Rick Cleveland helps pick Mississippi’s all-time greats on offense of the last 50 years or so

An Ole Miss Spirit subscriber threw down a challenge yesterday to the Spirit staff to name an all-time Mississippi football team comprised of players native to our great state that went to one of our colleges to play football.

I wouldn’t need much help if it was a request for an all-time Ole Miss Rebel team, but I really don’t know much about the greats from Mississippi State, Southern Mississippi, Jackson State, Alcorn, Mississippi Valley and so on.

So I called on the big guns – Rick Cleveland, who has been writing sports in this state since 1966 when he was 13 years old, believe it or not.

Rick, as usual, was gracious to help me and full of information for this challenge.

Three caveats, however. One, we did a first team and an honorable mention because this state has produced so many great players, we just felt guilty leaving great players out.

Two, we didn’t go back past when we actually saw them play, hence, the greats prior to 1970 aren’t in this, with my apologies. So this all-time list is basically the last 50 years of Mississippi football.

Three, we did this off the top of two 70-year old brains with no research. Just two “damn-what-was-his-name?” memories.

So, let’s get started.

Quarterback – For both Rick and I, there’s only one – Archie Manning.

But this state has also produced USM’s Reggie Collier, Alcorn’s Steve McNair and USM’s Brett Favre. High cotton for the quarterback position.

Wide Receiver – Rick and I agreed on the top three – Mississippi Valley State’s Jerry Rice, of course, and A.J. Brown and DK Metcalf from Ole Miss.

Rick, however, said we could not have a list of wideouts without including MSU’s Eric Moulds and Jackson State’s Jimmy Smith.

Running Back – Again, agreement with Mr. Cleveland – Jackson State’s Walter Payton and Ole Miss’ Deuce McAllister.

Rick brought up a name I was not familiar with – USM’s Ben Garry, who he said was the “real deal.” I trust his judgment.

Tight End – A no-brainer for both of us – Wesley Walls and Kris Mangum, both Rebels.

Honorable Mention, however, went to Jimmy Giles of Alcorn State who had a good NFL career with Tampa Bay and Rebel Evan Engram, still in the NFL.

Center – Mississippi State’s Ken Hull. We could not think of another in his “class.”

Guards and Tackles – Terrence Metcalf, Todd Wade and Chris Spencer from Ole Miss and Gabe Jackson from MSU, but number one on Rick’s list, and I concur, is Jackie Slater from Jackson State, one of the best ever from anywhere.

We are both sure about one thing – there are other greats we left out, but certainly not intentionally. Thanks to Rick for his immense knowledge and help.

Mississippi’s all-time greats on defense tomorrow.

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