ESPN released a ranking this week naming Doug Flutie as the best college football player to wear jersey number 22, stirring debate over the omission of Emmitt Smith.
The sports network evaluated players by jersey numbers, giving former Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow the top spot for number 15.
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For number 22, Flutie edged out Smith, John Cappelletti, and Mark Ingram.
Flutie's College Legacy
Flutie achieved fame at Boston College in the 1980s.
He became the first quarterback in college history to surpass 10,000 passing yards and won the Heisman Trophy in 1984 after a famous Hail Mary touchdown against Miami.
However, statistical analysis from Hail Florida Hail noted Flutie struggled with accuracy.
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He failed to complete over 60 percent of his passes until his 1984 season and threw 54 career interceptions, including 20 interceptions against 13 touchdowns in 1982.
Smith dominated the Southeastern Conference, leading the league in rushing in 1987 and 1989.
He earned 1989 SEC Player of the Year honors after recording 1,599 rushing yards on a 7-5 Florida team.
Smith later became the NFL's all-time leading rusher with 18,355 yards.
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His professional legacy often overshadows his college production, where he finished in the top five for total touchdowns in all three seasons.
