Greatest college football player born in each state
Choosing the greatest college football player born in Iowa was one of the most difficult decisions of this exercise. Two Iowans have won the Heisman Trophy (Jay Berwanger in 1935, the first year of the award, and Nile Kinnick four years later), and many players have had successful careers with in-state programs Iowa, Iowa State and Northern Iowa, as well as programs across the country ranging from Cal to Georgia.
However, there is something very unique about Chad Hennings’ career on the football field – both in college and afterwards – that deserves special recognition.
A standout high school player in Van Horne, Iowa, Hennings received many scholarship offers from schools across the country before deciding to sign with the United States Air Force Academy. Originally a tight end, Hennings switched to defensive line prior to his sophomore season in 1985, in which he played a key role on the greatest Air Force team of all-time. The Falcons went 12-1, beat Texas in the Bluebonnet Bowl, and finished ranked No. 5 in the nation in the coaches poll.
Hennings became an All-WAC performer as a junior in 1986, but exploded onto the national scene as a senior in 1987. That year the Elberon native recorded 24 sacks, was named a consensus All-American and won the Outland Trophy. A standout in the classroom as well, Hennings was named the WAC’s top scholar-athlete in 1987 and earned a spot on the Academic All-WAC team for the third time.
After graduation, Hennings began serving an eight-year commitment in the United States Air Force, and was deployed for two tours of duty in the Persian Gulf. After the Gulf War ended, Hennings was able to forego his final four years of military commitment, and signed to play with the Dallas Cowboys, who had taken a flier on him in the 11th round of the 1988 NFL Draft.
Hennings played nine seasons with the Cowboys and was a member of three Super Bowl-winning teams.
Other Notable College Football Players Born in Iowa:
- Tavian Banks, RB, Iowa
- Steve Bartkowski, QB, Cal
- Jay Berwanger, HB, Chicago
- Dallas Clark, TE, Iowa
- Roger Craig, RB, Nebraska
- Jared DeVries, DE, Iowa
- Tim Dwight, WR, Iowa
- Chad Hennings, DL, Air Force
- Terry Hoage, DB, Georgia
- Nile Kinnick, HB, Iowa
- Darren Sproles, RB, Kansas State
- Kyle Vanden Bosch, Nebraska
Next: Kansas