ESPN has Richard Wood as greatest college football player to wear 83

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Our countdown to kickoff series has been looking at notable USC players to wear each number from zero through 99. But where do those players rank among all-time college football greats?

In a recent story, ESPN’s college football writers selected the sport’s greatest player to ever wear each number. For number 83, they had legendary USC linebacker Richard Wood.

“After crossing the country from New Jersey to play in Los Angeles, the linebacker helped the Trojans to a pair of national championships and three Rose Bowl appearances prior to a 10-year NFL career,” ESPN wrote. “He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007.”

Wood is one of just four three-time All-Americans in USC history, along with fellow legends Matt Leinart, Sam Baker, and Taylor Mays. What makes Wood doing such even more remarkable was that freshmen were not allowed to play varsity football during his time on campus, meaning that he did it in just three years.

Wood often does not get the same level of recognition from USC fans as other great Trojans linebackers such as Junior Seau and Willie McGinest. However, his resume as a three-time All-American and two-time national champion is truly one of the greatest of any player—regardless of position—to ever play for USC.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: ESPN has Richard Wood as greatest college football player to wear 83

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos