Rutgers Football: Top 10 players in Scarlet Knights history

Sep 7, 2013; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights players huddle before the game against the Norfolk State Spartans at High Point Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Combining track speed with the attitude of a fullback, Hazel was one of Rutgers’ greatest all-around players ever, finishing his career with then-school records for points after touchdowns, longest field goal (49 yards) and longest completed pass. While at Rutgers, Hazel lettered in football, baseball, basketball and track, and served as a golf pro for four years later in life.

Rutgers still honors Hazel today by awarding its team MVP with the Homer Hazel Trophy.

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Homer Hazel

End, Fullback, 1916, 1923-1924

Rutgers’ first College Football Hall of Fame inductee, Hazel earned Walter Camp All-American honors as both an end (1923) and fullback (1924), but also played quarterback, punter and kicker. Although he started his education in 1916, he did not return to school until 1923 because he couldn’t afford his tuition. However, when he did return, Rutgers welcomed back a more mature athlete who took advantage of the Knights’ younger opponents.

In 1923 and 1924, Hazel and fellow All-American back Henry Benkert led the Scarlet Knights to near-undefeated seasons, with the team’s only two losses coming to West Virginia and Bucknell.

Combining track speed with the attitude of a fullback, Hazel was one of Rutgers’ greatest all-around players ever, finishing his career with then-school records for points after touchdowns, longest field goal (49 yards) and longest completed pass. While at Rutgers, Hazel lettered in football, baseball, basketball and track, and served as a golf pro for four years later in life.

Rutgers still honors Hazel today by awarding its team MVP with the Homer Hazel Trophy.

Next: Bill Austin