NEW YORK — Former Syracuse University quarterback Don McPherson was one of 15 former players and coaches elected to the College Football Hall of Fame on Thursday.

McPherson was one of the Orange's most prolific passers. He's remembered for using his arm and legs in guiding Syracuse to its second unbeaten season in 1987. He won several individual accolades that year, and he was the runner-up to Notre Dame's Tim Brown for the Heisman Trophy.

"The game of football has given me more than I have given it," McPherson said.

A three-year letter winner, McPherson led Syracuse to an 11-0 record in his senior season. The Orange tied Auburn, 16-16, in the Sugar Bowl and finished the season ranked No. 4 in the nation.

McPherson was voted as a unanimous All-America selection and racked up a number of awards following his senior campaign. Most notably, he won the Maxwell Award, which is given to the top player in college football. He also earned the Davey O'Brien Award as the nation's top quarterback.

McPherson is the 15th member of SU's program to be inducted into the hall of fame. He's the first Orange player or coach to be elected since Tim Green in 2002.

Twelve other players and two coaches were also picked for the hall of fame on Thursday. Lou Holtz was chosen after amassing 249 career victories and leading Notre Dame to a national title in 1988. Quarterback Troy Aikman was elected following two standout years at UCLA.

Among the other inductees were: LSU running back Billy Cannon, Virginia offensive tackle Jim Dombrowski, Northwestern linebacker Pat Fitzgerald, Florida linebacker Wilbur Marshall, Washington St. running back Ruben Mayes, Arizona St. guard Randall McDaniel, Wyoming tight end Jay Novacek, Texas Tech split end Dave Parks, Florida St. nose guard Ron Simmons, Oklahoma St. running back Thurman Thomas, Army quarterback Arnold Tucker, and head coach John Cooper.