51 Pro Football Hall of Famers from small schools

There have been a number of players from small schools that have gone on to careers as Pro Football Hall of Famers.

Cliff Harris

Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

In 1970, the Dallas Cowboys, like every other team, opted not to select safety Cliff Harris during any of the 17 rounds of the annual player draft. However, after watching films of tiny Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, the Cowboys scouting department and coaching staff agreed he was worth a free agent tryout. Harris earned a starter’s berth as a free safety, but his rookie season was interrupted by obligatory military service.   He returned the following year in time for training camp and regained his starter’s role.  It was a role he would not relinquish during his 10-year career.