Oklahoma State University Athletics
In Honor of Black History Month: Looking Back at OSU's First Black All-Americans
February 10, 2022 | Cowboy Football
In recognition of Black History Month, Oklahoma State is taking a look back on the 1973 Cowboy football season that produced the program's first black All-Americans: safety Alvin Brown and linebacker Cleveland Vann.
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A two-time All-Big Eight performer, Cleveland Vann captured All-America honors as a linebacker in 1973 by the Football Writers Association of America, just two years after playing on the offensive side of the ball as a fullback.
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In fact, heading into the 1972 season, Vann was actually the team's leading returning rusher before he switched to middle linebacker during spring practice. The move to defense was a smart one, as Vann racked up 241 tackles in his two seasons on the defensive side of the ball.Â
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He led the team in tackles in both his junior (122) and senior (117) seasons. Vann showcased his skills at the 1973 Blue-Gray Game and the East-West Classic before being drafted in the fifth round by the Miami Dolphins.
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Playing alongside Vann, Alvin Brown didn't play high school football until his junior year, but he covered the field in Oklahoma State secondary with lightning speed in 1972 and 1973. His outstanding 1973 season earned him first-team All-America recognition from Football News as well as all-conference honors.Â
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The Ravenna, Texas, native picked off eight passes that year, tying a school record and leading the Big Eight Conference. Brown also played in the 1973 Hula Bowl.
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Vann and Brown helped pave the way for the future of the program, which has now had a total 34 black players who have have played at least one All-America season.
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A two-time All-Big Eight performer, Cleveland Vann captured All-America honors as a linebacker in 1973 by the Football Writers Association of America, just two years after playing on the offensive side of the ball as a fullback.
Â
In fact, heading into the 1972 season, Vann was actually the team's leading returning rusher before he switched to middle linebacker during spring practice. The move to defense was a smart one, as Vann racked up 241 tackles in his two seasons on the defensive side of the ball.Â
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He led the team in tackles in both his junior (122) and senior (117) seasons. Vann showcased his skills at the 1973 Blue-Gray Game and the East-West Classic before being drafted in the fifth round by the Miami Dolphins.
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Playing alongside Vann, Alvin Brown didn't play high school football until his junior year, but he covered the field in Oklahoma State secondary with lightning speed in 1972 and 1973. His outstanding 1973 season earned him first-team All-America recognition from Football News as well as all-conference honors.Â
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The Ravenna, Texas, native picked off eight passes that year, tying a school record and leading the Big Eight Conference. Brown also played in the 1973 Hula Bowl.
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Vann and Brown helped pave the way for the future of the program, which has now had a total 34 black players who have have played at least one All-America season.
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