2005 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME DIVISION I-A CLASS ANNOUNCED

The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame, Inc.

**2005 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME DIVISION I-A CLASS ANNOUNCED**

MORRISTOWN, N.J., May 18, 2005 - From the national ballot of 75 candidates and a pool of hundreds of eligible nominees, Jon F. Hanson, Chairman of The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame announced the 2005 College Football Hall of Fame Division I-A Class, which includes the names of 11 All-America players and two legendary coaches.

2005 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS

PLAYERS
. Cornelius Bennett - LB, Alabama, 1983-86
. Tom Curtis - DB, Michigan, 1967-69
. Anthony Davis - RB, Southern California, 1972-74
. Keith Dorney - OT, Penn State, 1975-78
. Jim Houston - E, Ohio State, 1957-59
. John Huarte - QB, Notre Dame, 1962-64
. Roosevelt Leaks - FB, Texas, 1972-74
. Mark May - OT, Pittsburgh, 1977-80
. Joe Washington - RB, Oklahoma, 1972-75
. Paul Wiggin - DT, Stanford, 1954-56
. David Williams - WR, Illinois, 1983-85

COACHES
. Pat Dye - East Carolina (1974-79), Wyoming (1980), Auburn (1981-92),
153-62-5
. Don Nehlen - Bowling Green (1968-76), West Virginia, (1980-2002),
202-128-8

"We are very pleased to have the opportunity to induct another exceptional class of college football hall of famers," said Chairman Jon F. Hanson.
"Each year our hard-working Honors Court, chaired by Gene Corrigan, continues to do an outstanding job in ensuring the game's legends are duly recognized."

The 2005 College Football Hall of Fame Division I-A Class will be inducted at the 48th Annual Awards Dinner on December 6, 2005, at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. They will be officially enshrined at the Hall in South Bend during ceremonies in August of 2006.

CRITERIA

1. First and Foremost, a player must have received First Team All-America recognition by a selector organization that is recognized by the NCAA.

2. A player becomes eligible for consideration by the Foundation's Honors Courts ten years after his final year of intercollegiate football played.

3. While each nominee's football achievements in college are of prime consideration, his post football record as a citizen is also weighed. He must have proven himself worthy as a citizen, carrying the ideals of football forward into his relations with his community and his fellow man with love of his country. Consideration may also be given for academic honors and whether or not the candidate earned a college degree.

4. Players must have played their last year of intercollegiate football within the last 50 years*. For example, to be eligible for the 2006 ballot,
the player must have played his last year in 1956 or thereafter. In
addition, players who are playing professionally and coaches who are coaching on the professional level are not eligible until after they retire.

5. A coach becomes eligible three years after retirement or immediately following retirement provided the coach is at least 70 years of age. He must have also have been a head coach for a minimum of 10 years and coached at least 100 games with a .600 winning percentage*.

(*Those players that do not comply with the 50-year rule and coaches that have not won 60% of their games may still be eligible for consideration by the Division I-A and Divisional Honors Review Committees, which examine unique cases.)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA

Did You Know?

. Only 781 players and 166 coaches have been inducted into the College
Football Hall of Fame from the more than 4.4 million who have played the game over the past 137 years.

. Founded in 1947, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of
Fame inducted its first class of inductees in 1951. The first class included
32 players and 19 coaches, including Illinois' Red Grange, Notre Dame's Knute Rockne, Amos Alonzo Stagg and Carlisle's Jim Thorpe.

. 262 schools are represented with at least one College Football Hall
of Famer.

. In South Bend, Ind., the current building was built in 1995 as a $17
million state-of-the-art interactive facility for fans of all ages. It attracts over 60,000 people each year to more than 200 events.

. Induction for this class of Hall of Famers will take place December
6, 2005 in New York City.

INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES

Cornelius Bennett
University of Alabama
Linebacker, 1983-86

A devastating hitter and dynamic defender, Cornelius Bennett dominated in four seasons as the undisputed defensive leader of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

At 6 feet 4 inches tall and 215 pounds, Bennett twice earned First Team All-America honors, a unanimous choice in 1986. That year, he finished seventh in the Heisman Trophy voting, received the Lombardi Award as the nation's top lineman and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year. A three-time First Team All-Conference pick, Bennett was voted Defensive Player of the Game in victories at the 1985 Aloha Bowl and the 1986 Sun
Bowl.

