2007 Inductee

Jim Youngblood

Born and raised in Jonesville, South Carolina, Jim Youngblood is arguably the best football player to ever play for Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville.

After being named all-conference in three high school sports, he was recruited by the Tech Golden Eagles and started all four years at linebacker.

Youngblood received many honors for his college play. He was twice named the Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

He earned the Robert Hill Johnson Award (team MVP) in 1972 and is one of only three players to have his jersey retired (53). Youngblood was named to eight different All-America teams during his career at Tennessee Tech, including six following his senior season. He led the Golden Eagles to the 1972 OVC title, and still ranks as Tech's all-time leader in tackles (476). His records still stand for most tackles in a game, in a season and in a career. He played in four All Star games after his senior year, including the Hula Bowl and the College All-Star game.

In the 1973 NFL draft, Youngblood was the first choice of the Los Angeles Rams. He spent 13 seasons in the league and was named All-Conference, All-NFL and All-Pro. Youngblood led the Rams in tackles for six straight seasons and led the team in pass interceptions in 1979 (7). He had 19 pass interceptions for his career with four being run back for touchdowns. The Rams were in the playoffs eleven of his thirteen seasons and they played in the Super Bowl in 1980. Youngblood, a fan favorite, was named the Miller Beer Man of the Year in 1978 and the Boy Scout's Man of the Year in 1979 and 1980.

Jim Youngblood has been inducted to the South Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and the Tennessee Tech Sports Hall of Fame (1983).

 
Possibly his highest honor to date, he was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996. Jim Youngblood's name is on the ballot for the NFL Hall of Fame. He and his wife, Debbie, make their home in South Carolina.