Bill Dudley - College Career

College Career

At the age of 16, Dudley was awarded an athletic scholarship by the University of Virginia football team by coach Frank Murray. As a result, He received a $500 grant, out of which he paid for room, board, and books. Although he was originally slated as a punter and placekicker, Dudley eventually came to play the halfback position. In his sophomore year, he began as the fifth back on the depth chart but, due to a teammate's injury, played several games.

By his third year, Dudley started every game and was the Southern Conference's leader in total offensive yards. He was also successful in his senior year, particularly during a game against the University of North Carolina. In that game, Dudley scored all three touchdowns for Virginia and kicked four extra points. That season, he became the first Virginia player to earn All-America honors and was awarded the Maxwell Award for best college football player of the year. He was also named the best college player of the year by the Washington D.C. Touchdown Club. Dudley also led the nation in four categories: touchdowns with 18; points scored with 134; rushing average with 6.2 yards a play; and touchdowns responsible for with 29. After the season, he played in the East-West Shrine Game, where he intercepted four passes and threw for his team's touchdown in a 6–6 tie. He also played in the College All-Star Game in Chicago.