Penn State All-America running back Lydell Mitchell was elected yesterday to the Div. I College Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2004.

Mitchell is the 15th Penn State football player to be selected to the College Football Hall of Fame and the 19th member from the program, joining four former Penn State coaches.

He will be formally inducted on Dec. 7 at the National Football Foundation's 47th annual awards dinner at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City.

"Lydell Mitchell was a complete back," Penn State football coach Joe Paterno said in a press release.

"He is an exceptional person and a splendid athlete. He proved week in and week out that he was a true All-American and there wasn't a better all-around back in the country. He belongs in the College Football Hall of Fame and we are very pleased that his name will enrich its already-prestigious membership."

Mitchell's collegiate career began in 1969 and was ended in 1971 when he led the nation in both touchdowns, with 29, and points scored, with 174.

He holds school records for touchdowns in a season (29), rushing touchdowns in a career (38) and total touchdowns in a career (41).

Mitchell is also ranked No. 5 for career all purpose yards and No. 4 for career points at Penn State.

"We are extremely pleased Lydell Mitchell's outstanding career and achievements will be celebrated with his enshrinement in the College Football Hall of Fame," Penn State Athletic Director Tim Curley said in a release. "It is the utmost honor. Lydell was a terrific representative of the University as a student-athlete and has continued to be so with his many professional accomplishments and contributions to the community following graduation."

Mitchell's Penn State record of 1,567 rushing yards in a season held for three decades, until 2002 when current Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson broke it with his 2,087-yard season.

The Baltimore Colts drafted Mitchell with the 48th overall pick in the 1972 NFL draft. During his tenure in the NFL, Mitchell played for the Colts from 1972 until 1978, when he was traded for a fifth-round draft pick to the San Diego Chargers.

He finished his career in 1980 with the Los Angeles Rams.