Sept. 27, 2007
IOWA CITY, IA – Former Iowa running back Silas McKinnie has been selected Iowa’s honorary captain for Saturday’s homecoming contest against Indiana. The Hawkeyes face the Hoosiers in a televised game with kickoff set for 11:07 a.m. in sold out Kinnick Stadium.
McKinnie, a three-year letterman (1965-67), was a running back for the Hawkeyes. He played for Coaches Jerry Burns and Ray Nagel. He was named Iowa’s Most Valuable Player and was a team captain in 1967.
McKinnie was a 6-1, 205-pounder from Inkster, MI. He still ranks 21st on Iowa’s all-time rushing list with 1,390 yards in 254 attempts. He averaged 5.5 yards every time he rushed the ball. Silas had 10 career rushing touchdowns and led the Hawkeyes in rushing three straight years. He played as a fullback and tailback during his Iowa career.
He followed his Hawkeye career by playing in the 1967 Hula Bowl all-star game. He coached college basketball (he was an assistant to Clem Haskins at Minnesota) for years and is currently a scout for the Detroit Lions in the NFL.
McKinnie will accompany the Iowa captains to the center of the field for the pre-game coin-flip. He will also be with the Hawkeyes on the sidelines and in the locker room before and after the game.