Buck McPhail

Buck McPhail was born in Oklahoma City and played at Central High School. He was a fullback and punter at Oklahoma and played on the 1950 national title team. In 1951 he set a national record with 8.56 yards per carry. In 1952 he ran for 1,018 yards and was an AFCA All-American, and with Billy Vessels he formed the first college backfield with two 1,000-yard rushers in the same season. Baltimore drafted him in the third round, 26th overall, in 1953, and he was mainly the Colts' kicker in their first season. He was drafted into the Army in 1954 and named the top Army football player at Fort Sill in 1955. He later coached college football. He died on March 4, 2005. The Daily Oklahoman wrote on January 23, 1953 (NewsBank page 24): "Sooner halfback Billy Vessels, fullback Buck McPhail and center Tom Catlin all were selected by the National Football league's Baltimore entry, successor to the defunct Dallas Texans."