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Charles White

Running Back

Inducted 1996

Date of Birth

1/22/1958

Birthplace

Los Angeles, CA

School

University of Southern California (1976-1979)

Bio

Charles White, as a running back for Southern California, was a four-time letter winner, three-time all-conference choice, two-time unanimous All-America. He led the nation in all-purpose yards (rushing, receiving, interceptions, kick returns) in 1978 and 1979. He led the nation in rushing in 1979 while averaging 6.2 yards a carry. Southern California in his time had a 42-6-1 record, won the Rose Bowl three times and the Bluebonnet Bowl once. White was Player of the Game in the Rose Bowl twice. In his last college game, he scored the last touchdown, with 92 seconds to play, as Southern California beat Ohio State 17-16 in the Rose Bowl. In 1979, White won the Heisman, Maxwell, the Walter Camp Player of the Year Awards. He had 31 games in which he rushed for 100 yards. In his career he set 22 school, conference, or national records. His rushing total in regular-season games was 5598 yards, second highest in history. When bowl games are added, he had 6245 yards. He played pro with Cleveland 1980-84 and Los Angeles 1985-88 and led the NFL in rushing in 1987. White served as assistant to the Southern California director of athletics 1990-92. In 1993, he joined the Southern California football staff as running backs coach.