Boston College's Mike Ruth On 2012 College Football Hall Of Fame Ballot

Great news for Eagles fans as former Boston College defensive lineman and Outland Trophy winner Mike Ruth was nominated for the 2012 College Football Hall of Fame. You may recognize him better as the giant "68 Ruth" jersey that is hanging in Alumni Stadium with Doug Flutie.

The 6-foot-1, 285 pound Ruth played for the Eagles from 1982-85 and was a constant menace to opposing offenses. He was a consensus 1985 First Team All-American, a three time All East and ECAC selection. Ruth finished his career at BC with 344 career tackles and 29 sacks.

Even while struggling with injuries, Ruth was one of the most dominant defensive linemen to ever don the maroon and gold. According to BCEagles.com:

In 1984, as the key to the Eagles defensive strength, Ruth had 102 tackles, 76 of them solo. He had 6.5 sacks, but also was credited with 20 quarterback pressures and seven other minus-yard plays. In the 1984 game against Holy Cross, he pressured the Crusader quarterback into throwing five interceptions.

Ruth was drafted by the New England Patriots, where he played one season before retiring. His number is now retired and honored at Alumni Stadium.

The College Football Hall of Fame class will be announced live in New York City during a noon press conference on May 15 and inducted at the 55th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on December 4, 2012 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. Hopefully Gene DeFilippo can push some more buttons because Ruth is up against some prestigious competition including Art Monk, Sterling Sharpe and Derrick Thomas.