Troy Davis has always been a favorite of mine. 5′ 8″ of grit. Ignored in his first season by outgoing Iowa State coach Jim Walden. I always wanted to ask Walden, “What were you thinking exactly?” (answer below, good for you Walden) On the highlight reel below Troy was finally put in to return a kickoff in the final game of the season, which he ran back a hundred yards for a TD. My favorite ISU coach, Dan McCarney, saw just a little bit more in Troy. 2,000 yards – twice. Nobody does that! Because he was on a low-profile team, he missed the Heisman and many other awards.

Coming out of Miami Southridge High School where they grow football players like we grow dandelions. That competition made him one heck of a player. Came to ISU for reasons that aren’t entirely clear. One year under Walden, two under McCarney, forgo his senior season. Drafted by the Saints. Ended up with the Edmonton Eskimos. But that gives you no idea what type of player he was.

His physical toughness is beyond comprehension. He was ISU’s offense for 2 years. I remember a cold November game against Kansas State. He hits the right side of the line, a pile of players surround him, he comes out the other side and runs 48 yards for a touchdown! He was inhuman. The mental toughness. Always the underdog at 5′ 8″. The only thing bigger than his thighs was his heart!

“If we didn’t do it the way we did it he never would have survived academically at Iowa State University,” Walden said. (Thanks Mr. Walden!)