Utah Utes All-Time Greatest Football Players: No. 45 Ed Pine

"The Silent Assassin"

Overview

- Ed Pine was a star running back for the Utah Utes football team in the 1970s. - He rushed for 3,096 yards during his college career. - His jersey number, 45, has been retired by the Utes.

Early Life and College Career

Ed Pine began his football career at Mancos High School in Colorado where he set state records for rushing touchdowns and points scored. Ed Pine went on to play college football for the Utah Utes where he quickly became one of the most prolific running backs in the program's history. In his junior season, Pine rushed for 1,248 yards and 14 touchdowns, leading the Utes to a 6-5 record. He was named a First-Team All-WAC selection and finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting.

Pine's senior season was even more impressive, as he rushed for 1,600 yards and 13 touchdowns. He led the Utes to an 8-3 record and a victory in the Western Athletic Conference championship game. Pine was once again named a First-Team All-WAC selection and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting.

NFL Career

Pine was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 1978 NFL Draft. He played in 58 games over five seasons with the 49ers and rushed for 1,265 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also caught 68 passes for 540 yards and four touchdowns.

Legacy

Ed Pine is considered one of the greatest football players in Utah history. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005. His jersey number, 45, has been retired by the Utes.

Quotes

"Ed Pine was the best running back I ever played with or against," said former Utah quarterback Scott Mitchell. "He was so strong and elusive, and he had great vision." "Ed Pine was a great player," said former 49ers coach Bill Walsh. "He was a hard runner who could also catch the ball out of the backfield."