Ralph Heywood, 85; former USC end later served as a Marine

Ralph Heywood, 85, an All-American end at USC in 1943 who later served in three wars as a Marine, died Tuesday in Bandera, Texas, the school said. The cause was not given.

Heywood, who was from Huntington Park, captained the 1943 USC team that went 8-2, including a 29-0 victory over Washington in the Rose Bowl. He led the Trojans in receiving in 1942 with 12 catches for 205 yards and in 1943 with 11 receptions for 196 yards. He was also the team’s punter in 1941 and ’42.

He earned consensus All-American honors in 1943 despite being called into the Marine Corps after five games.

After World War II he had short stints in professional football but returned to the Marines and had a 32-year career as an officer. He also served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War before retiring in Bandera.