Drury's prowess on the gridiron earned him national recognition. As a standout halfback, he was known for his speed, agility, and powerful running style. He played a crucial role in USC's rise to national prominence, contributing to their undefeated season in 1927, his senior year and captaincy. He led USC to an 8-1-1 record, sharing the Pacific Coast Conference title with Stanford. Despite a narrow loss to Notre Dame, Drury's exceptional performance, including 180 yards and three touchdowns against Washington (earning him a 10-minute standing ovation), propelled the Trojans forward. He topped the team in scoring (76 points) and rushing (1163 yards), earning All-America honors. His rushing yardage was a USC first, exceeding 1,000 yards, and remained a record until Mike Garrett surpassed it in 1965. His exceptional performance that year garnered All-American honors, solidifying his place among the elite players of his time.
Beyond his athletic abilities, Drury was recognized for his leadership and sportsmanship. He was respected on and off the field, admired by teammates and opponents. His character and dedication to the game exemplified the values college football sought to instill in its players.
Following his collegiate success, Drury briefly played professional football before transitioning to a career in acting. While his time in the NFL was short-lived, his impact on the college game remained indelible. In 1954, Morley Drury was inducted into the College Football Hall Of Fame, a testament to his outstanding contributions to the sport and his enduring legacy as one of USC's football legends.
✦ Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
✦ Weight 185 lb (84 kg)
Career History
✦ College USC (1925–1927)
✦ High school Long Beach Tech
Career highlights and awards
✦ Consensus All-American (1927)
✦ Third-team All-American (1925)
✦ 2× First-team All-PCC (1925, 1927)
✦ Midland Sports Hall of Fame
✦ College Football Hall Of Fame (1954)
Morley Drury. (2025, February 12). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morley_Drury
