Sylvester Croom

Sylvester Croom Jr. (b. September 25, 1954, Tuscaloosa, Alabama) played center for the University of Alabama under head coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. A linebacker and tight end at Tuscaloosa High School — where he earned Outstanding Player honors as a senior in 1971 — Croom settled at center in Tuscaloosa and by 1974 was a senior captain, winner of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, and a Kodak All-American. During his time with the Crimson Tide, Alabama claimed three consecutive SEC championships (1972–1974) and a national title in 1973. He later became head football coach at Mississippi State (2004–2008), the first African American head coach in the SEC.