A member of Alabama's Team of the Century, Bennett was named the school's Player of the Decade for the 1980's. A team captain in 1986, he amassed 287 career tackles and 15 sacks, 10 of which came in 1986.

Selected second overall in the 1987 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, Bennett played 14 years in the NFL and made five appearances in the Super Bowl, four as a part of the Buffalo Bills' memorable run in the 1990s.
Currently, Bennett resides in Golden Beach, Florida.

Tom Curtis
University of Michigan
Defensive Back, 1967-69

Opposing quarterbacks beware! Lurking deep within the defensive secondary stands one of the greatest interception threats in NCAA history, Michigan's Tom Curtis.

A consensus First Team All-America selection in 1969, Curtis set an NCAA career record with 431 interception return yards and led the nation with 10 picks in 1968. With 25 career interceptions, he is the all-time leader at Michigan, ranks second all-time in BIG TEN Conference history and is tied for fourth in NCAA history. A two-time First Team All-Conference selection, Curtis led the Wolverines in interceptions for three straight seasons and helped guide them to a share of the BIG TEN title in 1969.

A recipient of the academic Frederic Matthaei Award in 1968, Curtis went on to graduate with a degree in Economics in 1970. Following graduation, he was drafted by the Baltimore Colts, played two seasons in the NFL, and appeared in Super Bowl V.

Owner and publisher of the Football News and three NFL team publications, Curtis remains active in the community with the Haileah/Miami Springs Rotary and the NFL Alumni Association in Miami, Florida.

Anthony Davis
University of Southern California
Running Back, 1972-74

Continuing in a long line of legendary USC Hall of Fame running backs, Anthony Davis has cemented himself as one of the greatest rushers in PAC-8 and NCAA history. He becomes the sixth Trojan in six consecutive years to enter college football's national shrine.

A unanimous First Team All-America selection, Davis finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1974. A two-time First Team All-Conference pick, he became the first player in PAC-8 history to rush for at least 1,000 yards in three individual seasons. A two-time recipient of the Voit Trophy as the Most Outstanding Player on the West Coast, Davis led USC in rushing, scoring and kick return yardage for three consecutive seasons.

A proven winner, Davis guided the Trojans to a 31-3-2 record, three conference titles, three Rose Bowl victories and two national championships in three years. Upon the completion of his career, he accumulated 24 school, conference and NCAA records, including over 5,400 all-purpose yards and 52 touchdowns.

Following a brief NFL career, Davis became a successful real estate developer and continues to serve as a motivational speaker for youth in Irvine, California where he currently resides.

Keith Dorney
Pennsylvania State University
Offensive Tackle, 1975-78

An immovable force and staple on the Penn State offensive line, Keith Dorney proved his prowess on the athletic field and in the classroom.

A two-time First Team All-America selection, unanimous in 1978, Dorney saw action in the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Game his senior year. Named National Lineman of the Year by the Columbus Touchdown Club, he helped lead the Nittany Lions to a 38-10 record and four straight bowl appearances.

Dedicated to his studies, Dorney was named to the Penn State Dean's List numerous times and was named to the Academic All-America First Team in 1978.
Named to Penn State's All-Century First Team, Dorney was selected 19th overall by the Detroit Lions in the 1979 NFL Draft. In a nine-year NFL career, he made one Pro Bowl and earned the Ed Block Courage Award in 1987.


Following his playing days, Dorney has worked with children and young adults as a full-time special education teacher for True to Life Children's Services and also coaches the defensive line at a local high school in Santa Rosa, California.

Jim Houston
The Ohio State University
End, 1957-59

A fierce competitor and team leader, Jim Houston guided the Ohio State Buckeyes to great heights and solidified himself as one of his era's legendary athletes.

A First Team All-America selection in 1958, Houston was invited to participate in the East-West Shrine Game and Hula Bowl. A two-time First Team All-Conference pick, he was named team MVP twice and led the Buckeyes to a 9-1 record, the BIG TEN title and a National Championship in 1957.

Following graduation in 1960, Houston was selected fifth overall by the Cleveland Browns in the NFL Draft. Dominating on the professional level, he made four Pro Bowl appearances and served as team captain seven times in his 13-year career.

