Along with being fans of the Buffs, we’re history buffs here at the Colorado Buffaloes Wire. And with Colorado football first beginning play in 1890, it’s fair to say there’s plenty of history to digest.
Most historians, and people in general, would agree that the old saying of “legends never die” rings true. The legends we’ll never forget range from All-Americans to College Football Hall of Famers and beyond. But who are the best of the best to roam through Boulder?
We’ll take you through the defense, coaches and special teams later, but first, enjoy our picks for the all-time most dominant offensive players at each position in Colorado football history.
Starting QB: Darian Hagan
Quarterback Darian Hagan of the Colorado Buffaloes runs down the field during a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. Colorado won the game 10-9.
The QB of the 1990 national championship team and still the CU career leader in rushing yards for a QB, Darian Hagan was also fifth in Heisman voting in 1989. He became just the sixth NCAA player ever (at the time) to both rush and pass for 1,000 yards in a single season.
Backup QB: Kordell Stewart
Unknown date 1992; Lawrence, KS, USA; FILE PHOTO; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kordell Stewart (10) in action against the Kansas Jayhawks during the 1992 season at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports
Kordell Stewart is tied with Darian Hagan for the highest AP All-American team for a Colorado QB, finishing as a second-team All-American in 1994. Best known for orchestrating perhaps the most famous play in CU history, “The Catch.”
Starting RB: Rashaan Salaam
Jan 2, 1995; Tempe, AZ, USA; FILE PHOTO; Colorado Buffaloes running back Rashaan Salaam (19) during the game against Notre Dame in the 1995 Fiesta Bowl. Colorado defeated Notre Dame 41-24. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
CU’s lone Heisman Trophy winner, Rashaan Salaam captured the award in 1994 with his 2,055-yard, 24 TD campaign. He’s also just one of only six unanimous All-Americans in Buffs’ history.
Backup RB: Eric Bieniemy
29 Sep 1990: Running back Eric Bieniemy of the Colorado Buffaloes returns a kickoff during a game against the Washington Huskies at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. Colorado won the game 20-14. (Tim DeFrisco / Getty Images)
Eric Bieniemy was part of a trio of Buffaloes to earn unanimous All-American honors in 1990. He helped the Buffaloes to…