Hank Lauricella

Francis Edward Lauricella, known as Hank Lauricella, was an American real estate developer from suburban New Orleans, Louisiana, a college football player, and a member of both houses of the Louisiana State Legislature.

Early life

Lauricella was a star at Holy Cross High School in New Orleans, Louisiana. His team there won the city championship in 1947, using the single wing offense.

College career

Lauricella played under coach Robert Neyland at the University of Tennessee from 1949 to 1951. He was a member of the 1951 National Championship team that finished No. 1 in both the AP and Coaches' Polls. Lauricella gained fame as the running back in the single wing offense, at the time that most schools had switched to the T-formation. At that position, Lauricella was responsible for the majority of the rushing and passing.
Lauricella was named as an All-American in 1951 and was the first runner up in the Heisman Trophy voting to Dick Kazmaier of Princeton University that same year. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981.