OSU's Kern, UM's Brown enter hall

7/20/2008

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Rex Kern, who led Ohio State as a sophomore quarterback to the 1968 national championship, was enshrined last night into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Kern guided the Buckeyes from 1968-70.

During those years as a starter, Ohio State went 27-2, won two Big Ten titles and played in two Rose Bowls. He threw for 2,444 yards in his career in an offense that mostly ran the ball.

Also inducted was Michigan defensive back Dave Brown, who died in 2006.

Brown was a three-time All-Big Ten selection from 1972-74. The Wolverines went 30-2-1 during his three years and tied for three Big Ten conference titles, but never went to a bowl game.

Penn State coach Joe Paterno and Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie were among the

biggest names inducted.

Paterno, whose 372-125-3 career record places him one victory behind Bobby Bowden, the all-time major college leader, said he was flattered by the honor.

"I've tried to be good for college football. I'm not saying I've been the best coach. But I've worked hard to be good because I really love college football,"

Paterno said.

Also enshrined were Mount Union quarterback Jim Ballard; Oklahoma center Tom Brahaney; Clemson linebacker Jeff Davis; Texas defensive back Johnnie Johnson; North Alabama linebacker Ronald McKinnon; Texas A&I defensive end John Randle; Oregon running back Ahmad Rashad; McMurry halfback Brad Rowland; Indiana running back Anthony Thompson; Houston defensive tackle Wilson Whitley; Dartmouth linebacker Reggie Williams; Southern California linebacker Richard Wood and Notre Dame nose tackle Chris Zorich.

Other coaches enshrined were Central Michigan coach Herb Deromedi, Jackson State coach W.C. Gorden, and Doug Porter, who coached at Mississippi Valley State, Howard and Fort Valley State.