Dorenkamp on national hall of fame ballot

Central College

IRVING, TEXAS — The National Football Foundation released the ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame and former Dutch All-American linebacker Al Dorenkamp ’75 is among the nominees.

The ballot is divided into two categories: the Football Bowl Subdivision and the divisional ranks. Dorenkamp is one of 98 players from the divisional ranks on the ballot. There are 31 coaches from the divisional ranks on the ballot as well.

To be considered for the honor, a player must have been a First-Team All-American, which Dorenkamp was in 1974. He captained the Dutch to a national champion that season, which was sealed with a dramatic goal-line stand in the final game. Dorenkamp was in on the pivotal fourth-down stop in Central’s 10-8 win over Ithaca (N.Y.) The Stagg Bowl victory competed a perfect 11-0 season.

Dorenkamp was also a two-time first team all-Iowa Conference selection (1973-74) at linebacker. The Dutch were the conference champions in 1974.

If inducted, Dorenkamp would be the third hall of famer representing Central. Former All-American defensive end Vern Den Herder ’70 was inducted in 1996 and legendary coach Ron Schipper (1961-96) entered in 2000. They are the only representatives of the Iowa Conference.

The 2018 class will officially be inducted during the 61st NFF Annual Awards Dinner Dec. 4, 2018, at the New York Hilton Midtown. The inductees will be permanently enshrined at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta later that December and honored on the field during the 14th Annual National Hall of Fame Salute during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. They will also be honored at their respective schools at an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the 2018 season.