Black College Football HOF headed to Atlanta
The Black College Football Hall of Fame is headed to Atlanta.
Former Grambling University and NFL quarterbacks James ‘Shack’ Harris and Doug Williams will announce the establishment of the Black College Hall of Fame Friday at a press conference in Atlanta. The Hall will honor the greatest football players and coaches at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
The Inaugural Enshrinement Ceremony will be held in Atlanta in February, in conjunction with Black History Month. The announcement comes two weeks after the NCAA decided to move the College Football Hall of Fame from South Bend, Ind. to Atlanta.
All-time Black College football team
With the news that the Black College Football Hall of Fame will be established in Atlanta, I have an opportunity to bring up a subject previously discussed in this forum – who should belong on the all-time Black College football team?
You can check out the previous blog, and the team, by clicking here. View the previous discussion, weigh in with your thoughts on the team and any thoughts you might have on the establishment of the Black College Football HOF in Atlanta.
In case you missed it ……
Last Thursday’s blog on the best band among HBCU schools is still generating good response. You can join the conversation by clicking here.
Also, Clark Atlanta celebrated homecoming last Saturday by hosting Kentucky State. Check out the festivities captured by AJC photographer Johnny Crawford by clicking here.
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All-time Black College football team | HBCU Football
October 6th, 2009
11:06 am
[...] Editor’s Note: The recent news that the Black College Football Hall of Fame will be established in Atlanta presented an opening to renew a discussion on the All-time Black College football team. You can view the team, created by Donald Hunt of the Philadelphia Tribune for ESPN, by clicking here and then return to the discussion on my most recent blog. [...]
DD
October 6th, 2009
11:33 am
Of course its moving here. Where else would it go?
JEWELL ROLLEN
October 6th, 2009
11:41 am
I JUST KNOW THAT THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF FORMER TENNESSEE STATE UNIV ALL-AMERICANS ENSHRINED!!!! GO BIG BLUE!!!
Eagle
October 6th, 2009
11:46 am
Quarterback – Earl Harvey, North Carolina Central University. 1985-1990
Bernard Rolax
October 6th, 2009
11:57 am
This is great for the city of atlanta and guys like Joe 747 Adams from tsu boy was he great but like the other greats most people don’t know him and the late EDDIE ROBINSONS NOW THE REAL STORY CAN BE TOLD IN STYLE, and this is great for the city and myself……. LET’S GET IT ROLLING.
Jessica
October 6th, 2009
12:07 pm
Grambling State University under the leadership of the great Coach Eddie Robinson!!
The Voice of Reason
October 6th, 2009
12:09 pm
The best HBCU football team of all times should be the school that has won the most national championships during the integrated era. I do not know who that is or even if a HBCU has won a national title in Division 1A, 2, 3 or NAIA. If no champion has been crowned then the winner should be the school thta has had the most success in wins and losses otherwise it is will become a popular vote like that joke Division 1. ALthough they play a national “championship game” it is a still a popularity contest as to who gets in.
reebok
October 6th, 2009
12:16 pm
that’s cool…hopefully they can co-locate it near the college football hall of fame so we college football junkies can get our fill…
Tim
October 6th, 2009
12:20 pm
This is great. Black College football was the the SEC/ACC that we know today in the 60’s and 70’s. I hope that this is pointed out is an exhibit to all visitors.
Tim
October 6th, 2009
12:24 pm
The Voice of Reason
Does this mean that Alabama’s (or insert name) titles should be taken away under Bear Bryant during segregation?
October 6th, 2009
12:09 pm
The best HBCU football team of all times should be the school that has won the most national championships during the integrated era. I do not know who that is or even if a HBCU has won a national title in Division 1A, 2, 3 or NAIA. If no champion has been crowned then the winner should be the school thta has had the most success in wins and losses otherwise it is will become a popular vote like that joke Division 1. ALthough they play a national “championship game” it is a still a popularity contest as to who gets in.
