Tony Sutton

#7 Tony Sutton
2002-2004
Running Back
5'10" 195
Akron, Ohio
Archbishop Hoban

» Career Summary

Tony Sutton finished his College of Wooster career as possibly the best running back ever to wear an NCAA Division III uniform.

After transferring to Wooster from Findlay University (Div. II) in 2002, Sutton put together the three most productive seasons in Div. III history.

In 2002, he was named the North Coast Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year and an All-American after leading the conference in rushing (1,418 yards), rushing touchdowns (15), and all-purpose yards (175.3 ypg), despite missing nearly two full games with an injury.

In 2003, Sutton captured the triple-crown for running backs — leading not only Division III, but all NCAA divisions in rushing (217.2 ypg), scoring (20.7 ppg; 31 touchdowns), and all-purpose yards (244.8 ypg). Among Sutton's many honors for the season included being named the Div. III North Region and NCAC Offensive Player of the Year, and a first-team All-American selection by four different organizations. He was also one of five finalists for the Melberger Award as Div. III's top player.

Tony Sutton in the 2005 Hula Bowl.

Sutton's senior season (2004) proved to be his finest, as he stayed injury-free and led Wooster to its first-ever NCAA Div. III playoff appearance.

For the second-straight season, Sutton led the NCAA (all divisions) in rushing yards (186.7 ypg), scoring (16.5 ppg; 33 touchdowns) and all-purpose yards (219.5 ypg). He set just about every NCAC season and career rushing record, but most noteworthy, finished his career as the NCAA Div. III all-time leader in rushing yards per game (187.1), rushing touchdowns per game (2.5), and points per game (16.0).

Once again, Sutton was named the NCAC's and Div. III North Region's Offensive Player of the Year. Additionally, he was one of 10 finalists for the Gagliardi Trophy, given to Div. III's "Outstanding Football Player of the Year."

Here is a list of all the significant awards and records that Sutton set during his three-year career at Wooster:

Career Records

• NCAA Div. III leader in rushing yards per game (187.1)
• NCAA Div. III leader in rushing touchdowns per game (2.5)
• NCAA Div. III leader in total touchdowns per game (2.7)
• NCAA Div. III leader in points per game (16.0)
• Wooster & NCAC leader in rushing yards (5,613)
• Wooster & NCAC leader in rushing touchdowns (76)
• Wooster & NCAC leader in total touchdowns (80)
• Wooster & NCAC leader in scoring (480)
• Wooster & NCAC leader in all-purpose yards (6,415)

Single-Season Records

• Wooster & NCAC leader in rushing yards (2,240)
• Wooster & NCAC leader in rushing touchdowns (31)
• Wooster & NCAC leader in total touchdowns (33)
• Wooster & NCAC leader in scoring (198)
• Wooster & NCAC leader in all-purpose yards (2,634)

Single-Game Records

• Wooster & NCAC leader in rushing yards (338 vs. Case on 9/27/03)
• Wooster & NCAC leader in rushing touchdowns (6; three games)
• Wooster & NCAC leader in scoring (36; three games)

Other Honors

• Invited to Cleveland Browns Rookie Mini-Camp April 29-May 1, 2005
• Invited to play in the Hula Bowl, annual all-star game in Maui, Hawaii, featuring some of the best college football players from Div. I
• One of 42 seniors selected to play in 2004 Aztec Bowl
• One of 10 finalists for Gagliardi Trophy, presented to Most Outstanding Football Player in Div. III (2004)
• Became just the eighth Div. III running back to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season (2,240 yards; 2004)
• Tied the NCAA Div. III record for rushing touchdowns in a playoff game (5 vs. Aurora)
• First-Team All-American selection by four different organizations (2003 & 2004)
• Div. III North Region Offensive Player of the Year (2003 & 2004)
• NCAC Offensive Player of the Year (2003 & 2004)
• One of five finalists for the Melberger Award as Div. III's top player (2003)
• NCAC Newcomer of the Year (2002)