25 best college football players not in the College Football Hall of Fame (yet)

NEW YORK - DECEMBER 14: Carson Palmer of the University of Southern California speaks with the press after winning the 68th annual Heisman Trophy Award at The Yale Club December 14, 2002 in New York City. The USC quarterback became the first west coast player win the trophy since 1981. Palmer received 242 first-place votes winning by 233 over second place Iowa quarterback Brad Banks. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) /

13 of 26

Kenneth Sims #77 of the New England Patriots (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

14. Kenneth Sims, Texas, DT

Kenneth Sims might not be a name most fans of college football are familiar with. His best years came in the 80s, so most people reading this weren’t even alive when he was at his best. However, he was a massive force up the middle for Texas. This isn’t the Texas team that’s firing its coach every few seasons. This was back when Texas was Texas.

Kenneth Sims was so good at defensive tackle that he finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting. Only 16 defensive tackles have ever ended up in the top ten of Heisman Voting in the history of college football. Only eight finished better than eighth.

Sims was a two-time All American, including being a unanimous selection in 1981. He also won the Lombardi Award, given to the best lineman in college football. Despite playing as a defensive tackle, Sims ranks fourth in Longhorns history with 29 sacks.

He ended up being a number-one overall pick to the New England Patriots. His professional career was mostly that of a bust, which probably took some of the sails out of his Hall of Fame prospects (it shouldn’t, but it’s the reality of the situation). He’s been waiting for a long time, and he’s now 61 years old. The committee should rightfully enshrine Sims after one of the best careers in the middle of the defensive line.

Home/College Football