All-American: Kurt Burris
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| Kurt Burris |
Kurt Burris, C/LB - 1954
Kurt Burris was named a consensus All-American in 1954. During that season the two-time all-conference selection finished with a total of 838 votes in Heisman Trophy voting, second to Wisconsin fullback Alan Ameche. Burris was named Player of the Year by the Helms and Citizens Savings Athletic Foundation.
His outstanding blocking and bone-crushing tackling were large components in the Sooners’ undefeated season in 1954. Due to the Sooners' probation and two other undefeated teams, OU was denied the national title and finished third in the polls. Oklahoma finished seventh in total offense and fifth in total defense ahead of both the teams ranked first and second. Burris was named Lineman of the Year in 1954 by the Philadelphia Sports Writers.
He was the fourth player taken in the 1955 draft by the Cleveland Browns. He became OU's 14th player to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in December 2000.
