Sacramento State Archives - Dave Lewis on the Air

Donnel Pumphrey is the all-time leading rusher in FBS history

Former San Diego State star running back Donnel Pumphrey visits with Dave to talk about his memorable career, life’s ups and downs along with a passion for coaching.

Pumphrey set the all-time FBS rushing record in front of friends and family at the Las Vegas Bowl in 2016, eclipsing the mark set by former Wisconsin great Ron Dayne.

The journey includes mentorship from coaches like former Arena Football League star Hunkie Cooper and Rocky Long. But there was no greater in influence than his mom who kept Pumphrey accountable and focused to make something of his life.

His life demanded greater accountability by becoming a parent while in high school. Now a father of three, Pumphrey has aligned his priorities while creating a better life for his family.

Pumphrey is now the running backs coach at Sacramento State University of the Big Sky Conference.

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The Dave Lewis Show

The all-time leading rusher in FBS, Donnel Pumphrey on his record-setting career, family and transition to coaching

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October 9, 2023

Published by Dave Lewis at October 9, 2023

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The all-time leading rusher in FBS, Donnel Pumphrey on his record-setting career, family and transition to coaching

"At times, I try to show these guys some of my film so I can coach off of that. A lot of times, they think I'm talking just to talk but I try to show them that I lived it and I've done everything that I'm saying, which a lot I've learned from previous coaches. I'm just giving back that same knowledge that was once given to me and I'm just trying to give that back."

September 18, 2023

Published by Dave Lewis at September 18, 2023

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Sac State’s Andy Thompson after upset of Stanford in college football

"I have a lot to learn. Everyday, I learn something new...There weren't nearly as many interviews or a lot more cameras but behind the scenes everyday, I try to stay in a routine because you are responsible for more things. That's been the biggest challenge--making sure I'm the head coach and that I'm here for everybody in the program and not just one side of the ball as I was before. It's been very rewarding to be around so many great people that are trying to help you. Our staff has been awesome. We've hired some new guys that are great. The guys that were here--we've formed a bond we share that is very strong. And just working for a guy like Mark Orr, who's been there to help me through everything as the Athletic Director. I don't feel like I'm doing this alone.

April 13, 2023

Published by Dave Lewis at April 13, 2023

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Troy Taylor laying the foundation for success at Stanford

"I won the starting job over a real good player who was the starting quaterback the year before. And I was playing my old school, Bella Vista High School, in our very first game. On my first pass, I threw an interception. One of the assistant coaches on the staff...wanted to pull me to get me out of the game and put the other quarterback in the there. In fact, I was standing there as he told (Head Coach) Max Miller to go with the other quarterback. I'll never forget it. It was a turning point in my life. Max never even looked at him and said, "Troy's our quarterback. I went back in and we had an unbelievable year. It really changed my life.

January 28, 2023

Published by Dave Lewis at January 28, 2023

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Former Sac State Corner Prince Washington Ready for the Next Level

"Music is a way to express how I'm feeling...With football I can express myself on the field but only do so much as far as expressing myself. Off the field, music is how I can express myself.

November 21, 2021

Published by Dave Lewis at November 21, 2021

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Sac Bee’s Joe Davidson on Luke Walton firing and Sacramento college football

"You gotta draft well and the Kings have had too many clunker drafts. Too many misses. Quincy Douby to Thomas Robinson to Jimmer Fredette. Nick Stauskas. Marvin Bagley. And that's a lot of players. Nobody can say the Kings didn't give them a chance. It's just they don't fit. Good players but it's hard to find the right fit. And the Kings have to have upper management leadership to forecast better and draft better. That's supposed to be their job."

August 2, 2020

Published by Dave Lewis at August 2, 2020

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Oakland Filmmaker Bobino’s Perseverance Pays off with Success of My Culture

"I went to the Netflix office, had on my suit and the receptionist said 'Good morning' and I just walked right past her like I was supposed to be there. And then I got to the elevator and I'm like 'I got this far. Now I gotta go talk to somebody.' So I asked some woman, 'Who do you talk to about getting a film distributed. I just made a movie.' She said, 'Okay, let me get back to you, sir.' And she goes in the elevator. I didn't know what floor to go to. Then security comes down and escorts me out of there...so driving back I felt good because at least I tried. I had confidence enough in myself to think if I could have got past that door, if somebody saw my movie, it would have been picked up.'