The story goes that it did not take long for fullback Sammy Broyles to make an impact at Pearl River College where football was concerned.

The year was 1957. The opening game of the season was against Hinds Junior College. Broyles, who had signed with LSU following an outstanding high school career at Kentwood (La.) High School, was a starter behind quarterback Jimmy Gatwood. It was a rainy night. On Pearl River's first possession, Broyles told Gatwood, "Jimmy, gimme the ball and I'll run for a touchdown." Gatwood told Broyles, "We're on our own 35-yard line." Broyles responded, "Just gimme the ball, and I'll score a touchdown."

Unconvinced, Gatwood caved in, called a fullback play and handed the ball to Broyles, who then ran 65 yards for a touchdown, the first of four touchdowns he scored that night, the second-best in school history as of 2011. He went on to have a stellar season at PRC and was named to the all-state team.

The Wildcats wound up having a successful season, finishing 6-2-1, and Broyles carved his name into the record books.

"Coach (Dobie) Holden was a legend, I know that," said Broyles. "He the only coach I ever had who paid me a compliment for running the football. So I am pretty happy about this honor."

Broyles went on to sign with USM and played on the 1958 USM undefeated team that won the small college national championship. An injury his senior season ended his football career.