My Favorite Griz Runnning Back Heads for Hall of Fame

Of all the terrific running backs that have played football for the University of Montana, my all-time favorite is Yohance Humphery. Not an easy pick and I'm sure it's one of those fun arguments where Griz fans would weigh in with a number of different choices, but for speed, grace, style, balance and power, Yo is my jam. I also liked the whole kid from Alaska coming to Montana to be a defensive back becoming on of the all time great rushers scenario. So a huge note of congratulations Humphery and Dick Imer, two of Montana's record-setting rushers, who will be inducted into the Grizzly Sports Hall of Fame this fall.

Among his many records, Humphery (1998-2001) is the school's all-time leading rusher with 4,070 career yards. He also holds Montana's single-season record with 1,658 yards in 2001, the year the Griz won their second national title (he's pictured here gaining some of his 142 yards in that championship win over Furman). Humphery is a licensed social worker back in his hometown of Eagle River, Alaska.

Dick Imer's 889 yards rushing in 1954 were the sixth most in the country that year. He averaged 8 yards a carry, still second highest in UM history and tied him for second in the nation that season. Imer was a two-time first team All-Skyline Conference selection and two-time honorable mention Associated Press All-American. Imer and his wife Betty live on their ranch near the Big Horn River and Hardin.

Imer and Humphery become the 52nd and 53rd athletes to join the Grizzly Sports Hall of Fame. Our thanks to UM Sports Information Director Dave Guffey for providing us the details. DB