In honor of Valentine's Day, here is a look back through some of the FBS archives at some players who were named Valentine.
Zack Valentine, East Carolina
Defensive Line, 1976-1978
Zack Valentine played three seasons for East Carolina and recorded four interceptions. In 1977 Valentine had two interceptions, and a total of 60 interception return yards. He went on to be drafted in the second round of the 1979 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers and played four seasons between the Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles. He won a Super Bowl ring his rookie season with the Steelers.
Sam Valentine, Penn State
Offensive Guard, 1954
Sam Valentine was a three-year letterman for Penn State when Joe Paterno was just an assistant coach. He played multiple positions, including linebacker at times, but his main position was offensive guard. He also kicked three of seven extra point attempts in 1954, and earned All-American honors in 1956.
Craig Valentine, Virginia Tech
Wide Receiver, 1972
The former Hokies wide receiver played just one season on record for Virginia Tech, with 22 receptions for 369 yards and four touchdowns. He was Virginia Tech's second leading receiver, complimenting Ricky Scales in the receiving game. Virginia Tech went 6-4-1 as an independent, dropping back-to-back games against Virginia and Florida State to start the season.
Keith Valentine, Kansas State
Running Back, 2008-2009
Keith Valentine was second on Kansas State's roster in rushing in 2009, with 357 yards and six touchdowns behind leading rusher Daniel Thomas. He rushed for a career high 96 yards in a 66-14 loss to Texas Tech in 2009. That same season, in a 42-30 loss to Oklahoma, Valentine rushed for two touchdowns on four attempts.
Grant Valentine, Kansas State
Defensive End, 2009
Grant Valentine played just four games for Kansas State and he recorded four solo tackles and picked up two assists.
Ira Valentine, Texas A&M
Running Back, 1985-86
Ira Valentine was a back-up running back for Texas A&M in the mid-1980s, finishing the 1985 season fourth on the team in rushing with 148 yards and three touchdowns. He was also fourth on the team in rushing in 1986 with 199 yards and two touchdowns while Roger Vick rushed for 1073 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Aggies. Valentine was also used on special teams, putting together 178 kick return yards on ten total returns in his two seasons on the field.
Juan Valentine, Arizona
Wide Receiver, 2002
The junior wide receiver played just one season for the Wildcats, with five receptions for 70 yards.
Justin Valentine, Minnesota
Running Back, 2004-2007
Justin Valentine spent four seasons on the Minnesota roster, never seeing anything more than a back-up role in the backfield. He finished with 225 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground and 145 receiving yards and three touchdown catches.
Johnny Valentine, Auburn
Offensive Guard, 1967-1970
Johnny Valentine, from Melbourne, Florida, was a three-year letterman for Auburn. The Tigers were a combined 24-9 with a pair of bowl victories.
Source: College Football Reference
Kevin McGuire is a national college football writer for Examiner.com and the host of the No 2-Minute Warning podcast. He can be reached at cfbexaminer@gmail.com.
Comments