Billy Vessels, the Sooner halfback who won the 1952 Heisman trophy, died today in his home in Coral Gables, Florida at the age of 70.

Vessels was an All-American in 1952 and was the first Oklahoma player to win the Heisman. He led Oklahoma in rushing and receiving in 1950, en route to their first national title under legendary coach Bud Wilkinson.

In his career at Oklahoma, Vessels was a two-time all-conference selection who set school records for rushing yards, scoring and all purpose yards in a season.

He was a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Vessels played briefly for the Baltimore Colts and in the Canadian Football League before he was sidelined with a leg injury.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.