Hit #P-3 CardCard oldies, goodies, and auctionsRandall Cunningham Philadelphia Eagles Autographed 1987 - mRookie CardRandall Cunningham Philadelphia Eagles Autographed 1987 Topps #296 CGC Fanatics Witnessed Authenticated Auto 10 Rookie Card

Here are More Stories of Penn Quaker Football Legends