1956 Little All-America college football team

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The 1956 Little All-America college football team is composed of college football players from small colleges and universities who were selected by the Associated Press (AP) as the best players at each position. For 1956, the AP selected three teams of 11 players each, with no separate defensive platoons. [1]

Contents

Senior back William Rhodes of Western State (Colorado) rushed for 1,200 yards on 130 carries. His total of 327 yards against Adam State set a single-game college football record. His career average of 8.49 yards per carry was the highest in college football history, and his career total of 4,294 rushing yards ranked second best in college football history. [1]

Another senior back, Larry Houdek of Kansas Wesleyan, rushed for 1,432 yards and 19 touchdowns (114 points) on 168 carries. He also passed for two touchdowns. [1]

James "Jimmy" Stehlin of Brandeis University, tallied 1,566 yards of total offense on 1,155 passing yards and 411 rushing yards. [1]

Running back Nate Clark, an African American from Benton Harbor, Michigan, led Hillsdale College to its second consecutive undefeated season and was named to the first team for the second consecutive year.

Others receiving first-team honors for the second consecutive year were end Charles Schultz of Alfred, tackle Vince Vidas of Drexel, and guard Steve Myhra of North Dakota. [1]

First team

PositionPlayerTeam
B James StehlinBrandeis
Nate Clark Hillsdale
Larry HoudekKansas Wesleyan
William RhodesWestern State (CO)
E Charles SchultzAlfred
Milton RobichauxTrinity (TX)
T Don Owens Mississippi Southern
Vincent VidasDrexel
G Steve Myhra North Dakota
Bob MitchellPuget Sound
C William EarpEmory & Henry

Second team

PositionPlayerTeam
B Bill EnglehardtOmaha
Jim Podoley Central Michigan
Al Frazier Florida A&M
Whizzer WhiteWestminster (PA)
E Steve JunkerXavier
James CoxCal Poly
T George KurkerTufts
Ron WarzekaMontana State
G Arden RayLenoir–Rhyne
Charles FroehleSt. John's (MN)
C Hall WhitleyTexas A&I

Third team

PositionPlayerTeam
B Bobby GrishamSam Houston State
Dick Jamieson Bradley
Terry SweeneyMiddle Tennessee
Larry ThomsonAir Force
E George BenedictSpringfield (MA)
Albert HillPenn Military
T Lyle SlaterMillikin
George RiceWofford
G John McMurryWhittier
Wixie RobinsonPepperdine
C Lee GlennSewanee

See also

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The 1970 Little All-America college football team is composed of college football players from small colleges and universities who were selected by the Associated Press (AP) as the best players at each position. For 1970, the AP selected three teams, each team having separate offensive and defensive platoons.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Bob Hoobing (December 6, 1956). "Little All-American Headed By Runners". The Knoxville Journal. p. 15 via Newspapers.com.