Mississippi State Bulldogs: 50 Greatest Athletes in School History

Oct 10, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; A Mississippi State Bulldogs helmet sits on the sideline during the game against the Troy Trojans at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 17 – 45. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

#19 Tom “Shorty” McWilliams (1944-1948)

Tom “Shorty” McWilliams’ career is an example of the players from long ago having their stats buried by players having more games to rack up bigger numbers. His career numbers won’t impress you. Once again, they only played 8 or 9 games back during this era, which lasted from 1944 through 1948 (he played a season with Army, they allowed players to have more than four years of eligibility then). He had 1,808 career rushing yards, over 2,000 less than Dixon. But his accolades are as great as anyone who ever played. He was All SEC every season he played at Mississippi State, and Second Team All American his freshman season. The only two games Mississippi State lost during the freshman season of McWilliams, were two games he did not play in. He deserves a spot on this list. He was one of the best the school has ever had.

Next: Number 18