Don McCauley College Football Hall of Fame

McCauley, a letterwinner for the Tar Heels from 1968-70, shattered the Carolina and Atlantic Coast Conference record books with a dazzling senior season in 1970. He rushed for 1,720 yards and scored 21 touchdowns. His 1,720 yards were an all-time collegiate high at the time, breaking O.J. Simpson's NCAA record. That record stood in the ACC for 19 years until 1999 when Thomas Jones rushed for 1,798 yards. McCauley led the nation in all-purpose running that season.

"I realize that in the sector of college football, this is the highest honor and I am truly thankful," said McCauley. "I was fortunate to represent the University of North Carolina both on and off the field and it is an honor to represent Carolina in the College Hall of Fame.

"Playing in Chapel Hill and representing the University has meant so much to me throughout my professional career in Baltimore and in my business career after football. Coach Bill Dooley was my inspiration and to this day, a very good friend. He taught us not to give up. I've got so much pride running through my blood that it is actually Carolina Blue."

John Bunting Head Football Coach

McCauley finished his UNC career with 3,172 yards on 603 carries and scored 29 touchdowns. He was twice named the ACC Player of the Year and still ranks fifth in career rushing at Carolina. He was a first-round draft choice in 1971 and played 11 seasons for the Baltimore Colts.

"It's ironic that I'm sitting here as the head coach at North Carolina in an office that's named after Don McCauley (Don McCauley/Paul Miller Head Coach's Suite)," said UNC Head Coach John Bunting. "That shows you how much he meant to this University. Obviously, he was our go-to player. He was a great player because of his work habits. He worked hard and he studied hard. It was incredibly tough to bring him down. He had great vision and was a team player in every sense. If you looked up the word teammate, Don McCauley would be the man it describes."

McCauley is the third Carolina player enshrined by the College Football Hall of Fame. The others are Art Weiner and Charlie Justice. Former UNC coaches Carl Snavely and Jim Tatum are also members.

Thanks for the memories, Don!