SC State Bulldog legacy and lore on display during 1981 NFL Class tribute
Eight players made it to the professional ranks that year, five through the draft and three via free agency.
The honorees were members of South Carolina State’s historic 1981 NFL Class, the largest group ever from the university and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, to enter the National Football League in a single year.
Eight players made it to the professional ranks that year, five through the draft and three via free agency — a remarkable achievement for a small HBCU, historically Black college or university.
Together, these Bulldogs spent a combined 38 years on NFL rosters, racking up notable accomplishments:
- Four Super Bowl appearances.
- Three NFC and three AFC Championship appearances.
- Two Pro Bowl selections.
Their impact continues to resonate. Seven of the eight players are enshrined in the SC State Athletic Hall of Fame. Additional honors include:
- Three inducted into the MEAC Hall of Fame.
- Two in the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame.
- One in the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame.
Seven of the eight returned to campus for Saturday’s tribute, where they were recognized with resolutions from the South Carolina House of Representatives and commemorative gifts from the SC State Bulldog Former Athletes Association (SCSBFAA).
1981 NFL Class Honorees in Attendance
- 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, was unable to attend. His honors were accepted on his behalf by SC State Coach Emeritus Willie Jeffries.
Each honoree received a State House of Representatives resolution from Rep. Wendell Gilliard, District 111, Charleston, and a custom Bulldog replica by renowned artist and SC State alumnus Rodgers Boykin, presented by SC State Bulldogs Former Athletes Association Vice President Micheal Summers.
Also extending tributes were:
- SC 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.
- SC State Board of Trustees Chairman Douglas D. Gantt.
- SC State President Alexander Conyers.
- Jeffries, who was head coach when the players first arrived at SC 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.
Veteran broadcaster and former SC State sports information director Bill Hamilton served as master of ceremonies, recounting the group’s NFL milestones before a crowd that included family members, former teammates and friends.