Tailback U

"Tailback U" is a nickname of the University of Southern California, which under legendary college football coach John McKay ('60-'75) and successor John Robinson ('76-'82) began turning out an assembly line of top-rated players in the tailback position as well as a number of college football national championships.

Related Topics:
University of Southern California - College football - John McKay - John Robinson - Tailback

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Coach McKay's play calling emphasized and refined the run, taking full advantage of his quality backs -a trend followed by his former offensive coordinator and immediate successor, John Robinson.

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The era of Tailback U ('60-'82) turned out impressive results:

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Heisman Trophy winners (4)

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• Mike Garrett - 1965
• O.J. Simpson - 1968
• Charles White - 1979
• Marcus Allen - 1981

Heisman runner-ups (3)

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• O.J. Simpson - 1967
• Anthony Davis - 1974
• Ricky Bell - 1976

National championships (6)

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• 1962
• 1967
• 1972
• 1974
• 1978
• 2005