Off the field, Houston continues to work with Canada Life Insurance Company, where he has been for more than 40 years. A native of Sagamore Hills, Ohio, he is a former president of the NFL Alumni Cleveland Chapter and continues to assist at various local hospitals and children's organizations.

John Huarte
University of Notre Dame
Quarterback, 1962-64

One of the great quarterbacks of his day, Notre Dame's John Huarte assembled one of the finest single-season performances in school history in 1964.
Claiming national awards and setting records, he guided the Fighting Irish to a share of the national championship and firmly stamped his place in college football lore.

In 1964, Huarte became the 30th recipient of the Heisman Trophy, was named Back of the Year by the UPI and Football News and ranked third nationally in total offense. In a season where he earned MVP honors in the North-South Shrine Game and College All-Star Game, he set 12 school records, including single-season passing yards (2,062) and touchdown passes (16).

Following graduation, Huarte was selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the 1965 AFL Draft and spent 12 seasons in professional football in the AFL, NFL and WFL.

The owner of Arizona Tile Company, Huarte has proven to be a highly successful businessman, expanding the company to six branches. He currently lives in Pacific Palisades, California.

Roosevelt Leaks
University of Texas
Fullback, 1972-74

A tremendous running back and fearless pioneer, Roosevelt Leaks became the first black athlete to earn All-America and All-Conference honors for the Texas Longhorns, forever changing the complexion of football at Texas and the Southwest Conference.

Prior to suffering a serious knee injury that hampered his senior season, Leaks earned consensus First Team All-America honors in 1973 and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting. A two-time First Team All-Conference selection, he was named Southwest Conference MVP in 1973, while setting the conference record for rushing yards (1,415).

A team captain and MVP, Leaks guided the Longhorns to two conference titles.
Drafted in the fifth round of the 1974 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts, Leaks enjoyed a nine-year professional career with the Colts and Buffalo Bills.

A community minded individual, Leaks hosts an annual charity golf tournament for children in East Austin, Texas. In 2003, he became the first recipient of the Living Legends Award presented by the Ministry of Challenge.

Mark May
University of Pittsburgh
Offensive Tackle, 1977-80

A massive specimen at 6 feet 6 inches tall and 280 pounds, Mark May was the anchor of the Pittsburgh offensive line and the leader of a historic Panther team. In 1980, he captained the team that went 11-1 and finished #2 in the AP final rankings, a squad that featured three other College Football Hall of Fame teammates, Jimbo Covert, Hugh Green and Dan Marino.

A First Team All-America selection in 1980, May became the 35th recipient of the Outland Trophy, which goes to the nation's top interior lineman. A participant in the 1981 Hula and Japan Bowls, May helped guide the Panthers to four bowl game appearances and three AP Top 10 finishes.

Following graduation in 1981, May was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. In all, he enjoyed a 13-year NFL career, which included two Super Bowl championships.

A current studio analyst for ESPN, May maintains a dedicated philanthropic schedule. A member of Nancy Reagan's "Team Up Against Drugs" program, he is the honorary chairman of the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Association and a United Way spokesperson. May currently resides in Mesa, Arizona.

Joe Washington
University of Oklahoma
Running Back, 1972-75

"Like smoke through a keyhole" is how legendary Oklahoma running back Joe Washington described his running style during the days he ruled the BIG-8 Conference. Upon the completion of his remarkable Sooner career, Washington stood atop the school's all-time career rushing list with over 4,000 yards.

For two extraordinary seasons, Washington dominated the national scene. In 1974, he earned unanimous First Team All-America status as a running back, was named National Player of the Year and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting. In 1975, Washington was named First Team All-America as a kick returner and placed fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting. Both seasons, Washington's offensive brilliance led to Sooner national championships.

A three-time First Team All-Conference pick, Washington's teams lost only twice in 46 career games.

Selected in the first round of the 1976 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, Washington played 10 seasons in the NFL and was named MVP of the Redskins in 1981. He is currently the owner of a marketing and advertising company and lives in Lutherville, Maryland.

Paul Wiggin
Stanford University
Defensive Tackle, 1954-56

A dominating defensive tackle, Stanford's Paul Wiggin owned the line of scrimmage for three punishing years.

