USC Heisman Trophy Winner Charles White Dies

On3 imageby:Erik McKinney01/12/23

ErikTMcKinney

Legendary USC running back Charles White has died. He was one of the greatest running backs at a school known for producing great running backs. White was a member of USC’s 1978 National Championship team and the winner of the 1979 Heisman Trophy. White died of cancer on Wednesday in Newport Beach, Calif. He was 64.

White doesn’t just own the career rushing record at USC. He dominates it. Between 1976 and 1979, White rushed for 6,245 yards and 49 touchdowns, setting 22 NCAA, Pac-10, USC and Rose Bowl records. He finished his career No. 2 all-time in career rushing yards. Marcus Allen ranks second on USC’s career rushing list, 1,435 yards behind White. White’s 49 rushing touchdowns are No. 2 in USC history and he owns a share of USC’s single-game record with four touchdowns against both Notre Dame and UCLA in 1979.

White is responsible for one of USC’s two 2,000-yard rushing seasons, two of USC’s top-five single-season rushing performances and three of the top-10 single-game rushing games, including 261 yards against Notre Dame in 1979. White’s USC teams went 42-6-1 and won three Rose Bowls during his career. He was a Unanimous All-American in both the 1978 and 1979 seasons.

He was inducted into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996.  White was named to the Pac-12 All-Century Team in 2015 and is a member of the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame.

“Charles White was one of the all-time great Trojans,” said USC athletic director Mike Bohn in a statement released by USC. “A Rose Bowl legend, a two-time unanimous All-American and a NCAA record setter, he made USC proud donning the Cardinal and Gold. He will always be remembered by the Trojan Family for the history he made on the football field and the legacy he left at Troy. Fight On Forever!”

White is survived by his ex-wife Judianne White-Basch, their children Nicole White, Julian White, Tara White, Ashton White, Sophia White, and granddaughter Giovanna Hemmen.

Memorial service details are pending.  

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