From SCSU Athletic Communications

ORANGEBURG, SC - Former SC State defensive standout Harry Carson, one of the most distinguished football players to wear a Bulldog uniform, will join an elite cast of gridiron greats Saturday when he is presented the Walter Camp Football Foundation's 2011 "Man of the Year" award at Yale University.Carson at NFL Hall of Fame Induction
NFL Photo

Carson, who earned All-MEAC and All-America honors during an outstanding career (1972-75) at SC State, joins a distinguished list of former honorees, including Roger Staubach (Navy), Gayle Sayers (Kansas), Dick Butkus (Illinois), John Elway (Stanford), Willie Davis (Grambling), Mel Blount (Southern) and Jake Gaither (Florida A&M).

The Walter Camp "Man of the Year" award honors an individual who has been closely associated with the game of football as a player, coach or close attendant to the game. He must have attained a measure of success and been a leader in his chosen profession. He must have contributed to the public service for the benefit of his community, country and his fellow man. He must have an impeccable reputation for integrity and must be dedicated to our American Heritage and the philosophy of Walter Camp, according to the foundation.

"Harry Carson was a leader on the football field, but his passion and devotion for the game of football and those who played it clearly represents the life of Walter Camp and makes him a worthy recipient of the Man of the Year Award," said Foundation president John Marks upon making the announcement last December.

A Florence, SC native, Carson was named MEAC Defensive Player of the Year twice during his SC State career and earned All-American honors. He is enshrined in the SC State Athletic Hall of Fame and a member of the Bulldog Centennial (1907-2007) Football Team.

He was drafted in the fourth round of the 1976 NFL Draft by the New York Giants and went on to a 13-year career in New York, where he served 10 years as captain. He was an All-NFL pick seven times and made nine Pro Bowl Appearances. He capped his career by helping the Giants to the Super Bowl XXI title and being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Bulldog standout is also enshrined in the MEAC, South Carolina Athletic, College Football and Division II Football halls of fame. He is scheduled to be inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta next month (Feb. 18, 2012).