John Mallory
Weak Safety, (Years played- 1965-1967), Summit, N.J.
At Summit High school, Mallory won honors in football basketball and track. He was ranked 11 th in the nation his sophomore year in punt return with a West Virginia record of 342 yards. Three of these returns were long touch downs. Mallory started the last three games on the 1965 squad and as a result Carlen made him primarily a cornerback. With only three games experience he became an All Southern and honorable mention All American (Associated Press) defensive back his junior year. He ranked among the nation's best punt returners- 34 for 596 yards (17.5 average) and 5 touchdowns. John was considered by Carlen to the best receiver on the team but was more valuable on defense. He also lettered in track and ran the 440 yd and mile relays for the Mountaineer trackmen. For his career at West Virginia John i ntercepting 10 passes and returned 70 punts for 1,049 yards while scoring seven touchdowns. John would then go on to be drafted in the 10th round by the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, he played in all 14 games his rookie season. The next year he was traded to Atlanta , where he became the Falcons' all-time punt return leader. John also played two seasons with the WFL's Houston Texans, recording seven interceptions. John was inducted into the West Virginia University Hall of Fame in 2001, he was also inducted into the School of Physical Education Hall of Fame in 2004.
Courtesy WVU Sports Hall of Fame and Department of Athletics
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Football Facilities at WVU (1960s)
