For the next couple weeks we will be counting down the top 15 Colorado football players since the 2005-2006 season. Of course, it’s not the most fun decade to be looking at, but I think the down period created an interesting challenge when creating this list.

As it always goes with these lists, there is not an exact formula to determine the top 15, I tried to weigh a player’s success at CU over all other factors, but of course things like NFL success and fan favorite status creeped into the decision making process.

I’m sure people will disagree with placement, or certain players being left off, but that’s part of the fun of these, so as we work down the list, let me know where you disagree!

#12 – Hugh Charles

HUUUUUUUGGGGGHHHHHHHHH.

A member of the prestigious “ooooooooo” family at Colorado, alongside Jeremy Bloom and Nelson Spruce, Charles left CU ranked sixth all-time in rushing yards (2,659), second in all-purpose yards (3,622), fifth in yards from scrimmage (3,211), and tied for tied for the second in receptions by a running back (60). The quick-yet-powerful running back was a two-time honorable mention All-Big XII player, and two-time nominee for the Doak Walker Award his senior season. He is one of just eight players to lead Colorado in rushing for 3 consecutive seasons, and one of 12 to have 500 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving in a career.

Charles had many memorable games at Colorado, the biggest potentially being in a huge upset over Sam Bradford, DeMarco Murray and No. 3 Oklahoma in 2007. Charles ate up the daunted Sooner defense tallying 110 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries, helping take the pressure off of freshman quarterback, Cody Hawkins, who went on to throw two touchdowns in the 4th quarter to lead the Colorado comeback.

Highlights from that game:

If I had to describe Charles’ game in one word, it would be “burst,” it sometimes felt like he would surprise the defense when he hit his top gear.

Hugh was picked up as an undrafted free agent by the Vikings in 2007, but never stuck on, that didn’t stop him from playing professionally though. Though he is currently a free agent, Charles has spent the last six seasons in the Canadian Football League with various team, and even won the Grey Cup last season with the Calgary Stampeders (fitting team name.)

Here’s a highlight from his time in the CFL with a totally necessary intro some really great highlight music.

Keep it here for the rest of the countdown!

Previous players:

#13 – George Hypolite

#14 – Greg Henderson

#15- David Bahktiari