Best college football players of all time from every state

Virginia – Bruce Smith

It’s no secret to college football historians (sign me up for that job!) that Virginia is home to some of the most memorable players in college football. The list includes personalities like Lawrence Taylor, Ronde and Tiki Barber and other greats like the NCAA’s all-time leading rusher Ron Dayne.

Bruce Smith starred in his time with the Virginia Tech Hokies, earning All-American honors two times along with the Outland trophy in 1984. He earned his nickname as “The Sack Man” amidst an incredible career which saw him land among the best backfield destroyers in college history. As a junior, Smith racked up an incredible 22 sacks in 1983.

His career total for sacks would certainly have landed him amongst history’s greatest, but sacks weren’t an official stat at the time, despite the legendary performances. Nevertheless, Smith finished his collegiate career as the most honored player in Hokie football history, foreshadowing a career of great success at the next level.

After his career as a Hokie, Smith was the first overall pick in the 1985 NFL Draft, (and ahead of future Hall of Famers in Jerry Rice and Chris Doleman) and recorded an NFL record 200 career sacks. He is a member of both the Collegiate and Pro Football Halls of Fame and will be remembered as one of the best defensive linemen in the history of college football.

To win the title of best football player born in the state of Virginia, a historic legacy was needed. That’s exactly what Smith has.