A two-time First Team All-America selection, Wiggin was invited to participate in the East-West Shrine Game in 1956 and the Hula Bowl in 1957.
A two-time All-Pacific Conference pick, he is one of only two players in Stanford history to return as head coach. A three-year starter and letterwinner, Wiggin was named the school's Defensive Player of the Century in fan voting.

Also a Rugby player and noted scholar, Wiggin earned his bachelor's degree in 1956 and a master's degree in 1959.

Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 1957 NFL Draft, Wiggin enjoyed an 11-year professional career. During his off-seasons, he taught high school and college classes, and coached defensive tackles at spring practice for Stanford. When his playing days finally ended, Wiggin coached the Kansas City Chiefs and Stanford University for three years each.
Currently, he serves as the Director of Pro Scouting for the Minnesota Vikings and resides in Edina, Minnesota.

David Williams
University of Illinois
Wide Receiver, 1983-85

One of the greatest wide receivers of all-time, Illinois' David Williams finished his collegiate career as the second-leading receiver in NCAA history with 245 receptions and 3,195 receiving yards in only 33 games.

Collecting numerous records and awards, Williams was the only two-time unanimous First Team All-America on the 2005 College Football Hall of Fame ballot. In 1984, he led the nation with a BIG TEN record 101 receptions, becoming only the second player in NCAA history to surpass the 100-reception mark in a single-season. In 1986, Williams was named Illinois Athlete of the Year and participated in the Japan Bowl.

The holder of every Illinois receiving record, Williams twice earned First Team All-Conference recognition and team MVP honors. In 1983, he led the Fighting Illini to their first BIG TEN title in 20 years.

Following two seasons in the NFL, Williams flourished in the Canadian Football League where he earned All-Star status five times and was named league MVP in 1988. He currently works in sales and lives in Cardena,
California.

Pat Dye
Head Coach - East Carolina University (1974-79), University of Wyoming (1980), Auburn University (1981-92)

A coaching legend, Pat Dye's career began with success at East Carolina and peaked at Auburn University, where he led the Tigers to their first SEC title in 26 years.

In 1974, Dye began his head coaching career with East Carolina. In six years, his East Carolina teams never won fewer than seven games in a season, and in 1978 he guided the Pirates to an Independence Bowl victory, the program's first bowl appearance in 13 years.

Following one year at Wyoming, Dye found a home with the Auburn Tigers.
Prior to his arrival, Auburn had won only one SEC title in 48 years. During Dye's 12 seasons with the Tigers, they took home four SEC titles, including three straight from 1987-89. Named National Coach of the Year in 1983, he is one of only seven coaches in college football history to have coached a winner of the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award.

A three-time SEC Coach of the Year, Dye coached the Tigers to six bowl victories in nine appearances and 99 victories overall. Upon retirement, his total coaching record includes 153 victories against only 62 losses and five ties for a win percentage of .707. Dye currently resides in Notasulga, Alabama.

Don Nehlen
Head Coach - Bowling Green State University (1968-76), West Virginia University (1980-2000)

The greatest coach ever at West Virginia University, Don Nehlen became the
17th coach in NCAA Division I-A history to record 200 career victories.

After winning 53 games in nine seasons at Bowling Green, Nehlen firmly planted himself on the college football landscape at West Virginia. Named National Coach of the Year in 1988, he coached more seasons (21) and won more games (149) than any other coach in Mountaineer history. Selected to coach in numerous Blue-Gray, East-West Shrine and Hula Bowl all-star games, Nehlen coached 15 First Team All-Americas and 82 First Team All-Conference performers.

Helping the Mountaineers to two undefeated regular seasons in 1988 and 1993, Nehlen guided the team to 13 bowl game appearances, 17 winning seasons and the 1993 BIG EAST Conference title. His career record included 202 wins,
128 losses and eight ties.

The 1997 president and a current trustee of the American Football Coaches Association, Nehlen received the 2002 Distinguished West Virginian Award from the WV Broadcasters Association. An all-time great, he is a member of the Mid-American Conference, Bowling Green State University, Gator Bowl and West Virginia University Halls of Fame. Nehlen continues to reside in Morgantown, West Virginia.


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