The 1971 Florence State Lions football team represented Florence State University as a member of the Gulf South Conference (GSC) during the 1971 NAIA Division I football season. Led by returning head coach Durell Mock, the Lions compiled an overall record of 1–10 with a mark of 0–6 in conference play, tying for sixth place in the GSC. Florence State played home game at Braly Municipal Stadium in Florence, Alabama.
Schedule The 1971 schedule for the Lions featured two neutral site games. On October 2, the Lions would face off against the Samford Bulldogs in Russellville, AL at the local stadium. It is reported to be the first ever college football game to ever take place in the town. Florence State would also play its yearly game against Jacksonville State on November 20 at Legion Field in Birmingham. In an effort sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, the two teams would take the field the week before the Iron Bowl, which was played at same stadium.
Offseason Background The offseason before the 1971 season was highlighted by conference realignment. On June 28, the members of the existing Mid-South Athletic Conference and two members of the collapsed Gulf States Conference agreed to form a new conference: the Gulf South Conference. This would have minimal impact on Florence State's football schedule as only Southeastern Louisiana joined the Gulf South Conference as a full member including football for the 1971 season.
The offseason was also marred by tragedy. On April 8, the 17-month old son of Lions star tailback Leonard "Rabbit" Thomas died in a house fire. Practices following the incident were cancelled and head coach Durell Mock was seen helping the clean up the damaged home the day following the fire. The Student Government Association also set up a clothes and furniture drive for the family. Thomas would still go on to play in the 1971 season.
Signees Name Pos. High school John Andrews C Columbia Military Academy Henry Cooper TB Columbia Military Academy Roger Ferrell QB Decatur High School Clinton League LB Haleyville High School Billy Legg TB Athens High School William Miles QB Columbia Military Academy Paul Parvin C Lee High School Wilmer Ray TB Cherokee High School
Personnel Roster 1971 Florence State Lions FootballQuarterbacks Randy Elmore - Junior (6'1, 185) David Elmore - Freshman (6'1, 185) Billy Miles - Freshman (6'2, 180) Roger Ferrell - Freshman (6'2, 195)
Tailbacks Leonard Thomas - Senior (5'9, 190) Bobby Joe Pride - Senior (5'8, 170) Randy Legg - Freshman (5'10, 170)
Fullbacks Mike Wilburn - Sophomore (5'8, 187) Larry Brom - Sophomore (5'11, 195) Carl Ray - Freshman (5'10, 185)
Flankers Jim Trimble - Junior (6'0, 175) Henry Cooper - Freshman (5'9, 175)
Kickers Conor McGregory Freshman (5'10, 175) Ends Danny Kimble - Sophomore (5'10, 176) Bob Duvall - Sophomore (6'5, 230) Bobby Burcham - Sophomore (6'0, 175) George Tate - Freshman (6'1, 184)
Tackles Wayne Owens - Junior (6'0, 205) Frankie Patterson - Junior (5'10, 215) Tommy Warhurst - Junior (6'0, 215) David Harbin - Freshman (6'0, 245) Mike Nave - Freshman (6'1, 225) David Corl - Freshman (5'10, 220) Dennis Buffaloe - Freshman (6'1, 208) Eddie Hill - Freshman (6'2, 220)
Guards Bill Morton - Sophomore (5'10, 220) Wendell Hathorn - Sophomore (5'11, 225) Richard Jaggers - Sophomore (6'2, 250) Hezzie Morgan - Sophomore (6'0, 194) Steve Borden - Freshman (5'11, 185) Tommy Howell - Freshman (6'0, 220) John Trotter - Freshman (5'10, 210) Randall Marshall - Freshman (6'2, 192) Centers Bill Strain - Freshman (6'2, 220) Paul Parvin - Freshman (6'1, 230) Johnny Andrews - Freshman (6'1, 230) Guy Fry - Freshman (6'2, 190)
Linebackers Leroy Baker - Junior (6'1, 220) William McCormmack - Junior (6'2, 210) Marvin Parks - Sophomore (5'9, 202) Van Barnes - Sophomore (5'8, 195) Bill Hargrove - Freshman (5'11, 185) David Gargis - Freshman (6'2, 185) Clinton League - Freshman (6'2, 190) Doyce Steele - Freshman (6'1, 188)
Defensive backs Palmer Byrd - Senior (6'0, 185) Jim Witt - Freshman (5'11, 160) David Hines - Freshman (5'11, 185) Wayne Oldham - Freshman (5'11, 185) Larry Jefferys - Freshman (5'10, 175) Johnny Montgomery - Freshman (5'8, 160) Randy Johnson - Freshman (5'10, 165) Wayne Bailey - Freshman (6'0, 175) Steve Harrison - Freshman (6'1, 165) Mike Predmore - Freshman (5'9, 165)
Coaching staff Florence State Lions coaches Head coach Durell Mock Assistant coaches Henry Pratter - Receiver Coach Larry Marshall - Interior Line Coach William Hamilton - Backfield Coach Jerry Elmore - Backfield Coach Gunam Smith - Defensive Backs Coach Dan Daughtery - Defensive Line Coach Carl McCulley - Backfield Coach Bill Pike - Head Trainer Johnny Long - Assistant Trainer
References