Pammy
October 6th, 2009
12:25 pm
Grambling State University…and the all time winningest coach.. Coach Eddie Robinson has got to be inducted!!!I am a alumna of GSU, and I am proud to know that the hall of fame will be here in my hometown of Atlanta..Go Tigers!!! I can’t wait to take my son, a future running back for the Tigers!! Yeah!!!!
hryder
October 6th, 2009
12:27 pm
Prairie View A & M’s 1960’s teams have to be at the top of any such listing. Walter Payton and Bob Hayes must be first team on any all time HBCU offensive team chosen.
Todd - Dacula
October 6th, 2009
12:31 pm
Alfred Jenkins
Jay Dogg
October 6th, 2009
12:31 pm
Enter your comments here South Carolina State University in kmown for present NFL hall of famers like Deacon Jones(inventor of the head slap) and Harry Carson.
HBCU is the only way
October 6th, 2009
12:35 pm
John Taylor Del- State 1981 – 1986
JSU #21 Fan
October 6th, 2009
12:37 pm
You can not build a HBCU Hall of Fame without including all of the great players from the State of Mississippi. And, of course…you should start with the likes of Walter Payton, Jerry Rice, Willie Totton (?), Steve McNair, Speedy Dunkin, Donald Driver, just to mention a few.
Brian
October 6th, 2009
12:44 pm
Shannon Sharpe Savannah State College
Dell
October 6th, 2009
12:48 pm
Jackson State just check the records and caliber of talent: Walter Payton, Jackie Slater, Jimmy Smith, Robert Brazille, Lem Barney, Wesley Walker, etc….
Dell
October 6th, 2009
12:51 pm
Yo Tim, to answer your question, Central State (OH) won the NAIA National Championship in 1993 I believe
Monie
October 6th, 2009
12:56 pm
Enter your comments here
We can not forget Southern University Jaguars and Coach Pete Richardson
Jason Dabney
October 6th, 2009
1:04 pm
Man gotta give it up to Prairie View A&M we beat GRAMBLING this weekend at the Cotton Bowl classic so i would say right now that I think PVAMU is the best in the business. ALL HAIL TO MY ALMA MATER!!!! It might sound crazy people but hey… We finally winning some games… because some scholarships are avaliable and etc…. GO PVU!!!! HOLLA!!! HBCU ALL DAY…. I LOVE IT….
Eagle Pride
October 6th, 2009
1:07 pm
Yes… NCCU’s Earl Harvey and don’t forget Robert Massey. He ended up in NFL with the Lions. This is when NCCU was paying D-II in the CIAA.
Long Live Football Hall in 1st Floor Annex in Chidley Hall.
Speed Racer
October 6th, 2009
1:12 pm
Does the current college football hall of fame not include HBCU players/coaches? Seems silly to have two halls of fame. I believe that the baseball hall has a section devoted to the Negro league players. Unfortunately, this just further divides us among racial lines. There should be one building so that everyone can visit to see the heroes from all facets of college football under one roof.
tyger
October 6th, 2009
1:13 pm
Howard University – Coaches: Steve White, Willie Jeffries, Doug Porter
Tracy Singleton, WR, USFL
Sandy Nichols, QB
Jimmie Johnson, TE, Redskins
Steve White, DB, Broncos
Harvey Reed, HB, Bears
Ty Prather, WR, DC Bucs
Ron Bartell, DB, Rams
Curtis Chappell, WR
Derrick Faison, WR, Rams
Tim Watson, DB, Raiders
Troy Kyles, WR, Giants
Tracy White, LB, Ravens
Marques Douglass, DE, Ravens
Martin Brown, LB
Ted White, QB, Jaguars
Lee Dubose, QB,
TSU Alumni
October 6th, 2009
1:30 pm
Tennessee State, Grambling, Southern were TOPS in the 70’s. Then the “white” schools starting taking all of our top players !! Look at the white schools players now, if this was in the 70’s, our kids wouldn’t be playing for the ACC, SEC, PAC 10 or Big 10 teams. Parents, let’s get our kids back to their roots. Are there many great players now going to our HBCU’s ?
