Dennis Thurman

Bio

Dennis Thurman was a fearless and instinctive playmaker whose ability to read the game and lock down receivers paced the Trojans' defense, establishing his legacy as one of the greatest in Southern California history. A two-time First Team All-American, Thurman earned consensus honors in 1976 and a unanimous selection in 1977. He helped USC win the national title in 1974 along with four consecutive bowl victories, defeating Ohio State in the 1975 Rose Bowl, Tennessee in the 1975 Liberty Bowl, Michigan in the 1977 Rose Bowl, and Texas A&M in the 1977 Bluebonnet Bowl. Southern Cal finished in the top 20 each year, posting an overall record of 37-10-1 during his four years playing in the Coliseum. Playing for Hall of Fame coach John McKay during his first two seasons, Thurman helped the Trojans finish No. 1 in the 1974 Coaches Poll and No. 19 in 1975. Playing for Hall of Famer John Robinson for the next two years, he led USC to final rankings of No. 2 in the 1976 Coaches Poll and No. 12 in 1977. His Hall of Fame teammates during this run included Ricky Bell, Brad Budde, Anthony Davis, Ronnie Lott, Marvin Powell, Charles White, and Richard Wood. A two-time First Team All-Conference pick in 1976 and 1977, Thurman led the Pac-8 with eight interceptions in 1976, including one pick-six while averaging 21.3 yards per interception return. He recorded 13 career interceptions, tied for sixth-most in USC history, with two returned for touchdowns. He amassed 169 career tackles, 11 deflections, and four fumble recoveries. He was named team MVP in 1977 as well as the Trojans' Defensive Player of the Year.

Career Highlights

• 1977 All-Conference
• 1977 Consensus All-America
• 1976 All-Conference
• 1976 Consensus All-America