University of Dayton Athletics

Emil Karas was born on December 13, 1933 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He went to High School at Swissvale High in Pittsburgh. He then went on to play for the University of Dayton starting in the year 1955. While at UD, Karas lived at Patterson Village Apartments and was a Physical Education Major. He was 6-3 and weighed 216 pounds playing linebacker for the UD Flyers. In his time at UD, Karas was chosen to play in the All Midwest Bowl, East West Shrine Game, Senior Bowl, and College All Star Bowl. Poppy Waldorf, former director of player personnel for 49ers, said “Karas should be selected in pro football’s preliminary draft in December.” His talents were able to allow him to get drafted 28th overall in the 1959 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins.

College career- He averaged 13 tackles a game his junior and senior seasons. Serving as co-captian of the 1958 team, former UD Coach Budd Kerr said that Karas “had the speed, mobility, and tremendous pursuit to make any college team in the country.”