The inspiration for the wishbone offense that came to dominate college football in the 1970s and '80s has died.
The death of Worster was announced on Sunday.
Worster, who was nicknamed "Big Woo" or "Woo Woo" by Longhorn fans, signed with Texas in 1967. The group would lead Texas to 30 consecutive wins and national titles in 1969 and 1970 behind a new offense tailored to take advantage of Worster's strength in front of Ted Koy and Chris Gilbert.
The wishbone became the game-changing offense of its day, leading Texas to those titles and later followed by the ascension of Barry Switzer's Oklahoma Sooners and Bear Bryant's rebound at Alabama.
The wishbone was created by Longhorns coach Darrell Royal, who had to juggle too much talent in the backfield, including Worster, who had rushed for 28 consecutive 100 yards in high school, still the fourth-longest string.
Worster was lined up behind the quarterback in the formation. Two running backs were positioned on either side of the fullback in a Y shape. Worster's abilities were acknowledged by Royal when Daugherty asked for pointers on the new scheme.
Royal said in 1969 that he did not want his offense. He has two more years with me. He's the kind of kid who just goes out and causes wrecks and walks back to the huddle.
Worster started when the Longhorns finished third in the country in 1968. They went on a historic run over the next two seasons as Worster became a national star.
Worster ran for 2,353 yards and 36 touchdown in his career as the Longhorns went 30-2-1 and won Southwest Conference titles. He was fourth in the 1970 Heisman voting behind Jim Plunkett, Joe Theismann and Archie Manning.
Worster is a member of the Texas Longhorn Hall of Fame, the Texas High School Hall of Fame, and the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame because of his performance against Notre Dame in 1970, when he ran for 155 yards on 20 carries and the Longhorns beat the Fighting Irish 21 17 to win
Worster ran for 2,210 yards in his senior year and scored three times in a 30-7 win against a McKinney team that had allowed just 16 points all season. After Worster became a college star, Bridge City residents were so proud that they voted to incorporate the city. His hometown was on the map.
Bill Zapalac, who was also in the 1967 class of signees, said that there has never been a more celebrated high school athlete that produced to the level of his high school hype.
Worster lost interest in football after he was drafted by the Rams. He played one season in Canada because he wanted to make a decent living and raise a family.
When he was honored in Bridge City in 2010, he said that football had given him everything he wanted.
Worster is survived by his two children.
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