Notre Dame Football: 10 best players in program history

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SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 04: Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs for a first down chased by Cameron Glenn #2 and Ja’Cquez Williams #30 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Notre Dame Stadium on November 4, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Wake Forest 48-37. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Johnny Lattner Career Statistics, 1951-1953

Games Played: 30
Carries: 350
Rushing Yards: 1,724
Rushing Yards per Game: 57.4
Yards per Carry: 4.9
Receptions: 39
Receiving Yards: 581
Total Touchdowns: 20
Interceptions: 13
Notables: 1953 Heisman Trophy, 1952 & 1953 Maxwell Award, 1952 & 1953 Consensus First Team All-American

Already the third Heisman winner on this list, Johnny Lattner was a running back before his time with his ability to run the ball and catch the ball. In his three-year career, Lattner rushed for 1,724 yards and added another 581 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. He was also a defensive back and recorded 13 career interceptions, which still ranks top five in school history.

Lattner saw some action his sophomore season, rushing for 341 yards, receiving for 157 yards, and intercepting five passes on defense. His numbers continued to trend upward through his junior and in into his senior season. In 1953, Lattner rushed for 651 yards, caught another 204 yards, and intercepted four passes.

His senior statistics were good enough to win him the Heisman Trophy, along with the Maxwell Award and was also a two-time consensus First Team All-American. Lattner went on to play one season for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL.

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