44 years later: SC State University football draft class recognized

(WPDE) — A group of former football players were recognized by the South Carolina State University (SCSU) 44 years after they made history.

The eight former football players were members of South Carolina State’s historic 1981 draft class, the largest group ever from the university and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, to enter the NFL in a single year.

They were recognized during a celebration this past weekend at the campus fine arts building.

The players made it to the professional ranks that year, five through the draft and three by way of free agency.

Many consider it a remarkable achievement for a small HBCU, historically Black college or university, including SCSU coach emeritus Willie Jeffries.

Jeffries coached the legendary team in 1981.

This 1981 class, I don’t think they’ll ever be a a university class that that can top the record that they’ve accomplished,” said Jeffries. “As I doubt if it’ll ever be duplicated. With five players drafted and three free agents. And six of them making a roster. This is a record and I think it will stand for many years.

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Together, the Bulldogs spent a combined 38 years on NFL rosters, racking up notable accomplishments, including four super bowl appearances, three NFC and three AFC championship appearances and two pro bowl selections.

John Alford was apart of that 1981 draft class and knew his team was something special.

When you have a significant team, the way we had with that class draft class that we have, it was something should have been really on a coattail riding it out,” said Alford. “You know, it’s like, coach said, coach them always said you don’t win the game in the first quarter. You always win it in the fourth quarter. That’s where the game is going at. So it’s been 44 years and it’s the fourth quarter.

Charlie Brown and Leroy Robinson spearheaded the effort for their draft class to be recognized.

They compiled information and campaigned across the state, talking with anyone who would listen about their impact and contributions to the game.

The end goal is for us to be recognized and honored. That’s the end goal. And also to the fact that now we can, you know rest, lay back in our seats,” said Brown. “And say wow, man, we accomplished something nobody else never did. You know that’s the end goal and all our coaches, our coach, Jefferies, our coach Johnson. Coach Simon, who was my coordinators and receiver coach. Coach Raglan and all of the coaches. You know that we can make them proud for the one that’s here and for the one that’s not here. You know how important of a role they played in this draft class.

Angelo King added getting the recognition for what his draft class accomplished is music to their ears.

“It would be like putting the nail to the hammer and sealing the deal, you know. And even if they didn’t recognize us, we know. You know, how our slogan is. It’s so hard to be a bulldog. And whatever comes with that, you know, it’s all good. So as long as I know,” said King.

The impact of this draft class continues to resonate.

Seven of the eight players are enshrined in the S.C. State Athletic Hall of Fame.

Additional honors include:

• Three inducted into the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Hall of Fame
• Two in the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame
• One in the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame

Members of the draft class were part of the university’s tribute, where they were recognized with resolutions from the South Carolina House of Representatives and commemorative gifts from the S.C. State Bulldog Former Athletes Association (SCSBFAA).

The 1981 NFL Class honorees include:

• John Alford, defensive tackle, Dillon, South Carolina – 12th round, Miami Dolphins
• Edwin Bailey, offensive guard, Savannah, Georgia – 5th round, Seattle Seahawks
• Charlie Brown, wide receiver, Johns Island, South Carolina – 8th round, Washington Redskins
• William Judson, defensive back, Atlanta, Georgia – 8th round, Miami Dolphins
• Angelo King, linebacker, Columbia, South Carolina – Free agent, Dallas Cowboys
• Chris Ragland, running back, Indianapolis, Indiana – Free agent, Washington Redskins
• Leroy Robinson, offensive tackle, Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina – Free agent, Philadelphia Eagles
• Robert Geathers, defensive tackle, Georgetown, South Carolina – 3rd round, Buffalo Bills

Each honoree received a State House of Representatives resolution from Rep. Wendell Gilliard, District 111 out of Charleston, and a custom Bulldog replica by renowned artist and S.C. State alumnus Rodgers Boykin, presented by S.C. State Bulldogs Former Athletes Association Vice President Micheal Summers.

Extending tributes include:

• S.C. State alumnus John Rickenbacker, representing U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn, 6th District, South Carolina, who attended the reception prior to the ceremony before departing for a previously scheduled engagement.
• Rep. Jerry Govan, District 93, South Carolina House of Representatives
• U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, 17th District, California.
• S.C. State Board of Trustees Chairman Douglas D. Gantt
• S.C. State President Alexander Conyers
• Willie Jeffries, who was head coach when the players first arrived at S.C. State
• Interim Athletics Director and former Head Football Coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough
• U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson, 1st District, Illinois, son of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, was also in attendance.