Homer Hazel

Bio

Homer Hazel, Rutgers' first Hall of Famer, was one of the most versatile players the Scarlet ever produced. A natural athlete, Hazel excelled in various sports and was most successful as a track and field star. His speed and quickness served him well, for he once recovered his own kickoff in the enemy end zone for a touchdown. Homer led Rutgers to identical 7-1-1 records in his final two seasons, earning first-team All-America consideration in each. He was an end in 1923, when the only Scarlet loss was from West Virginia (27-7). He had Rutgers on the way to an unbeaten finish in 1924 - this time as a hard-hitting fullback - when Bucknell untracked the Scarlet in the final game of the season, 12-7. During the 1924 campaign, Homer Hazel established school records for most points after touchdowns and longest completed pass. He could do it all. Carrying 226 pounds over a 5-foot-11 frame, Homer lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track at Rutgers. He later served as Athletic Director, football and basketball coach at the University of Mississippi for five years. He was a golf pro for four years, and a labor relations manager for more than 20 years. Hazel won his first letter in football at Rutgers in 1916. He left school because of a lack of funds. Hazel worked at various jobs and, at age 28, played football again at Rutgers. He was named All-America end in 1923, All-America fullback in 1924.

Career Highlights

• 1924 First Team All-America
• 1923 First Team All-America