Today we’re going in the way back machine to cover one of Penn State’s most prolific running backs, Curtis Enis.
Out of Union City, Ohio, Enis was a high school All American, Ohio’s Mr. Football, a three time all state selection at linebacker, and MVP of the 1994 Big 33 Football Classic. After a year at the Kiski School in Saltsburg, PA, he joined the Nittany Lions from 1995 to 1997.
Enis rushed for 683 yards and 4 touchdowns in 1995, and an incredible 1210 yards for 13 touchdowns in 1996. In 1997, his most impressive year, Enis rushed for 1,363 yards on 228 attempts, a 123.9 ypg. average, and 19 touchdowns. He also made 25 catches for 215 yards and one score.
That year, Enis was selected by as an All-American and second-team All American along with being named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.
Enis was also key in the 33-27 Penn State defeat of Ohio State in 1997, rushing for 211 yards and scoring the winning touchdown .
Overall, Enis had 3,256 total career rushing yards, in just three seasons, cementing him at fifth place for Penn State. He racked up 36 career rushing touchdowns, putting him in 2nd place for Penn State, behind only Lydell Mitchell.
Forgoing his senior year, Enis was selected by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft, the fifth pick overall. Unfortunately, he was only able to make one start before tearing a ligament in his left knee. Still, he racked up 36 games, 1,497 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns in three years with the Bears. Continuing to battle knee injuries, he retired in 2001 at the age 24 after a year with the Cleveland Browns.
Post NFL career, Enis briefly served as head football coach at Bradford High School in Bradford, Ohio and currently works for ABInBev as an Operations Manager.
Enjoy some more 1997 Curtis Enis highlights, where he’s running people over and scoring points.