John Huarte

Bio

The story of John Huarte's winning the 1964 Heisman Trophy has to be one of the most remarkable tales of any Heisman recipient. Huarte is perhaps the most unheralded winner of college football’s most revered award as he entered his senior year not having yet won his first varsity letter. In his first two seasons with the varsity, Huarte had only logged 60 minutes of playing time. As a sophomore, he threw only eight passes. The following year his number of snaps only improved enough for him to throw 42 passes. In spring practice before his senior year he caught the attention of new head coach Ara Parseghian. A shoulder injury late in the spring did not sway Ara from showing confidence in the senior from California. That summer Huarte and end Jack Snow practiced running patterns back home on the beach to get ready for the 1964 season. Parseghian and Huarte took the Irish on a magical season. Coming off a 2-7 year the Irish won the first nine games of the year to become the top-ranked team in the nation. Only a last-minute three-point loss to Southern California in the final game of the season kept the Irish from winning the national championship. Along the way John set 12 Notre Dame single-season passing records and ranked third nationally in total offense in 1964. While never establishing himself as a consistent starter, Huarte had a 12-season pro career in the AFL, NFL and WFL.

Career Highlights

• 1964 Consensus All-America
• 1964 Heisman Trophy Winner