winklogo200.png

Aurealius Thomas Ohio State Legendary...

College HOF | Aurealius Thomas Ohio State Legendary Guard and Linebacker

The 1922 Rose Bowl
Celebrate 2 of the top Gridiron Coaches in history in the latest Pigskin Dispatch book

When Greasy Met the Wonder Coach

Greatest Pro Team
Who was the MOST DOMINANT team in Pro Football History? We have the answer in the latest Pigskin Dispatch book

The World's Greatest Pro Gridiron Team

FREE Daily Sports History
You are only seconds away from receiving the Pigpen's Newsletter everyday filled with new items

SUBSCRIBE BY CLICKING _________________________  

College Hall of Fame

Dive into the gridiron greats with this collection of articles exploring the lives and legacies of American college football Hall of Fame players. Each piece delves into the on-field heroics that secured their place in history, from jaw-dropping touchdowns to strategic brilliance. But these articles go beyond the stats, uncovering the personal stories that shaped these legends. You'll discover their journeys from high school prospects to national stars, the challenges they overcame, and the impact they left on the game they loved. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply appreciate sporting excellence, this collection offers a captivating look at the men who forever changed the landscape of college football.

The College Football Hall of Fame is a hall of fame and interactive attraction devoted to college football. The National Football Foundation members select historic players, coaches, and contributors who rose above their peers in collegiate gridiron history to their College Football Hall of Fame. We are happy to help this legendary museum celebrate the stars and innivators of the gridiron with these individual tributes.


Aurealius Thomas Ohio State Legendary Guard and Linebacker

Born on April 6, 1934, in Muskegon, Oklahoma, Aurealius Thomas carved a remarkable football legacy despite being undersized for his position. His career at Ohio State University showcased exceptional talent and determination, leading to individual accolades and a lasting impact on the sport. While he did not pursue a professional playing career, his contributions as a player and coach solidified his place in football history.  

-College Career

Aurealius Thomas was a standout two-way player for the Ohio State Buckeyes, excelling as both a guard on offense and a linebacker on defense. Despite weighing just over 200 pounds, a smaller stature for an interior lineman and middle defender, Thomas compensated with exceptional lateral agility and refined technique. His senior season in 1957 was particularly noteworthy. According to the National Football Foundation, he averaged 52 minutes of playing time per game, demonstrating his vital role on both sides. His ability to outmaneuver larger opponents with his mobility and leverage earned him recognition as an All-American guard in 1957.  

-Football Legacy

While Aurealius Thomas did not play professionally, his impact on football continued after his graduation. He immediately joined the legendary Woody Hayes coaching staff at Ohio State, serving as an assistant coach. His coaching journey then led him to the high school level, where he spent six seasons coaching at East High School in Columbus. His final season at East, in 1964, culminated in an undefeated 9-0 record, highlighting his coaching prowess. Thomas's exceptional collegiate playing career, marked by his two-way dominance and All-American honors, led to his well-deserved induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989, cementing his legacy as a true gridiron talent.  

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-All-American Guard: 1957

-Averaged 52 minutes of playing time per game: 1957  

-Ohio State Assistant Coach: Post-graduation

-East High School Head Coach: Six seasons (culminating in a 9-0 record in 1964)  

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 1989  

Preserving Gridiron History in a New Way!
Enjoy football history with some challenging word puzzle fun

The Pigskin Dispatch Football Word Search

Proud to Support The Professional Football Researchers Association
To learn more about joining the fun in preserving football history go to The Official PFRA Website. _________________________
We have placed some product links on this page. If you purchase by clicking on them, we will get a commission to use to help with operating costs.

Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
We invite you to take a ride through 1920's sports history in the audio drama that takes the listener through the sounds and legendary events of the era through the eyes of a young newspaper journalist. You will feel like you were there! Brought to you by Number 80 Productions and Pigskin Dispatch _________________________

Sports History Network
A Proud Partner in the Headquarters of Sports Yesteryear, SHN. _________________________

Sports Jersey Dispatch
If you like remembering players of the NFL by their numbers then you may also enjoy going uniform number by number in other team sports as well. We have it for you on our other website in baseball, basketball, hockey and more on the Sports Jersey Dispatch. _________________________

Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry
Author Joe Ziemba the master historian of football in Chicago has released another beauty. It is titled Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry. _________________________