West Coast Football: The 12 Best College Players of the Past 50 Years

The rest of the nation realized a long time ago that some of the greatest players ever to put on a helmet played on the west coast. West-coast football teams have beaten teams from all over, and they have beaten them on a consistent basis.

There have been eras of several strong schools from the coast, but the big boss man of west-coast football has always been the Southern California Trojans. It is not surprising that Trojan supermen dominate the best players of the region during the past 50 years. Below is a list of who has stood out among giants.

12) Charles White, RB, Sou Cal 

A masterful runner who lead the Trojans to the coaches' poll version of the 1978 national championship. He was the driving force of the battering of Alabama in 1978 in Birmingham, the defeat of Joe Montana's defending national champion Notre Dame Fighting Irish that same season, and the winner of the 1979 Heisman Trophy.

11) Craig Morton, QB, California

Some say this was the best passer in the country in 1964, better than even Joe Namath. He finished seventh in the '64 Heisman race and carried the western region voting. He was truly a one-man team.

10) Troy Aikman, QB, UCLA

Originally the QB of Oklahoma, he transferred to UCLA after losing his job to Jamelle Holieway following a brutal physical beating by the Miami Hurricanes in 1985. Won the Davey O'Brien Award in 1988. 

9) Steve Bartkowski, QB, California

He led the nation in passing as a senior with 2,580 yards. He threw a football 100 yards on a game film. He was considered the best player in the USA. A legitimate All-American superstar.

8) Carson Palmer, QB, Sou Cal

He energized the rebirth of Trojan football under new coach Pete Carroll. The big boy from Fresno was the second true freshman to start at QB for the Trojans and later won the Heisman Trophy award.

7) Marcus Allen, RB, Sou Cal

Mr. Smooth. Ran with a slick, sweet style that earned him the Heisman Trophy and a reputation for playing well in big games.

6) Dan Fouts, QB, Oregon

Outstanding passer and leader. Fantastic accuracy and arm strength. One of the greatest players in west-coast history. He set 19 records at Oregon, including passing for 5,995 yards.

5) Reggie Bush, RB, Sou Cal

Few players have equaled the excitement this Heisman Trophy winner created whenever he touched the ball. A dynamic runner and kick returner who helped lead the Trojans to the 2004 BCS championship.

4) Ron Yary, DT, Sou Cal

Possibly the finest lineman ever to play the game. All-American, Outland Award, first player taken overall in the NFL Draft. 'Nuff Said.

3) Gary Beban, QB, UCLA

Heisman winner, Rose Bowl winner, All-American.

2) Warren Moon, QB, Washington

One of the finest players in the history of the game, college or pro, USA or Canada. "The cannon" led the Huskies back from a long hiatus to the Rose Bowl. A legendary player for many reasons.

1) OJ Simpson, RB, Sou Cal

Let's separate the 1994-1995 murder trial from the 1967 football player. This is quite simply the greatest football player who ever lived. West coast, East coast, in between coast. He is the best ever to play the game.

Let's be sure to credit honorable mention members to this group: Anthony Munoz, Mike Garrett, Chuck Muncie, Ronnie Lott, John Elway, Ben Lienhart, Terry Baker, Ryan Leaf, and of course, my personal favorite, Jim Plunkett.