College career only: Cannon, Casanova, Stovall, Bert Jones, Michael Clayton College plus pro: Casanova, Stovall, Cannon, Jones, Clayton Stovall did finish 2nd in the Heisman voting to Terry Baker, running back from Oregon St. in like '61. History shows Stovall had a much better pro career, probably some sportswriter from the west coast thing. I loved watching Josh Reed, but Clayton seemed like a much more complete player to me (read, BLOCKING). Tommy Casanova was the ONLY person to play both ways after the platoon system came into vogue. I was in Tiger Stadium in 1969 when LSU beat a fine Auburn team, lead by Pat Sullivan (Heisman winner) and Terry Beasley (split end, all american). LSU won 21-20, with LB Bill Thompson blocking an extra point for the win, I think he played along with Mike Anderson and George Bevan (both all americans, but Anderson made it the following season). Casanova played Beasley man to man, and shut him down all day long!!! That against the best passing duo in the country that year. Tommy then made all pro at corner for the Cincinatti Bengals, 3 or 4 years in a row. He played a short pro career, like 5 or 6 years, attending med school in the off season. I think Dr. Casanova practices in his home town of Crowley, La. I don't know Casanova or Stovall, but in different conversations from people who supposedly knew them, they sounded similar athletically. From what I heard, both were nausiatingly GREAT at anything athletically they tried. Racquet Ball, soccer, handball, you name, tidly winks. They would have been all american at anything. I can't put Collins on my list. He had some dominating games, but lacked consistency and longevity. There is a linebacker from the 80's whose name escapes me, but he was a great impact player, closest we ever came to having a Lawrence Taylor type linebacker. He tore up a knee, got drafted by Denver Broncos, played like 6 years, had a solid pro career. Who was that guy, on defense, he'd be one of my picks?
You may be thinking of Micheal Brooks. I think he played in the 80's. I was there in 1962 when Stovall finished 2nd in the Heisman. I say Stovall, Bert Jones, Casonova, or Hodson. I still can't believe that Hodson didn't make an impact in the pros. Best pure passer of all our QB's.
When I think of best players, you have to think of people who revolutionized the game. Pistol Pete changed the way the game of basketball was played. He's one of the top 5 NCAA hoops players of all time.
I'll never forget LaFleur decleating that kicker on the Kennison return. Yea, THE return...the one he took from the 4 yard line, back into the endzone, around the end, and to daylight with one guy to beat. Unfortunately, that one guy was the kicker, who had no idea LaFleur was about to knock him into Zachary.
LaFleur wasn't a two-time All-American, he was only an AA in 1996 by the Walter Camp Foundation. Heck, IMO Brian Kinchen had a better career than LaFleur did.