We are 82 days away from college football kickoff. Another Monday, another day on the countdown. Today, we have Leon Hart of Notre Dame. As well as Ozzie Newsome from Alabama. Two extraordinary players in their own right. Enjoy reading more about their college careers as we continue counting down to the kickoff of college football.
Leon Hart Days Away From College Football Kickoff
Lineman For Heisman
Leon Hart was Notre Dame’s third Heisman winner and one of only two ends ever to win the award. At 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, he remains the biggest Heisman winner in history.
No other player in the country matched his mix of size, speed, and pass-catching skills. Hart was Notre Dame’s top blocker and quick enough to run or fake end-arounds in the backfield. His quick start from a three-point stance made him a strong short-yardage fullback. On defense, Hart called signals and held his ground on the edge.
Hart started as Notre Dame’s end on both offense and defense in his sophomore year in 1947. His blocking made it easier for John Lujack, who led the team’s T-formation offense and won the Heisman Trophy. Hart also caught a key touchdown pass from Lujack in the team’s 27 to 7 win over Army. The Irish finished the season undefeated in nine games and repeated as national champions.
In 1948, Hart proved himself as the top all-around end in the country by catching 16 passes for four touchdowns and earning consensus All-America honors. With his leadership, the Irish set a new school record for rushing yards and finished the season unbeaten again.
In his senior year, Hart caught 19 passes for 257 yards and scored five touchdowns. He also rushed 18 times for 73 yards and recovered three fumbles while playing defense. Notre Dame finished the season undefeated again, and Hart won the Heisman Trophy, beating out Charlie Justice from North Carolina.
Hart earned four varsity letters and never lost a game while playing for Notre Dame, as the team went 36-0-2 and won three national championships. He was named first-team All-American three times and was a consensus pick in both his junior and senior years. In 1949, Hart was chosen as the Associated Press male athlete of the year, finishing ahead of well-known athletes like Jackie Robinson and Sam Snead. That same year, he also received the Maxwell Award as the top college player.
Hart was the first pick in the 1950 NFL draft and played eight seasons with the Detroit Lions. He helped the team win three NFL titles and earned all-pro honors on both offense and defense in 1951. After his football career, Hart led several business ventures, including a tire-balancing equipment company. He passed away on September 24, 2002.
Another Great #82 Ozzie Newsome, Alabama
Ozzie Newsome started for four years at end for Alabama from 1974 to 1977. He was named All-Conference in 1976 and 1977, and was a consensus All-American in 1977. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 210 pounds, Newsome served as Alabama’s co-captain in 1977. Over his college career, he caught 102 passes for 2,070 yards, setting a conference record with an average of 20.3 yards per catch.
In a 1976 game against Notre Dame, Newsome caught seven passes, scored two touchdowns and a two-point conversion, and earned a 90 grade for blocking. With Newsome, Alabama’s records were 11-1, 11-1, 9-3, and 11-1, winning three Southeastern Conference championships.
In 1977, the Atlanta Touchdown Club and the Birmingham Quarterback Club named Newsome Lineman of the Year in the conference. His coach, Bear Bryant, called him “the greatest end in Alabama history and that includes Don Hutson. A total team player, fine blocker, outstanding leader, great receiver with concentration, speed, and hands.”
After college, Newsome played tight end for the Cleveland Browns from 1978 to 1990, then became General Manager of the Baltimore Ravens.
Editor’s Note: The countdown to college football kickoff has been a series on the Last Word on College Football social media platforms for the past 9 years. They consisted of a photo and a small blurb for each player, with the jersey corresponding to the number of days until kickoff. The rank of the players is sourced from articles by Bleacher Report, Fox Sports, and The Athletic. There are also some favorite players of the Last Word on College Football writers. Their bios are sourced from multiple online sources, including but not limited to the College Football Hall of Fame, their Heisman profiles, and school websites.
Main Photo: Heisman Trophy Trust
