Friday's pick at no. 15 on the Top 50 Greatest Football Players in Alcorn history's list is no other than "Ripsaw" himself, Johnny Thomas. Thomas made his way to Lorman a year after his brother Dennis left in 1974 and played for the Braves from 1974 to 1977. He earned the named "Ripsaw" for his tenacious tackles and ability to rip defenders apart once he laid his hands on them.
In his freshman season, Thomas was a part of the Braves 1974 team who won the SWAC and National Black College Championships after helping the Braves compile a 9-2 record.
Thomas made a name for himself in 1976 earning 1st Team All-SWAC honors. He posted 150 tackles that season which was the most tackles in a single season in Alcorn history which he currently holds to this day. He helped the Braves capture the 1976 SWAC Championship with an 8-2 overall record and a 5-1 record in SWAC play. He was very instrumental in helping the Braves defense hold their opponents to just 7.5 points per game. He was also named to the NAIA All-America 1st Team Defense that year.
During his senior season in 1977 he put together another 100-tackle season which earned him a spot on the All-SWAC 1st Team Defense. He was named to the NAIA All-America 2nd Team for his performance that season.
Thomas is one of the few players to play and become the head coach at Alcorn State (1998-2007).
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