Eddie McAshan facts for kids
| No. 1 | |
McAshan in 1973
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| Born: | January 21, 1951 Gainesville, Florida, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Quarterback |
| College | Georgia Tech |
| NFL draft | 1973 / Round: 17 / Pick: 420 |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1973 | New England Patriots |
| 1974 | Jacksonville Sharks |
Edward McAshan III (born January 21, 1951) is a former college football player. He was a talented quarterback for Georgia Tech. Eddie McAshan became famous for being the first African American to start as quarterback for a major university in the Southeastern United States. This was a very important step in college football history.
Early Life and High School Football
Eddie McAshan was born on January 21, 1951. He grew up in Gainesville, Florida. He went to Gainesville High School.
Eddie started his football journey there. He was the first African American quarterback to play for Gainesville High. From 1966 to 1968, he threw for 61 touchdowns. This placed him among Florida's top players. His skills caught the eye of Georgia Tech's coach, Bud Carson.
College Football Career
Eddie McAshan made history at Georgia Tech. He became the first African American football player to start for the team. He was also the second African American quarterback to start in the Southeast. The first was Freddie Summers at Wake Forest in 1967.
Coach Carson made McAshan a starter in 1970. Eddie was only a sophomore. He quickly set several career records for Georgia Tech. These records have since been broken by other great players.
His first game as a starter was on September 12, 1970. It was against South Carolina. Eddie showed his talent right away. He led Tech to a 23-20 victory. He helped his team come back from behind in the fourth quarter. He made two touchdown drives late in the game.
Over his college career, McAshan threw 32 touchdown passes. One of his best games was against Rice in 1972. He threw 5 touchdown passes in that game. During his time as quarterback, Georgia Tech had a record of 22 wins, 13 losses, and 1 tie.
Eddie McAshan was the first African American player at Tech to receive a scholarship. Other important African American players joined the team later. These included running back Greg Horne and linebacker Joe Harris. Joe Harris still holds a record for tackles in a single season.
Eddie was known for his amazing athleticism. He also stayed calm under pressure. In a 1972 game against Tennessee, he had a tough game. But he showed his skill on one play. A defender almost sacked him. Eddie quickly switched the ball to his other hand. He threw it to an open teammate in the end zone. Unfortunately, the pass was dropped.
In 1972, a new coach, Bill Fulcher, took over at Georgia Tech. The team started using a new offensive plan. Eddie and the team worked hard to learn it. Before the last game of the 1972 season, Eddie wanted his family to see him play. He asked for extra tickets. The request was denied due to rules. In protest, Eddie missed practice. Coach Fulcher then suspended him for the last two games. This included a bowl game victory. Eddie McAshan finished his Georgia Tech career with over 4,200 yards of offense. He had 35 total touchdowns. His team won 62.5% of their games with him as quarterback.
Professional Career
After college, Eddie McAshan was drafted by the New England Patriots. This happened in the 17th round of the 1973 NFL draft. He later played for the Jacksonville Sharks in the World Football League in 1974.
Eddie returned to Georgia Tech after his football career. He earned his degree in industrial management in 1979.
See also
- List of Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets starting quarterbacks
- Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football statistical leaders
