South Carolina State University is the alma mater of Pro Football Hall of Famers Harry Carson and Donnie Shell, but it was another group of football alumni who took center stage and were honored on the school campus last Saturday night.
The 1980 Bulldogs not only won their Conference title with an undefeated record, but they also had eight players sign NFL contracts the following spring of 1981. Five members of that team were drafted and three others signed as rookie free agents. The group subsequently spent a combined 38 years on NFL rosters and helped show NFL scouts that HBCU athletes could succeed in our league.
“It remains a great feeling to be among a group of SC State football players that set a standard as being the largest group from the school to enter the NFL in one year in 1981,” says Edwin Bailey, who was drafted off that team by the Seahawks in the fifth round. “I feel extremely fortunate to have played in a program that provided me with a wonderful experience and naturing.”
The eight South Carolina State players who were honored at a reception in the school’s Fine Arts Building last weekend are:
- Robert Geathers (3rd round draft choice of the Bills)
- Edwin Bailey (5th round, Seahawks)
- Charlie Brown (8th round, Redskins)
- William Judson (8th round, Dolphins)
- John Alford (12th round, Dolphins)
- Angelo King (free agent, Cowboys)
- Leroy Robinson (free agent, Eagles)
- Chris Ragland (free agent, Redskins)
Wide receiver Charlie Brown, who earned a Super Bowl XVII ring his rookie season with the Redskins, has lobbied for greater recognition for his college teammates from that 1980 team.
”It was historic,” Brown says of the eight players signing NFL contracts out of one small HBCU school. “Being part of that class is incredibly special. The pride and passion that we enjoyed that year remains with us today, something we can share with our families and friends. It is 44 years since our accomplishment, and it is great to be finally getting the recognition and honor that such an achievement deserves.”
We at NFL Alumni also would like to congratulate that group of eight SC State athletes. Moreover, we are proud of all our brothers from HBCU schools who have made such a meaningful contribution to the growth and success of our great sport.
