These two former K-State stars are on the ballot for the college football Hall of Fame
The leading rusher in Kansas State football history might soon be immortalized in the college Hall of Fame.
Darren Sproles, who rushed for 4,979 yards during his storied career with the Wildcats, was added to the College Football Hall of Fame ballot for the first time on Tuesday.
His inclusion on the ballot comes shortly after he retired from the NFL following a long and successful run with the San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles.
Sproles has been making tacklers miss since he was young, playing in his hometown of Olathe. After high school, he played four years with the Wildcats and shattered the program’s records for rushing yards and all-purpose yards (6,812).
The short but powerful running back was both a first team All-American and a Heisman Trophy finalist as a junior in 2003. That was the season he helped the Wildcats win a Big 12 championship.
He is not the only former K-State football player that is up for the hall.
Michael Bishop, arguably the best quarterback in school history, made the ballot as a repeat nominee. Bishop was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 1998 after leading the Wildcats to 11 straight victories as a senior.
Former K-State players Terence Newman and Martin Gramatica were featured on the ballot last year but they were removed for this voting cycle.
One former Bethel player is also up for inclusion. Ed Smith, who caught 47 touchdowns on his way to becoming a NAIA All-American, is listed on the ballot.
The announcement of the 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class Presented will be made in early 2021, with specific details to be announced in the future.