M Club Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1974
Dr. Sam Johnson came to West Tennessee State Teachers College in 1927 and immediately became part of coach Zach Curlin’s football squad. The big running back, who was also known as the team’s best blocker, began helping Curlin build a program would become the school’s first undefeated team by the 1929 season. Johnson also handle the duties as the Tutors kicker. In 1929, the WTSTC won the Mississippi Valley Conference championship with a record of 8-0-2. The squad posted wins over Murray State, Arkansas State and even won the first night game ever played by the Tigers, a 12-6 victory over Cumberland College at Hodges Field. A four year letterman, Johnson was voted as captain of the 1930 squad. In the team’s 73-0 win over Arkansas State, Johnson scored five rushing touchdowns and kicked seven extra points. He ended his senior season with a 92-yard touchdown run which gave Memphis a 14-13 win over Tennessee Junior College. Following graduation, Johnson received his master’s degree and his Ph.D. in Education. He would go to work for his alma mater and in later became the Dean of the School of Education at Memphis State.
