FRANK SOLICH #45

As part of Devaney's first recruiting class at Nebraska, Solich became

a standout fullback for the Huskers in the mid-1960s, lettering in

1963, 1964 and 1965. His playing career earned him induction into the

Nebraska Football Hall of Fame in 1992.

      Nebraska running backs succeeded by developing the same work

ethic that made Solich a standout fullback. Solich was an All-Big Eight

fullback and co-captain of the Huskers' 1965 team and still holds the

NU single-game rushing record for fullbacks with a 204-yard outing

against Air Force in 1965.

      In fact, that performance stood as the Husker game record by any

player for 10 years. He rushed for 444 yards as a junior in 1964 and

was second on the team in 1965 with 580 yards.

      The teams Solich played on started the winning tradition

Nebraska has enjoyed for the last four decades. The Huskers posted

records of 9-2, 10-1, 9-2 and 10-1 while Solich was on the roster, won

three conference titles and played in four straight bowl games. The

1965 Husker team completed the regular season unbeaten and in

position for a national championship, but lost 39-28 to Bear Bryant's

Alabama team in the Orange Bowl.

      While some remember Solich for his playing days, most Husker followers are more familiar with his work on Osborne's staff. Noted as one of the nation's top assistant coaches, Solich was tabbed Athlon Magazine's Assistant Coach of the Year before the start of the 1993 season.

      Solich has been one of the primary factors in making Nebraska the model for the running game in college football. In nine of Solich's 15 seasons as running backs coach, Nebraska led the nation in rushing, and finished in the top four every year. In the same period, the Huskers led the conference in rushing 13 times, including each of the last 10 seasons, and finished second in 1986 and 1987. In fact, NU churned out more than 350 yards per game while Solich guided the running backs.

      Solich, who recruited and coached 1983 Heisman Trophy winner Mike Rozier, produced at least one all-conference running back in 13 of the 15 seasons he tutored that position.