Jim Roberts (2002) - Marshall Athletics Hall of Fame

Jim Roberts

Induction:
2002
Class:
1940

Paving the way for some of the most potent rushing attacks Marshall has put on the field, center Jim Roberts blocked his way to All-Buckeye Conference and All-America honorable mention in 1939 and again in 1940. A big, powerful man for his time – 6-feet-3 and 205 pounds – the McFarlan, W.Va., native helped Marshall stars like Boot Elkins and Jackie Hunt amass some of the best rushing totals in the nation. During his senior season, Roberts opened the holes for Marshall to rush for a still-standing school record of 576 yards in a 67-0 win over Detroit Tech. When his Marshall career was complete, Roberts was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 1941 NFL Draft, making him Marshall’s highest draft pick, a distinction he would hold until 1965. His NFL career was cut short when he went to serve with the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II. Roberts was inducted into the Marshall Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002.