By: Daniel Gunn (@DanielGunn)
The 70s were by far the easiest group to sort through. Unsurprisingly there was not a huge pool of CFSL players wearing numbers 79-70 but none-the-less there were still some fantastic players to rock out in the 70’s.
#79 – Thomas Nobel
This three-star defensive end played his entire four-year career at Nebraska, where he has the fourth-most sacks in school history. Nobel ended his career with 48 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.
#78 – Matthew Norris
Matthew Norris, a defensive tackle, played his first year in South Carolina and his remaining four years in Washington. Norris is tied for the ninth most fumble recovery yards of all time. At South Carolina, Matthew is tied for second in tackles for loss, tied for second in sacks, and tied for first in forced fumbles. In his four seasons at Washington, he earned the second most tackles for loss, and second most sacks, and is tied for in fumble recoveries in school history.
#77 – Aaron Josephs
Season 8 All-American defensive lineman, Aaron Josephs, spent his first two seasons at Nebraska and finished his final two seasons in the MAC at Northern Illinois. Josephs is tied for seventh in career sacks during the early era of the league. Despite only spending two seasons at Nebraska, Josephs has the second most sacks and the third most tackles for loss in the program’s history. While at Northern Illinois, Aaron earned his way all over the career record books. He has the most sacks and most forced fumbles in program history, second most tackles for loss, and fifth most tackles.
#76 – Owen Britt
Defensive Tackle Owen Britt spent his first two seasons at Miami and his final two seasons at Alabama. He is a one-time Defensive Player of the Week, which he won in Season 14 at Bama. He is currently tied for first All-Time for most sacks in a game with seven. Despite only playing two seasons at a program with such a rich history in the CFSL, Britt is third in career sacks, and fourth in tackles for loss and forced fumbles in Alabama history.
#75 – Michael Rury
Rury is a five-year player at middle linebacker. He started his career in the MAC at Bowling Green, then headed to Miami for a season, and finished his career at Nebraska. Michael had an eye for spotting loose balls. He is tied for fourth in fumble recoveries in the early era for a single season. In his time at Nebraska, Rury racked up 164 tackles landing him fifth all-time in school history.
#74 – Owen Moreland
Moreland is one of the few active players to make the Who Wore it Best series but this Generational Talent defensive tackle is beyond deserving of this spot. Getting ready to start his junior season, Moreland started his career at Oklahoma St and transferred to Texas for his sophomore season. He earned a defensive line All-American nod his freshman season. Moreland has a bright future ahead of him and has two more seasons to solidify his spot as the best #74 of all time.
#73 – Ben Marquez
Three-star defensive tackle Ben Marquez spent his entire career at the University of Oregon. He has the third most sacks in school history with 21. Marquez finished his 46-game career with 124 tackles, 37 tackles for loss, 21 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery.
#72 – Israel Jordan Ward
Defensive tackle Israel Jordan Ward was a force on the defensive line, being a key factor in two of Kentucky’s National Championships. He started his career at LSU and spent his final three seasons at Kentucky. In season 16, Ward earned a defensive line All-American nod and a Defensive Player of the Week award. He currently is tied for sixth most sacks and seventh most tackles for loss in the CFSL all-time. With only one season at LSU, it is quite the feat that Israel has the third most sacks in school history. There is an argument to be made that Ward is the best defensive player in Kentucky’s history. Jordan Ward has the most sacks, most tackles for loss, and third most fumbles all-time at Kentucky.
#71 – Jimbo Culvert
Jimbo is a defensive tackle who spent his entire career playing for the Fighting Illini. Culvert is tied for third for fumble recoveries, tied for fourth for tackles for loss and forced fumbles, and has the fifth most sacks in school history.
#70 – Trey Hawkins
Trey Hawkins is a defensive end who played all three seasons of his career at LSU. Hawkins has the second-most tackles for loss and the second-most sacks in LSU history. Trey finished his career with 96 tackles, 50 tackles for loss, 28 sacks, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.
