JSU ALL-AMERICANS
Blackie Heath
Ray Vinson
1946
Blackie Heath was the first football player to grab All-America honors at Jacksonville State under Coach Don Salls, and he set the precedent for many to follow. Known for his blazing speed, Heath played tailback on the 1946 team and led the team in rushing and total offense.
John Williams
1966
Ray Vinson earned Associated Press All-America honors in 1966 and was one of the most talented players to ever put on a Gamecock uniform. Vinson led Jax State in every offensive department as a freshman and broke records on defense as a senior. He intercepted 13 passes his senior year and, although he wasn’t drafted in the pro draft, he was signed by the San Diego Chargers. The Oxford, Ala., native finished with a total of 15 interceptions at Jacksonville State and his pass interception marks, season and career (16), will probably never be broken.
Jodie Connell 1953
When fans gather at Homecoming or whenever Gamecock football is the subject, the name of Jodie Connell always pops up in the conversation. Jodie, playing with only one arm, mastered everyone who dared line up in front in the 1953 season. He was a first-team Associated Press selection at the guard position.
Al Woodham 1954
Perhaps the fastest halfback to ever carry football at Jacksonville State, Al Woodham erased John Williams’ rushing record of 997 yards with a total of 1,024 yards in 1954. For his efforts, Woodham was chosen for All-American honors and earned the school’s first trip to the Blue-Gray Game in Montgomery, Ala.
Billy Hicks 1955
One of the really outstanding runners in Gamecock football history is All-American Billy Hicks. His finest hour came in the 1955 Refrigerator Bowl in Evansville, Ind., when he helped Jax State whip Rhode Island, 12-10, to give the Gamecocks a 10-1 record. Hicks, a giant of a man (6-2, 245), played a couple of seasons in the Canadian Football League after his career at Jacksonville State.
Terry Harris 1967
Terry Harris, like Ray Vinson, was a versatile player who excelled on both offense and defense, but defense was where he shined the brightest. Harris’ defensive efforts earned him Little All-America recognition from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Terry signed with the San Diego Chargers. Terry held the record for most yards pass receiving (career) for more than 30 years and had 13 interceptions in two seasons. It was Harris’ leadership on defense in 1967 that helped Jax State intercept 23 passes in 10 games.
Jimmy Champion 1970
Jimmy Champion, Jacksonville State’s “champion” blocker at center in 1970 when the Gamecocks went 10-0-0 and won the Orange Blossom Classic, will be ranked as one of the all-time great linemen in JSU history. He was the first player to ever make first-team AP and NAIA All-America at Jacksonville State. His blocking helped the Gamecocks score 35 points per game and average close to 400 yards total offense per game. He was a four-year starter at Jacksonville State.
Bruce Nichols 1971
Bruce Nichols was deserving of Little All-America honors in two seasons but made the selection only once, his senior year. He asked not to be considered his junior year so that several outstanding seniors that year could receive more consideration. A four-year starter, Bruce signed with the Dallas Cowboys following the 1971 season. He was also a two-time all-conference pick. His blocking allowed the Gamecocks to average 34 points per game for two years.
Alan Paseur 1972
Jim Glasgow 1957
HISTORY
At 6-5 and 235 pounds, Glasgow was one of the largest, toughest and fastest tackles in the country, and his fine play earned him All-America honors. Glasgow became the second JSU player to play in the BlueGray Game in Montgomery, Ala., joining Al Woodham.
Bill Nichols
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INTRO
1947
Fullback John Williams, a tough 185-pound bulldozer of a runner, ripped his way for 997 yards to set a new standard in modern times for yards gained at Jacksonville State. The mark stood for seven years until another Gamecock All-America came along to clip the mark. During the 1947 campaign, the Gamecocks knocked off nine-straight foes, blanking five, and it was the fine running and leadership of one John Williams who led the way. John went on to become a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy.
Bill Nichols, a fellow who didn’t resemble a football player until he got the ball because of his size, outran everyone during the 1958 season to earn All-America honors. Nichols became just the second player in JSU history to rush for more than 1,000 yards after gaining 1,051 yards in 1958.
Alan Paseur’s climb to fame at Jacksonville State University is an example of what hard work and dedication can achieve. Not blessed with outstanding ability and seemingly beset with hard luck, Paseur overcame both on his way to Little All-America honors at JSU. Paseur overcame two serious knee operations and worked to support a family of two on his way to LAA honors. Not bad for a guy who weighed 170 pounds in high school and the person whose services were only wanted by the military recruiter. Paseur was named to the NAIA postseason squad.
Boyce Callahan 1973
1958
Boyce Callahan became Jacksonville State’s second Little All-American to make both the Associated Press and NAIA teams. Jimmy Champion (1970) was the other. Callahan, in his four-year career, broke every rushing and scoring record in JSU history. He gained 4,228 yards and scored 40 touchdowns, totaling 240 points. In addition, he set the season rushing record with 1,293 yards and the single-game mark with 275 yards against Florence State.
Calvin Word
Al Carter 1961
1974 • 1975
Arland “Al” Carter picked up his All-American honor in 1961 after leading JSU to a 6-2-1 record. Carter led the Alabama Collegiate Conference in total offense and was named the most valuable back in the ACC. Carter played tailback in the Gamecocks’ single-wing formation.
164
Calvin Word became the only Jacksonville State football player to earn Little All-America honors twice when he made NAIA and Associated Press teams in 1974 and 1975. The 215-pound offensive tackle signed with the Dallas Cowboys following graduation. He won most valuable offensive lineman at Jax State and was voted team captain. JSU’s 1974 team won the Gulf South Conference title.
2012 Gamecocks Football