Former Georgia Running Back Kevin McLee Dies After Stroke

by T Kyle King on Jul 17, 2007 12:08 AM EDT in News

Kevin McLee, a former all-S.E.C. running back for the Bulldogs, passed away on Sunday after suffering a stroke.

Although his achievements in a Georgia uniform shortly thereafter were eclipsed by Herschel Walker, McLee concluded his collegiate career as the Red and Black's all-time leading rusher. After being named Rookie of the Year in 1975, McLee helped guide the 'Dawgs to the 1976 conference title with a 198-yard effort against Florida and a 203-yard day against Auburn.

He was a consensus all-S.E.C. first team selection and an honorable mention all-America selection in 1976, in addition to twice making the academic all-S.E.C. team.

Like fellow Georgia great Frank Sinkwich, whose career rushing record he surpassed, McLee was a Pennsylvania native. He resided in California at the time of his passing. Kevin McLee will be missed.

Go 'Dawgs!

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May I make a request?

My first UGA memories are of the 1980 season...I was six years old at the time. I have some great memories of some of the moments in the early 80's...Butler's kick against Clem(p)son, Lastinger in the Cotton Bowl, the "Sugar falling from the sky" against Auburn, etc.

But I realize that I don't know much at all pre-1980. It's as if when the Goalline Stalker showed up on campus, everything before him was lost to the mist of history. 1980--vivid; 1979--nothing. Sure, I've heard of some of the big names--Sinkwich, Stanfill, Tarkenton, even Morocco, but if you asked me about games, moments, great performances, you'd get a blank stare and a shrug from me, as well as much of the Bulldog Nation.

I'm embarrassed that before this morning, I've never heard of Kevin McLee. I think that's a shame, because reading about him this morning, I realize that I should have. When he came through, UGA had been playing football for over eighty years, and he was the leading career rusher.

Held. The. Record. For. Career. Rushing. Yards.

At UGA? And I've never heard of him?

We all argue that UGA has one of the best traditions in college football, but a large percentage of us know virtually nothing before Ronald Reagan's presidency (well, his presidential campaign, at least).

So, here's my request, because I don't know who could do this better than you. During some slow period, when you're trying to find material to write on, will you drop us some knowledge?

by mcboyt on Jul 17, 2007 7:22 AM EDT reply actions