Donnel Pumphrey

One of the best aspects of playing College Fantasy Football (CFF) is enjoying late-night games in the East and rooting for fantasy players on the West Coast. Over my lifetime, San Diego State has had two exceptional running backs, Marshall Faulk and Donnel Pumphrey, worth losing sleep over late on a Saturday night. While Faulk (1991-93) does not qualify for the CFF Hall of Fame player pool, Pumphrey produced one of the considerable college careers and helped lead many CFF managers to championships.

At 5-9 and 180 pounds, the former Aztec was an elusive and lightning-quick runner and one of the preeminent ball carriers during his era. He excelled in traffic and space and was a threat to break free for a home run at any moment. As a multitudinous playmaker, he had great hands as a pass catcher out of the backfield and tremendous vision and speed as a returner on special teams. 

A senior in 2016, Pumphrey finished tenth in Heisman voting, named a Finalist for the Doak Walker Award, Semifinalist for the Maxwell and Walter Camp Player of the Year Awards and collected First Team All-American honors. He dashed for 2,133 yards and 17 scores on 349 carries. He also recorded 27 catches for 231 yards.

When he finished his college career, Pumphrey had established the all-time rushing record in FBS history with 6,405 yards and finished fifth in all-purpose yards with 7,515. He was tied for eighth in total touchdowns with 67 and ninth in rushing touchdowns with 62…an outstanding four years of excellence that few backs have achieved.

In San Diego State history, only Pumphrey and Faulk have recorded three 1,000-yard seasons. Pumphrey also set numerous school records: rushing attempts (1,059), rushing yards, all-purpose yards, 100-yard rushing games (33) and overall touchdowns. My only regret is that I did not roster Pumphrey on more CFF teams; notwithstanding, we are honored to place the former Aztec in the inaugural CFF Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

by John Laub