A walk-on from Wharton, Texas, Harrison Stafford went on to become perhaps the toughest football player in UT history.

 

  • The assistant Coach Shorty Alderson reported to head coach Clyde Littlefield, “Clyde, I found you the darndest football player you ever saw. He tore up a couple of dummies and hurt a couple of men. He says his name is Harrison Stafford.”

  • He was known for crushing blocks and devastating tackles.

  • All-Southwest Conference honors three times

  • Named to several All-America teams.

  • Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame

Stafford’s rugged play became known throughout the Southwest. Against TCU in 1932, his block on future Ole Miss Coach Johnny Vaught earned incredible reviews. “The sound of the collision ” wrote the Fort Worth Star-Telegram “could be heard all over the field…Vaught went down as though shot, his headgear jumping half off his head.”

Walk-on Harrison Stafford is in the College Hall of Fame because he excelled as a runner, blocker, and tackler.

 

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The footer below celebrates Horns who have passed away, discusses Horns that have health issues, and for fun, visits the past through photos in a compilation of Longhorn Rings and Things.