Mal Najarian
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Sport:
Football |
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Year
Graduated: 1980 |
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Year
Inducted: 1987 |
A bruising ballcarrier from Cranston, RI, Mal Najarian was
the first in a line of record-breaking tailbacks who have
carried the Terriers to the top of Division 1-AA football.
When he graduated in 1980, Najarian's career highs included
41 rushes in a game, 244 in a season, and 580 in his career.
In addition, he rushed 244 yards in a game, 1137 in a season,
and 2641 in his career.
As a junior in 1978, Najarian became the first Terrier ever
to rush for more than 1000 yards, a feat he accomplished despite
being sidelined three games with a shoulder separation. In
the other seven fames, Najarian topped the 100-yard plateau
six times including a season-best 196 yards against Northeastern.
He also led ECAC Division 1-AA in scoring with 60 points.
His accomplishments earned him a series of honors, the most
notable being Associated Press Honorable Mention All-America.
In addition, he was First Team All-East, All-New England and
All-Yankee Conference.
Najarian darted for 1137 yards in his senior year, topping
the 100-yard mark five times, highlighted by 244 yards against
Northeastern. Again the awards piled up with Najarian gaining
First Team Associated Press and Kodak All-America recognition.
He added the Harry Agganis Award, voted on by New England
writers and presented to the region's Player of the Year,
and the Gridiron Club of Boston likewise declared Najarian
New England's Player of the Year.
