Mississippi State All Time Team: Safeties
Nov 23, 2013; Little Rock, AR, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Nickoe Whitley (1) tackles Arkansas Razorbacks running back Bubba Jenkins (30) during the second half at War Memorial Stadium. Mississippi State Bulldogs beat Arkansas Razorbacks 24 – 17. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
We’ve still got about two and a half weeks until college football kicks off. So as we approach the season, why not consider who would be on the All Time team if we were compiling one. The school put their own together last year as they were celebrating the 100th anniversary of Scott Field. I have not taken a look at it recently, nor do I plan to. I want this list to be completely something on my own.
We start on the defensive side of the ball. And on that side of the ball, we will work our way from the back to the front. That means safeties are up first.
Nickoe Whitley
Free Safety
Mississippi State has had numerous great Defensive Backs, but many of them played Cornerback. The safeties haven’t gotten near as much love when it comes to the accolades.
One of the most undervalued players in Bulldog history is Nickoe Whitley. Whitley was a hitting machine, but he was also great in pass coverage. In his four years, Whitley was one interception short of averaging four interceptions a year. He also forced five fumbles in his time as a Bulldog.
Stan Black
Strong Safety
I honestly don’t know if Black was a strong safety or a free safety. He played in the mid 70s, so I’m not too familiar with him. I just know someone who was All SEC twice and an All American at his position needs to be on the list.
Black was certainly productive. He did enough to convince the 49ers to draft him in the 4th round of the 1977 Draft. He played one season for the 49ers.