Maybe soon
October 6th, 2009
1:34 pm
Sonic, sonic, sonic Booooooooooooooooooom! Jackson State University…
starbuck
October 6th, 2009
1:39 pm
Great! Jake Gaither, “Bullit” Bob Hayes, Jerry Rice, Steve McNair, Ken Riley, Nate Newton
Stiffback
October 6th, 2009
2:24 pm
Okay, thwe question was whats the best TEAM in the HBCU era. Well, only one HBCU team has won the Div. 1 AA Championship. and that Florida A & M University, winning the first ever Championship game in a playoffs format. Yes, FAMU was won Black College as well as PWC Champs. That was in 1978. In 1979, FAMU beat The Uni. of Miami, the only HBCU to have beaten a Div. 1 A school. So, take your pick. FAMU is the only HBCU that has made it to the semi-finals in the Div 1AA playoffs, back in 1998. No othr HBCU has even won a play-off game, and of course the SWAC don’t even play in the playoffs. So, it appears FAMU is the only HBCU that has actually won a Championship game of substance.
BillyWhiteShoes
October 6th, 2009
2:28 pm
Off the top of my head, these are the ones that should definitely be in the HOF from HBCU’s. I feel like I’m missing some RB’s. Who am I missing?
QB – Steve McNair, Alcorn St
QB – Doug Williams, Grambling St
RB – Walter Payton, Jack St
WR – Jerry Rice, Miss. Valley St.
WR – Donald Driver, Alcorn St.
WR – Bob Hayes, FAMU
WR – John Taylor, Del. St.
TE – Shannon Sharpe, Savannah St.
OL – Nate Newton, FAMU
OL – Jackie Slater, Jack St
OL – Art Shell, MD Eastern-Shore
DL – Richard Dent, Tenn. St
DL – Too Tall Jones, Tenn. St
DL – Deacon Jones, SC St.
LB – Earl Holmes, FAMU
DB – Ken Riley, FAMU
Coach – Jake Gaither, FAMU (204 – 36 – 4)
Coach – Eddie Robinson, Grambling St
tyger
October 6th, 2009
2:35 pm
FVSU Coaches: Doug Porter, Ken Schoolfield, LJ Lomax
Rayfield Wright, OL, Dallas
Dean Brown, RB, Browns
Greg Lloyd, LB, Steelers
Tyrone Poole, CB, Colts
Derek Harper, CB, Titans
Eddie Anderson, S, Raiders
Roscoe Mitchell, HB
Big C
October 6th, 2009
2:38 pm
Hugh Douglas-Central State University
Eric Williams-Central State University
And, yes, Central State University has won a NC in NAIA
Bob
October 6th, 2009
2:45 pm
So wait.. im confused a little. Is the HBCU HOF open only to players who played at a “HBCU” or is it devoted to black athletes who played football anywhere and garnered a little fame?
Drew
October 6th, 2009
2:50 pm
At the top of my head:
Coaches- Eddie Robinson (Grambling), Pete Richardson (Southern)
RB’s-Walter Payton (Jackson State)
WR’s-Jerry Rice (Miss Valley State), John Taylor (Del State), John Stallworth (Alabama A & M), and Donald Driver (Alcorn State)
QB’s-Steve McNair (Alcorn State), Doug Williams (Grambling), Willie Totten (Miss Valley State)
TE-Shannon Sharpe (Savannah State)
OL-Art Shell (MD-Eastern Shore) and Jackie Slater (Jack State)
LB-Greg Lloyd (Ft Valley State)
DL-Deacon Jones (SC State), Ed “Too Tall” Jones (TSU), Richard Dent (TSU)
DB-Mel Blount (Southern Univ)
Just a few, but not all of the names that should be included.
liberalextremist
October 6th, 2009
3:17 pm
I’m very partial….GS..GS…GS..GS..U…I thought u knew…Grambling State University under Coach Eddie Robinson…Without question the best HBCU Football Team ever!!!!
Randy
October 6th, 2009
3:19 pm
Speed racer…Eddie Robinson is already in the NCAA college football hall of fame. I had the pleasure of being there in South Bend (I believe it was 2001) the day he was inducted and got to meet him. I think he certainly should be in the HBCU HOF.
ray
October 6th, 2009
3:22 pm
Enter your comments here Willie Galimore…….chicago bears…….fla a&m……nfl in the 50″s
GermanDawg
October 6th, 2009
3:24 pm
This will be a great addition to a great city. Atlanta should be the hub of college football in the south and this is one more aspect of the game that we love in this part of the country more than anywhere else. It will bring some well deserved attention to a segment of the game that has been overshadowed for far too long. Way to go Atlanta!
