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Best college football quarterback born in every state

By Roje Smith

Nov 26, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to pass against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first quarter at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to pass against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first quarter at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Football: Los Angeles Rams QB Norm Van Brocklin (11) in action, passing vs Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Los Angeles, CA 10/31/1953 CREDIT: Mark Kauffman (Photo by Mark Kauffman /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X1953 TK1 R4 F8 )
Football: Los Angeles Rams QB Norm Van Brocklin (11) in action, passing vs Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Los Angeles, CA 10/31/1953 CREDIT: Mark Kauffman (Photo by Mark Kauffman /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images)South Dakota: Norm Van Brocklin – Oregon Ducks /

South Dakota’s most famous landmark is Mount Rushmore. The state’s Rushmore of college football features four notable names: Dallas Clark, Jay Novacek, Chad Greenway and quarterback Norm Van Brocklin. No college quarterback born in the state has achieved more than Van Brocklin.

Norm was born in Parade, South Dakota and raised in Walnut Creek, California. He was a three-sport star for Acalanes High School before serving in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1945. After the war, he decided to enroll at the University of Oregon and started at quarterback for them in 1947 and 1948. His overall record as a starter was 16-5 and his best season was in 1948. Not only was he honored as an All-American that year, but he also finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting.

Van Brocklin achieved even greater success in the NFL, winning the 1960 MVP award and two league championships. He was also a nine-time Pro Bowl selection. Norm is a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

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