In the annals of Penn State football, few names evoke the same blend of power, promise, and pride as Curtis Enis. A bulldozing back with rare speed for his size, Enis tore through Big Ten defenses in the mid-90s, leaving a legacy built on bruising runs, highlight-reel touchdowns, and a relentless drive that carried him all the way to the top 5 of the 1998 NFL Draft.
The Rise of a Nittany Lion Beast
Curtis Enis arrived at Penn State in 1995, a highly touted recruit from Union City, Ohio. Standing 6’0” and weighing over 240 pounds, Enis had the body of a linebacker and the agility of a tailback. Under legendary head coach Joe Paterno, Enis quickly earned carries in a loaded backfield — but by 1996, he had become the centerpiece of the offense.
In his three-year career, Enis amassed over 2,500 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns, while showcasing a skill set that blended vision, strength, and breakaway speed. His final season in 1997 saw him rush for 1,363 yards and 19 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-American honors and establishing himself as one of the most dominant backs in the nation.
Big Ten Wrecking Ball
Enis’ style of play was pure devastation for opposing defenses. Whether it was grinding out tough yards between the tackles or bouncing outside for 60-yard scores, he possessed the versatility and workhorse mentality coaches dream of. He became a two-time All-Big Ten selection, often carrying the Nittany Lions on his back in tight games.
Notable performances include:
207 yards and a TD vs Wisconsin (1997)
Three rushing touchdowns vs Purdue
Career-high 241 all-purpose yards against Minnesota
His ability to deliver in the clutch — combined with Penn State’s perennial national relevance — made Enis one of the most feared runners of the decade.
NFL Hype and the Chicago Bears Gamble
Following his dominant junior year, Enis declared for the 1998 NFL Draft. Despite concerns over mileage and the physical toll of his playing style, the Chicago Bears selected him 5th overall, making him the highest-drafted Penn State running back since Ki-Jana Carter went No. 1 in 1995.
The hype was real. The Bears hoped Enis would be their franchise centerpiece — a power back to restore Chicago’s smashmouth identity. Unfortunately, injuries would derail what many believed could’ve been a Pro Bowl career.
NFL Career and What Could Have Been
Enis’ rookie year showed flashes — including a 142-yard game against the St. Louis Rams — but a torn ACL late in the season hampered his explosiveness. He played just three seasons in the NFL, finishing with 1,497 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns in a career that felt like it ended before it truly began.
Still, Enis’ brief time in the league doesn’t diminish what he accomplished at Penn State or the awe he inspired on Saturdays in the mid-90s.
Legacy at Penn State and Beyond
Today, Curtis Enis is remembered as a Penn State legend — one of the greatest running backs to ever wear the blue and white. His name still ranks among the top in program rushing history, and his impact on the Big Ten landscape of the 1990s is undeniable.
Though his NFL story was shortened, Enis’ college dominance cemented his legacy. He was the prototype of a modern power back: fierce, physical, and unrelenting.
Final Word
Curtis Enis may not have had a decade-long pro career, but at Penn State, he was a wrecking ball — a name that Big Ten defenders still remember for all the wrong reasons. With over 2,500 yards, 32 touchdowns, and an All-American résumé, Enis will always be one of Happy Valley’s finest sons.
From the locker rooms of Beaver Stadium to the bright lights of the NFL Draft, his story remains a reminder of what raw talent, heart, and grit can accomplish — even if fate writes a different ending.
Penn State fans, remember this: before Barkley, before Larry Johnson, there was Curtis Enis — and he ran like a lion unleashed