ConsiderThis
October 6th, 2009
3:27 pm
I’m noticing a trend – many of you substantiate your nominations by naming the NFL teams that your guy played for. Not sure why. Anyway, consider the Morris Brown College greats: George Atkinson, Tommy Davidson, Duke Bradley, and Sol Brannon.
ray
October 6th, 2009
3:32 pm
Enter your comments here All HBCU’s have had players at one time or another that could qualify for the hall of fame….larry little and cy mcclaren of bethune…….george atkinson of morris brown etc….i guess it depends on who is asked.
Keeping It Real
October 6th, 2009
3:34 pm
TSU Big Blue!!!!!!
Eldridge Dickey( the best QB period)
“Jefferson Street” Joe Gilliam
Claude Humphrey
Noland “Super Knat” Smith
Joe”747″ Adams
Richard “Dirty” Dent
Joe “Turkey” Jones
Ed “Too Tall” Jones
James Marsallis
Too many more to name. If these guys had been allowed to play in the ACC and the SEC, Southern Cal , Michigan and Ohio State would not have won as many national titles.
shilohmecq
October 6th, 2009
3:36 pm
Not to take any glory from the other HBCU’s. Jake Gaither and the mighty FAMU RATTLERS should be the #1 University on the list…Jake Gaither was a powerhouse. Most of these other coaches that are listed studied under him….GO RATTLERS. And you all are right in that intergration destroyed our illustrious football programs. A lot of youth aren’t even aware of the pride that went into our athletic programs. Not to mention the opportunities derived from such. They need to be taught their history.
JJ
October 6th, 2009
3:37 pm
Shannon Sharpe- Savannah State University
Jeremy F
October 6th, 2009
3:39 pm
Enter your comments here
Ok yes the Echo is in the room. And yes I am partial because I played for both of these Men.Doug Williams and The Great Eddie Robinson. I am so tired of everyone in media on ESPN or whatever outlet they have but these two men are the great coach and QB duo in football ever. Dougs record setting performance with the redskins and Eddies Record of 408 wins which nobody ever talks about even today. If I have to hear how great Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno are without hearing about the man they are trying to be measured up against my head is going to explode. These guys know who the Win King Is And His Name Is Eddie Robinson of The Great Grambling State University. And yes he achieved all those wins at one school. Enough Said
Marcus
October 6th, 2009
3:46 pm
Stiffback,
other HBCus have won playoff games (’99 A&T beat Tenn. State, I believe SC State and/or Tenn. State won a game or 2 in teh early 80s). Check the Div. I record book which has all of those things documented.
It will be ineresting to see comprises the selection committee for enshrinees.
FAMU alum, ‘93
Keeping It Real
October 6th, 2009
3:50 pm
Do not forget Jake Gaither(FAMU) and “Big” Merritt(TSU). Can you imagine these coaches in the Jawja Dome before intergration? Some of my best memories are TSU(A&I in old school),Southern,FAMU,Central State, Grambling, Texas Southern,Jackson State,Arkansas AM&N, Kentucky State,North Carolina A&T, etal. Hail to the HBCU’s.
cedric
October 6th, 2009
3:54 pm
i am baffled that Robert Porche is left off best d-linemen of all time hbcu players.
Bill Long
October 6th, 2009
3:58 pm
None but the RATTLERS!
Cool Cash
October 6th, 2009
3:58 pm
– 1979 FAMU 16, Miami 13
– NFL Hall of Fame inductee, Bob “Bullet” Hayes
– Legendary coach Jake Gaither
– 5-time national champions
– and now I’m tired of typing….
DSU Alum
October 6th, 2009
4:40 pm
I’M SO GLAD, I WENT TO AN H-B-C-U! Sing it with me y’all. I’M SO GLAD, I WENT TO AN H-B-C-U!
…The sweeter the knowlege!
Duane
October 6th, 2009
4:47 pm
John Stallworth, Alabama A&M, should be one of the WR’s, he was a MUCH better WR than Bob Hayes. All the speed in the world doesn’t help you if you can’t run routes or catch the ball.