Roland Moss, Football (1966-68)
One of the greatest tailbacks in UT football history, Roland Moss lettered during the 1966, 1967, and 1968 seasons. He holds the Toledo career record for most rushing attempts (655) and best punting average (39.3 yards per kick.) he ranks third in Rocket history in these categories: total career rushing yards (2,241), rushing touchdowns (32), and points scored (218). "Sonny," as he was referred to in his playing days, also holds records in several UT season categories, ranking third in rushing attempts with 267 (1968), fourth in rushing yards with 1,145 (1968), and third in points scored with 96 (1967). In 1967, Moss was a vital member of the Mid-American Conference champion Rockets, who finished with a 9-1 mark. He rushed for 887 yards on 213 carries and scored 13 touchdowns during that season. Moss was the recipient of the 1965 Cohen Trophy, an award given to the outstanding freshman player. He was awarded the Nicholson Trophy in 1968, which is given to the player who contributes the most toward the success of the team. That same year, he was chosen as an All-MAC tailback. The 6-3, 215-pounder won numerous NCAA honors and finished 11th in the country in rushing his senior year (1968). Moss carried the ball 267 times that year for 1,181 yards and 13 touchdowns, helping the Rockets to another winning record, 5-4-1. Also during the '68 season, he ranked second nationally in scoring. Moss was the team's rushing and scoring leader in two of his three seasons at UT. He had 887 yards and 16 touchdowns in 1967 and 1,181 yards and 14 TDs in 1968. Besides his great ability as a rusher, Moss was also a talented receiver, catching 20 passes for 164 yards during the 1968 season. He was drafted in the seventh round by the NFL's Baltimore Colts and played with them for one-and-a-half years. He then went to San Diego and completed his four year professional career with a two-year stint with New England. While with the Patriots, he started at tight end and caught All-Star quarterback Jim Plunkett's first professional touchdown pass, a 15-yarder against Oakland.
