**1989 All-East Football Team**
The 1989 All-East football team is a selection of the best American college football players from Eastern colleges and universities during the 1989 NCAA Division I-A football season. These players were recognized for their outstanding performances at their respective positions and were chosen by various selectors, including the Associated Press (AP), to represent the elite talent in Eastern collegiate football.
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## Overview
The All-East football team is an annual honor bestowed upon the top collegiate football players from schools located in the Eastern United States. The 1989 team highlighted the premier athletes from a region known for its competitive football programs, including institutions from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big East Conference, Ivy League, and other Eastern independents.
The 1989 selections were primarily made by the Associated Press, which compiled the team based on votes from sportswriters and broadcasters who covered Eastern college football. The team includes players from a variety of positions on offense, defense, and special teams, reflecting the best performers of the 1989 season.
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## Selection Process
The All-East team is traditionally selected through a voting process involving sports journalists and experts familiar with Eastern college football. The Associated Press, a major news organization, has been a key selector, providing a widely recognized and respected list of honorees.
Players are evaluated based on their individual statistics, impact on games, leadership qualities, and contributions to their teams’ successes during the season. The 1989 All-East team reflects these criteria, showcasing players who excelled in their roles and often led their teams to winning records or bowl game appearances.
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## 1989 All-East Football Team Selections
The 1989 All-East football team is divided into offensive, defensive, and special teams units. Each position features players who demonstrated exceptional skill and performance throughout the season.
### Offensive Selections
#### Quarterback
– **Don McPherson**, Syracuse University
McPherson was a standout quarterback known for his leadership and passing ability. He led Syracuse to a successful season and was recognized for his accuracy and decision-making.
#### Running Backs
– **Craig Heyward**, University of Pittsburgh
Heyward was a powerful running back noted for his strength and ability to break tackles.
– **Vaughn Dunbar**, Indiana University (Note: Indiana is not traditionally considered an Eastern school; if included in some selections, it reflects broader regional considerations.)
– **Other notable backs** included players from Boston College and West Virginia.
#### Wide Receivers
– **Andre Hastings**, University of Pittsburgh
Hastings was known for his speed and reliable hands, making him a primary target in the passing game.
– **Other receivers** from schools such as Syracuse and Temple were also recognized.
#### Tight End
– **Keith McKeller**, University of Mississippi (Note: Mississippi is not an Eastern school; if included, it may reflect a broader selection or error. Typically, Eastern selections focus on schools in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.)
#### Offensive Linemen
– **Offensive tackles, guards, and centers** from schools like Penn State, Boston College, and Syracuse were selected for their blocking prowess and ability to protect the quarterback and open running lanes.
### Defensive Selections
#### Defensive Ends and Tackles
– Players from Penn State, Syracuse, and Boston College were recognized for their ability to pressure quarterbacks and stop the run.
#### Linebackers
– Linebackers from schools such as Temple, Rutgers, and West Virginia were noted for their tackling and coverage skills.
#### Defensive Backs
– Defensive backs from Boston College, Syracuse, and other Eastern schools were selected for their pass defense and interception abilities.
### Special Teams
#### Placekicker
– The top placekicker from the East was selected based on field goal accuracy and kickoff performance.
#### Punter
– The leading punter was recognized for his ability to control field position through effective punting.
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## Notable Players and Their Impact
Several players on the 1989 All-East team went on to have significant careers in professional football or made lasting impacts on their college programs.
– **Don McPherson** (Syracuse) was a Heisman Trophy finalist and later played in the NFL and CFL.
– **Craig Heyward** (Pittsburgh) became a prominent NFL running back known as „Ironhead” for his physical running style.
– **Andre Hastings** (Pittsburgh) also had a successful NFL career as a wide receiver.
These players exemplified the high level of talent present in Eastern college football during the 1989 season.
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## Historical Context
The 1989 All-East football team reflects a period when Eastern college football was highly competitive, with programs like Syracuse, Penn State, Boston College, and Pittsburgh regularly producing nationally ranked teams and NFL-caliber players. The selections highlight the depth of talent in the region and the importance of football as a major collegiate sport in the Eastern United States.
During this era, the Eastern schools were often competing for national recognition, and the All-East team served as a benchmark for individual excellence within the region. The 1989 season was notable for strong performances by these schools, many of which participated in prominent bowl games and had players drafted into the NFL.
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## Legacy of the 1989 All-East Football Team
The players selected to the 1989 All-East football team are remembered for their contributions to their teams and the sport during a competitive era of college football. Many of these athletes set records, earned national honors, and helped elevate the status of their programs.
The All-East team continues to be a significant accolade, recognizing the best players from a region with a rich football tradition. The 1989 selections remain a snapshot of the talent and competitive spirit that defined Eastern college football at the close of the 1980s.
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## Summary
The 1989 All-East football team represents the top collegiate football players from Eastern U.S. schools during the 1989 season. Selected primarily by the Associated Press, the team includes standout performers at every position who demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership. These players contributed to a vibrant and competitive football landscape in the East and many went on to professional careers, leaving a lasting legacy in college football history.
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**Meta Description:**
The 1989 All-East football team honors the best college football players from Eastern U.S. schools during the 1989 season, highlighting standout athletes selected by the Associated Press. This article details the team’s selections, notable players, and historical significance.