George Deo (1984) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

George Deo

Induction:
1984
Class:
1964

1960-63
Football
‘64
He came from Hillside, New Jersey to the University in 1960. After a two-year stint in the US Army where he honed his football skills. George Deo was ready to take his mark. Four years later, he indeed had done so. In 1960, the 5-11, 190-pound fullback earned the Harry “Doc” Smith Award as one of the most outstanding freshman. A season later, under the guidance of the first-year coach. Gordon Larson, Deo enjoyed his finest hour of his career. He rushed for a record-breaking and Ohio Conference leading 857 yards and 13 TDs in only eight games. Four of Deo’s scores came in the Ohio Wesleyan win, to tie the UA record, in which he rushed 41 times, a UA and OC record, for 186 yards. For his outstanding effort the 6-2 Zips, Deo was voted first-team All-OC and honorable mention on Williamson’s All- American Squad. Deo led UA rushing again in 1962 and for the second straight season was voted the team’s most valuable back. However, a knee injury and subsequent surgery slowed him considerably for his senior campaign. Despite the setback, the pile driving fullback and four-year letterman established school marks of 453 carries for 1939 yards in his career.