BATON ROUGE — Former LSU All-American Dr. Tommy Casanova was named to the 82-man Walter Camp All-Century Team presented by Street and Smith Monday, Jan. 3.
“This is unbelievable,” Casanova said when he was informed of the honor late Tuesday afternoon. “I am obviously humbled by the thought of being one of the 82 players named to the All-Century team. This is overwhelming. I’m glad that I was not on the selection committee that had to pick from all of the great players that have played this game.”
Known for his versatility, Casanova played on both sides of the ball as a running back and kick returner as well as a three-time All-American safety during his career as a Tiger.
From 1969-71, he intercepted seven passes, rushed for 302 yards on 72 carries for five touchdowns, returned 44 punts for 517 yards and returned 17 kickoffs for 334 yards. He was renowned as a fearless competitor both on and off the field at LSU.
He remains as one of seven three-time First Team All-Southeastern Conference performers at LSU, joining the likes of David Browndyke (1987-89), Kevin Faulk (1996-98), Dalton Hilliard (1982-83, 85), Tommy Hodson (1986-89), Eddie Ray (1967-69) and Chris Williams (1978-80).
“I would like to thank all of the players that I had the pleasure to play with for any recognition that I have received,” Casanova said. “I am also greatful for the leadership and guidence of coach Charlie McClendon who allowed me to play at LSU.”
During his career, LSU posted three straight nine-win seasons and a combined record of 27-7 including an SEC Championship in 1970 and a pair of bowl victories.
After finishing his career at LSU, Casanova played professionally as a safety for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1972-77.
Currently, Casanova is an ophthalmologist in his hometown of Crowley, La.
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Walter Camp All-Century Team |
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| 1/3/2000 | |
Offense
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QB
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Roger Staubach |
Navy |
Tommie Frazier |
Nebraska |
John Lujack |
Notre Dame (2) |
Doug Flutie |
Boston College |
Davey O'Brien |
TCU |
Peyton Manning |
Tennessee |
Running Backs
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|
Red Grange |
Illinois (3) |
Barry Sanders |
Oklahoma State |
Ricky Williams |
Texas (2) |
Doak Walker |
SMU (3) |
Running Backs
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|
O.J. Simpson |
USC 2X POY (2) |
Tony Dorsett |
Pittsburgh (2) |
Bo Jackson |
Auburn |
Archie Griffin |
Ohio State 2X POY (2) |
Running Backs
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|
Herschel Walker |
Georgia (3) |
Glenn Davis |
Army (3) |
Doc Blanchard |
Army (3) |
Jim Brown |
Syracuse |
Receiver
|
|
Johnny Rogers |
Nebraska (2) |
Fred Biletnifkoff |
Florida State |
Tim Brown |
Notre Dame |
Bernie Oosterbaan |
Michigan (3) |
Larry Kelley |
Yale |
Receiver
|
|
Don Hutson |
Alabama |
Raghib Ismail |
Notre Dame |
Desmond Howard |
Michigan |
Howard Twilley |
Tulsa |
Keith Jackson |
Oklahoma (2) |
Tackle
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|
Ron Yary |
USC (2) |
Bill Fralic |
Pittsburgh (2) |
John Hicks |
Ohio State (2) |
Tackle
|
|
Orlando Pace |
Ohio State (2) |
Bob Gain |
Kentucky |
Dan Dierdorf |
Michigan |
Guard
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|
John Hannah |
Alabama |
Aaron Taylor |
Nebraska (2) |
Brad Budde |
USC |
Guard
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|
Dean Steinkuhler |
Nebraska |
Will Shields |
Nebraska |
Jim Parker |
Ohio State |
Center
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|
Dave Rimington |
Nebraska (2) |
Jim Ritcher |
North Carolina State |
Mel Hein |
Washington State |
Placekicker
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|
Morten Anderson |
Michigan State |
John Lee |
UCLA |
Sebastian Janikowski |
Florida State |
Kevin Butler |
Georgia |
Defense
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|
Defensive Line (Includes Def. Ends)
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|
Bubba Smith |
Michigan St (2) |
Lee Roy Selmon |
Oklahoma |
Defensive Line
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|
Leon Hart |
Notre Dame (2) |
Merlin Olsen |
Utah State |
Bob Lilly |
TCU |
Defensive Line
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|
Ross Browner |
Notre Dame (2) |
Chris Zorich |
Notre Dame (2) |
Mike Reid |
Penn State |
Defensive Line
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|
Steve Emtman |
Washington |
Bruiser Kinard |
Mississippi |
Randy White |
Maryland |
Linebacker
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|
Dick Butkus |
Illinois (2) |
Chuck Bednarik |
Penn (2) |
Lee Roy Jordan |
Alabama |
Linebacker
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|
Tommy Nobis |
Texas |
Cornelius Bennett |
Alabama (2) |
Jerry Robinson |
UCLA (2) |
Linebacker
|
|
Chris Spielman |
Ohio State |
Brian Bosworth |
Oklahoma (2) |
Mike Singletary |
Baylor (2) |
Cornerback
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|
Deion Sanders |
Florida State (2) |
Nile Kinnick |
Iowa |
John Lattner |
Notre Dame (2) |
Cornerback
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|
Jim Thorpe |
Carlisle (2) |
Charles Woodson |
Michigan |
Dre Bly |
North Carolina (3) |
Safety
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|
Ronnie Lott |
USC |
Terry Hoage |
Georgia (2) |
Tommy Casanova
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LSU
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Safety
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|
Kenny Easley |
UCLA (3) |
Jack Tatum |
Ohio State (2) |
Tim McDonald |
USC |
Punters
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|
Ray Guy |
Southern Mississippi |
Reggie Roby |
Iowa (2) |
Todd Sauerbrun |
West Virginia |