Matt Leinhart and Kirk Gibson make College Football Hall of Fame

Two new members of the College Football Hall of Fame were big hits in Los Angeles.

Two very different players who made their marks in Los Angeles were elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.

One played quarterback for a storied program the other was known for his intensity born on the gridiron.

Matt Leinart who played a USC and Kirk Gibson who played at Michigan State will both be part of the 2017 Class for the College Football Hall of Fame.

In 2003, Leinart, as a sophomore, was meant to compete for the starting job.  After being named the starter, Leinart never looked back. Eventually leading to a college career where he went 37-2 as a starter.

Starting in 2003 Leinart would lead the Trojans to back-to-back national championships and a chance for a third by playing in the 2006 BCS Championship game against Texas.  Leinart won the 2004 Heisman Trophy and was named an All-American three years in a row.

About the honor Leinart was quoted, “Wow some of the greatest football players to ever live,” Leinart wrote in an Instagram post of the 2017 class. “Just amazed!”

Before he his framatic World Series home run was name Southern California’s greatest sports moment in history, Kirk Gibson was also known for his play on the football field.

A Michigan native, Kirk Gibson played both college baseball and college football for the Michigan State Spartans.  As a wide receiver Gibson would finish his college career as the all-time leader in career receptions (112), receiving yards (2,347), and touchdown receptions (24).

Gibson’s accomplishments included the 1988 World Series championship year with the Los Angeles Dodgers when he was voted National League MVP.

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Both players who made their mark in different ways here in Los Angeles are great additions to the College Football Hall of Fame.