South Carolina State University Honors 1981 NFL Draft Class

South Carolina State University Athletics marked a historic occasion Saturday evening by honoring a special group of former football players from the 1981 NFL Draft Class. The reception at the campus Fine Arts Center celebrated the largest group of players from an Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to enter the NFL in a single draft. Eight SC State players, including seven in attendance, were recognized for their impressive achievements on the professional level, including appearances in four Super Bowls, three National Football Conference (NFC) Championships, and two Pro Bowls.

Key Takeaways:

• The 1981 SC State NFL Draft Class is the largest group of players from an HBCU to enter the NFL in a single draft, showcasing the institution's rich athletic legacy.
• Eight SC State players were chosen for the professional ranks that year, with five selected via the draft and three through free agency.
• Seven of the eight players in the class are in the South Carolina State University Athletic Hall of Fame, with three in the MEAC Hall of Fame, two in the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame, and one in the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame.
• The honored group includes DT John Alford, OG Edwin Bailey, WR Charlie Brown, DB William Judson, LB Angelo King, RB Chris Ragland, OT Leroy Robinson, and DT Robert Geathers, who was unable to attend the event.
• Each member was presented with a special Bulldog replica designed by artist Rodgers Boykin and received a Resolution from State Representative Wendell Gilliard.
• The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including US House members Jonathan Jackson, James E. Clyburn, and Ro Khanna, as well as SCSU president Alexander Conyers and Bulldog Coach Emeritus Willie Jeffries.

Statistics:

• 8 SC State players were selected in the 1981 NFL Draft.
• 38 years is the combined tenure of the SC State players on NFL rosters.
• 4 Super Bowls is the number of appearances made by SC State players in the NFL.
• 3 National Football Conference (NFC) Championships and 2 American Football Conference (AFC) Championships were earned by SC State players.
• 7 of the 8 players in the class are in the South Carolina State University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Sources:

• "South Carolina State University Honors 1981 NFL Draft Class", [South Carolina State University Athletics](unknown).
• "SC State Honors 1981 NFL Draft Class", [Information not provided in the source].
• The exact information source cannot be provided as it seems to be an internal source without proper attribution and publication information.