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John Williams, Little All-American in 1947, was the dynamite fullback the Gamecocks needed to post a perfect record (9-0-0). Williams gained 971 yards that year to lead the nation in rushing. A four-year letterman (1947-50), Williams made all-conference three times and played on three bowl teams. The Gamecocks won the Paper Bowl in Pensacola in 1948 and 1949. At the end of his career, Williams had rolled up 1876 yards rushing, a new school record. The ‘47 team is credited by many as start of the Gamecocks’ great football tradition. That club shut out five of nine teams, climaxing the undefeated run by downing Florida State 7-0, in Tallahassee, Florida, and led the nation in rushing defense (494) and scoring defense (38 points). Jax State came close to going undefeated again in 1948. Williams also led that team in rushing with 630 yards as Jacksonville State’s only loss came on a missed extra point. Williams, who graduated from Gadsden High School, had a distinguished career as an officer in the Navy after graduation.
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