Jefferson, Winslow named to College HOF

Tuesday, May 07, 2002
By David Neville, Chargers.com

During his collegiate playing days from 1974-77, Jefferson was known as arguably the greatest wide receiver in the history of the Arizona State football program, rewriting the university, Western Athletic Conference and NCAA record books.

Jefferson’s breakout year occurred in 1975 when he led the Sun Devils with 52 receptions and 921 yards on the way to a perfect 12-0 season and an appearance in the Fiesta Bowl, where he was named Most Valuable Player.

A consensus All-America selection in 1977 and two-time All-Conference pick, Jefferson concluded his career with an NCAA record 42 consecutive games with a reception. He remains ASU’s All-Time leader in career receptions with 188 and career receiving yardage with 2,993. Recognized as the Arizona Amateur Athlete of the Year in 1977, he was twice selected as the team’s Most Valuable Player and led the team in receiving all four years.

Following graduation, Jefferson was selected by the Chargers fourth overall in the first round of the 1978 National Football League draft. In three seasons with the Chargers (1978-80), Jefferson caught 199 passes for 3,431 yards (17.2 avg.) and 36 touchdowns.

In all, Jefferson played in parts of eight NFL seasons with the Chargers, Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns and was named to the Pro Bowl four times, including three times with the Chargers.

After retiring, Jefferson became an assistant coach at the University of Kansas before assuming his current role as director of player development for the Washington Redskins.

One of the marquis pass-catching tight ends in the history of both college and professional football, Winslow became a legend at the University of Missouri from 1976-78 while shattering the receiving records for a tight end along the way.

A consensus All-America in 1978, Winslow helped guide the Tigers to three winning seasons and a Liberty Bowl victory his senior year. Twice named to the All-Big 8 Conference team, he was selected as conference Male Athlete of the Year in 1978 and made appearances in the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl.

A three-year letter winner, Winslow totaled 71 receptions, 1,089 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns for his career. Additional Missouri accolades include having his number retired and being named to the school’s All-Century Football Team and Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame.

In 1979, Winslow was selected by the Chargers in the first round with the 13th overall choice of the National Football League draft. During his nine NFL seasons with the Chargers (1979-87), Winslow caught 541 receptions for 6,741 yards and 45 touchdowns en route to being named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995, the same year he was named to the Chargers Hall of Fame.

The class of 2002 was announced by Jon F. Hanson, the Chairman of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, and Honors Court Chairman Gene Corrigan.

“I would like to thank the members of the Foundation’s Honors Court for their efforts in selecting an exceptional class,” said Hanson. “We are pleased to recognize these outstanding players and coaches with college football’s ultimate honor of induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.”

Said Corrigan; “With so many strong candidates on the ballot, our goal to select a class that represented the many positions in the game as well as different areas of the country was difficult. By selecting an extremely talented, diverse group of athletes, I feel we have accomplished our goal.”

The selection process for the College Football Hall of Fame is based of five criteria.

First and foremost, a player must have received major first team All-America recognition during his collegiate playing career. 

Second, a player becomes eligible for consideration by the Foundation’s Honors Court 10 years after his last year of intercollegiate football played.

Third, while each nominee’s football achievements 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.

Fourth, players must have played within the last 50 years. (It is within the jurisdiction of the Awards Committee and Honors Court to make exceptions to this rule). In addition, players who are playing professionally and coaches who are coaching on the professional level are not eligible until after they retire.

Finally, a coach becomes eligible three years after retirement providing he was a head coach for a minimum of 10 years and coached at least 100 games with a .600 winning percentage.

In addition to Jefferson and Winslow, the 2002 College Football Hall of Fame Class consists of:

Player, School, Position, Years

Terry Beasley, Auburn, Split End, 1969-71
George “Sonny” Franck, Minnesota, Tailback, 1938-40
Cosmo Iacavazzi, Princeton, Running Back, 1962-64
Ronnie Lott, Southern California, Safety, 1977-80
Dan Marino, Pittsburgh, Quarterback, 1979-82
Napoleon McCallum, Navy, Tailback, 1983-85
Reggie McKenzie, Michigan, Offensive Guard, 1969-71
Randy Rhino, Georgia Tech, Defensive Back, 1972-74
Jerry Sisemore, Texas, Offensive Tackle, 1970-72
Gary Spani, Kansas State, Linebacker, 1974-77
Reggie White, Tennessee, Defensive Tackle, 1980-83

Coach, School(s), Years, Record

Earle Bruce, Tampa, Iowa State, Ohio State, Northern Iowa, Colorado State, 1972-92, 154-90-2
Carmen Cozza, Yale, 1965-96, 179-119-5