Two-time honorable mention All-America running back Gerald Willhite of San Jose State University is one of five inductees into the Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony is Saturday, January 25, 7:00 p.m., at the Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln, Calif.
A native of Rancho Cordova, Calif., Willhite transferred to San Jose State in 1980 from American River College. He became the second player in NCAA history to rush for over 1,000 yards and catch at least 50 passes in the same season and he did it in his junior and senior seasons with the Spartans.
The 1980 and 1981 Pacific Coast Athletic Association Offensive Player of the Year rushed for 2,364 yards and 20 touchdowns and caught 107 passes for 927 yards and eight more TDs in regular-season action.
After each of his Spartan touchdowns, he became well-known for executing a standing back flip in the end zone.
Some of his biggest games included scoring three second-half touchdowns in the 30-22 upset win over #10-ranked and unbeaten Baylor on November 1, 1980, and three touchdowns in the 27-24 win at California on September 26, 1981 to complete San Jose State's first sweep of Stanford and Cal in the same season.
Willhite still holds the school records for most average yards gained rushing per game at 107.5 and pass receptions in a game with 18 in the 1981 California Bowl against Toledo.
One of three San Jose State players to have his jersey number retired, Willhite did not play high school football, but competed in the 95-pound weight class in wrestling. Growing to 135 pounds when he graduated from high school, Willhite was a sprinter and 24-foot long jumper on the American River College track and field team to complement playing football in the fall.
After Willhite finished his San Jose State career, the Denver Broncos selected him as the 21st overall selection in the 1982 National Football League (NFL) draft. His professional career consisted of seven seasons with the Broncos. In 1986, he was an All-American Football Conference selection.
The Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame accolade adds to his athletics legacy that includes induction into the San Jose State Sports Hall of Fame, his name on the CEFCU Stadium Ring of Honor and the Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame.
Former Brigham Young University offensive lineman and ESPN football analyst Trevor Matich, former Major League Baseball pitcher Randy Lerch, second baseman Fernando Vina who played for five Major League Baseball teams in 12 seasons, and boxer the late Diego Corrales join Willhite as inductees.
General admission tickets are still available for the 2020 Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame ceremony at www.sacsportshof.com
What They Said About Willhite (1981)
"Gerald is just a great athlete. He catches the ball extremely well, He's a slashing type runner. He's extremely quick and moves well in the open field. What more can I say. He's just been tremendous." – Jack Elway, San Jose State head coach
"Gerald Willhite was one of the most ex[losive backs we faced in 1980, which included Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers of South Carolina, He is, without a doubt, a threat to score on every play whether it be running the football or receiving the football. He is definitely one of the great backs in the country today." = Bob Toledo, University of the Pacific head coach
"I believe Gerald Willhite is the best back to play in the PCAA since Terry Metcalf of Long Beach State and St. Louis Cardinals fame. Willhite can beat you in so many ways – running the ball – catching the ball or drawing so much attention as to make his teammates more effective. He is truly a great competitor who deserves national recognition." – Jim Sweeney, Fresno State head coach