PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland -

The Black College Football Hall of Fame announced Thursday (Oct. 5) the 25 finalists for induction into the Black College Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2018 and Maryland State College legend Emerson Boozer is on the list of 22 players and three coaches.

The Finalists were selected from a field of over 150 nominees by a 12-member Selection Committee composed of prominent journalists, commentators, historians, former NFL General Managers and football executives.

Boozer played for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, then Maryland State College (MSC), from 1962-1965. Boozer, who wore the famed No. 44, a jersey worn by many great Hawk running backs, compiled 2,537 yards and 22 touchdowns on 374 carries during his career. He averaged an impressive 6.78 yards per carry during his time in the Maroon and Grey. His career rushing yards total still stands as a Hawks record.

His college squads totaled an 18-9-1 record during his tenure. Over 28 games, Boozer averaged an amazing 90.61 yards per game.

A two-time CIAA All-American, Boozer was drafted in the sixth round, 46th overall, by the New York Jets in the AFL draft, playing for 10 seasons. He was also picked in the NFL draft that same year by the Steelers in the seventh round with the 98th pick, before the merger of the two leagues.

He was named the 1966 AFL Rookie of the Year by The Pittsburgh Courier, a two-time AFL All-Star in 1966 and 1968, winning the AFL Championship in the latter. That year, they defeated the Baltimore Colts in the Super Bowl, marking the first time an AFL team defeated an original NFL franchise. He was named an All-Conference selection by The Sporting News in 1967, leading the AFL in rushing touchdowns with 10 and total TDs with 13. In 1972 Boozer had 14 scores to lead the league.

Boozer was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010. The Jets placed him in their ring of honor in 2015.

The committee will meet again in the coming weeks to select the six members (five players and one coach) who will be inducted as the Black College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2018.

This year's inductees will be announced on October 25, 2017. They will be honored during the Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, on February 10, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia.

For more information on Eastern Shore Athletics visit http://www.easternshorehawks.com/ .