Inducted 1980
Date of Birth
1/17/1933
Birthplace
Warrenton, GA
School
University of Illinois (1953-1954)
Bio
A gifted 6-0, 184-pound speedy Illinois halfback known as "Mr. Zoom", J.C. Caroline led the nation in rushing as a sophomore in 1953 and was named a consensus All-America. In nine games, he gained 1,256 yards by rushing, 52 on pass receptions, 129 on punt returns, and 233 in kickoff returns. He averaged a gain of 7.7 yards for each time he had the football. In 1953, he helped the Illini defeat Ohio State, 41-20, a team which featured Hall of Famer Hopalong Cassady. Caroline dominated that contest with a stunning 192 yards rushing and two touchdowns. As a junior in 1954, Caroline rushed for 440 yards in four games. Then he was injured and missed the rest of the season. Caroline went to the Chicago Bears and played ten seasons.
Stats
Height 6'0
Weight 184
Career Highlights
- 1953 All-Conference
- 1953 Consensus All-America
- 1953 Heisman - Seventh
- 1953 Led nation in all-purpose yards
- 1953 Led nation in rushing
Class of 1980
End
Charlie Berry
Tackle
Tay Brown
Halfback
J.C. Caroline
Halfback
Glenn Dobbs
Tackle
Ed Franco
Tackle
Bob Gain
Tackle
Sam Huff
Guard
Calvin Jones
Halfback
Steve Lach
Quarterback
Eddie LeBaron
Tackle
Merlin Olsen
Halfback
Jim Swink
Center
Clayton Tonnemaker
Guard
Bob Ward
Quarterback
Barry Wood
Coach
Jack Harding
Coach
Andy Moore
Coach
Ara Parseghian
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