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.

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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

University of Southern California: The University of Southern California (also known as USC, 'SC, Southern California, and Southern Cal), California's oldest private research university, is located in the urban center of Los Angeles, California....

College football: College football was the venue through which American football first gained popularity in the United States. College football remains extremely popular today among students, alumni, and other fans of the sport....

John McKay: There are several different notable people named John McKay:...