WKU Football continued the announcement of its All-Century team on Thursday, adding 12 names to the defensive side of the ball with five more to go on Friday.
One of those Super Dozen players is Logan County High School graduate Joseph Jefferson, who starred as a defensive back and kick returner for Coach Jack Harbaugh before being the third round NFL Draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts. He became a starter on some Colt teams led by Peyton Manning and Coach Tony Dungy.
The WKU program is celebrating the 100th season of Hilltopper Football this fall, and the All-Century team is led by co-head coaches Jimmy Feix, the program’s all-time winningest coach, and Harbaugh, leader of the 2002 National Championship team and 2002 AFCA National Coach of the Year.
All-American defensive back and one of four retired jerseys, Virgil Livers was named the defensive side’s captain, joining offensive lineman Forrest Lamp on the offensive side of the ball in captaincy. The three captains – including Friday’s special team captain - were selected by virtue of their appearance on the highest percentage of ballots received.
Over the spring and early summer, WKU invited fans to vote online and put together their own teams to count for a percentage of the overall voting totals. Simultaneously, other voting groups worked to create their own teams including members of athletic administration, W-Club Hall of Famers, and active W-Club football lettermen.
The defense, to account for variances in defensive schemes used in the program including 4-3, 3-4, and 4-2-5, included four position players from each level of defense: line, linebacker, and backs.
WKU will welcome back and recognize the entire team, where possible, for the home opener for the 2018 season against Maine on Sept. 8, and a number of activities for the team and fans will be announced this fall.
Jefferson js one of only four All-Century defenders to have played in the 21st century. Five members of the All-Century Offense were on NFL rosters last season.
All-Century Team – Defense
Defensive Line – Lawrence Brame (1967-70)
Defensive Line – John Bushong (1971-74)
Defensive Line – Tim Ford (1979-81)
Defensive Line – Quanterus Smith (2009-12)
Linebacker – Sherrod Coates (1999-02)
Linebacker – Paul Gray (1980-83)
Linebacker – Rick Green (1972-75)
Linebacker – Dale Lindsey (1963-64)
Defensive Back – Virgil Livers (1971-74)*
Defensive Back – Jim Burt (1961-64)
Defensive Back – Joseph Jefferson (1998-01)
Defensive Back – Mel Mitchell (1999-01)
All-Century Team – Offense
Quarterback – Brandon Doughty (2013-15)
Running Back – Bobby Rainey (2008-11)
Running Back - Dickie Moore (1965-68)
Tight End – Jack Doyle (2009-12)
Wide Receiver – Taywan Taylor (2013-16)
Wide Receiver – Porter Williams (1970-73)
Wide Receiver – Nicholas Norris (2013-16)
Offensive Line – Forrest Lamp (2013-16)*
Offensive Line – Buster Ashley (2001-04)
Offensive Line – Chris Price (1999-02)
Offensive Line – David Carter (1973-76)
Offensive Line – Jim “Yogi” Hardin (1955-58)