The 10 Greatest Players in Towson Football History
The 10 Greatest Players in Towson Football History
Since the program’s first season in 1969, Towson football has produced All-Americans, NFL Pro Bowlers, Super Bowl champions, Walter Payton Award winners, and one of the greatest punters in NFL history. The Tigers have also built a proud tradition at the FCS level, highlighted by a memorable run to the 2013 FCS National Championship Game.
Ranking the greatest players in program history is not simply about NFL success. It is about impact, championships, records, awards, and the legacy each player left on Towson football.
With that in mind, here are the 10 greatest players to ever wear the black and gold.
1. Terrance West, Running Back (2011-13)
No player has had a greater impact on Towson football than Terrance West.
West arrived in Towson as an overlooked recruit and left as one of the greatest running backs in FCS history. During his three-year career, West rushed for 4,854 yards and 84 touchdowns while leading the Tigers to the greatest season in school history.
His 2013 campaign remains legendary. West rushed for 2,509 yards and 41 touchdowns, helping Towson reach the FCS National Championship Game. The 41 rushing touchdowns established an FCS single-season record.
West won the Jerry Rice Award as the nation’s top freshman and finished as a Walter Payton Award finalist. His name remains all over the Towson record book.
Career Statistics
- 4,854 rushing yards
- 84 rushing touchdowns
- 6.1 yards per carry
- 2013 FCS Championship Game appearance
- Jerry Rice Award winner
NFL Career
West spent time with Cleveland, Tennessee, Baltimore, Kansas City, and New Orleans while rushing for more than 2,000 career NFL yards.
2. Grant Enders, Quarterback (2010-13)
No quarterback has meant more to Towson football than Grant Enders.
While West received much of the national attention during the Tigers’ magical 2013 season, Enders was the player who orchestrated the offense and led the program to the biggest wins in school history.
Enders guided Towson to a 13-3 record and a berth in the FCS National Championship Game. Along the way, the Tigers defeated Eastern Illinois, Fordham, and Eastern Washington in the playoffs.
The Baltimore native was named CAA Offensive Player of the Year and earned All-American recognition. His leadership and toughness helped transform Towson from a competitive program into a national contender.
Career Statistics
- More than 7,000 passing yards
- More than 60 touchdown passes
- CAA Offensive Player of the Year
- FCS All-American
- FCS National Championship Game quarterback
Simply put, no quarterback in school history accomplished more.
3. Jermon Bushrod, Offensive Tackle (2003-06)
Bushrod is the greatest offensive lineman in Towson history.
A dominant tackle during his collegiate career, Bushrod developed into one of the NFL’s premier offensive linemen after being selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft.
Bushrod became Drew Brees’ blind-side protector and started for the Saints during their Super Bowl XLIV championship season. His NFL résumé remains one of the most impressive ever produced by a Towson athlete.
NFL Accomplishments
- Super Bowl champion
- Two-time Pro Bowl selection
- 145 NFL games
- 128 starts
- Twelve-year NFL career
Few Tigers have represented the university better at the professional level.
4. Sean Landeta, Punter/Kicker (1979-82)
Landeta remains the most decorated professional player in Towson football history.
Before becoming an NFL legend, Landeta was a dominant specialist for the Tigers. He led the nation in punting and established himself as one of the top kickers in college football.
NFL Accomplishments
- 22 NFL seasons
- Two Super Bowl championships
- Two Pro Bowls
- Three First-Team All-Pro selections
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
His longevity alone is remarkable. His accolades are nearly unmatched.
5. Dave Meggett, Running Back/Return Specialist (1987-88)
Meggett may have been the most exciting player in Towson football history.
The Walter Payton Award winner could score from anywhere on the field. Whether returning kicks, catching passes, or carrying the football, Meggett consistently produced game-changing plays.
Career Highlights
- Walter Payton Award winner
- FCS All-American
- Dynamic return specialist
NFL Career
- Two Pro Bowls
- Two All-Pro selections
- Super Bowl champion
- Ten NFL seasons
6. Tony Vinson, Running Back (1992-93)
Vinson’s two-year run remains one of the greatest stretches ever by a Tiger.
His 364-yard rushing performance against Bucknell was among the most impressive individual games in FCS history.
Career Statistics
- 3,058 rushing yards
- 29 touchdowns
- Six 200-yard games
7. Jordan Dangerfield, Safety (2010-12)
Dangerfield was the leader of Towson’s defense during the most successful era in program history.
The hard-hitting safety earned All-American honors and later carved out a lengthy NFL career with Pittsburgh.
Career Highlights
- FCS All-American
- All-CAA selection
- NFL veteran
8. Brian Bradford, Linebacker (2004-07)
Bradford remains one of the best defensive players ever to wear a Towson uniform.
His 149 tackles in 2007 ranked among the nation’s leaders and earned him consensus All-American honors.
Career Highlights
- 149 tackles in 2007
- Consensus All-American
- Defensive cornerstone
9. Marcus Lee, Wide Receiver (2005-08)
Lee rewrote the school’s receiving record book.
The reliable receiver caught at least one pass in every game of his collegiate career and remains one of the greatest pass catchers in program history.
Career Statistics
- 225 receptions
- 2,389 receiving yards
- 13 touchdowns
10. Dan Crowley, Quarterback (1992-95)
Before Grant Enders, Crowley was the standard for Towson quarterbacks.
Crowley helped elevate the program during the 1990s and finished his career among the school’s all-time leaders in passing statistics.
Career Highlights
- School-record passing numbers
- Multi-year starter
- Towson Hall of Fame member
Honorable Mentions
- Darius Victor
- Tom Flacco
- Tye Smith
- Joe Lee
- Jabari Garrett
- Stan Eisenhooth
- P.D. Moore
- Andre Dorsey
Final Ranking
- Terrance West
- Grant Enders
- Jermon Bushrod
- Sean Landeta
- Dave Meggett
- Tony Vinson
- Jordan Dangerfield
- Brian Bradford
- Marcus Lee
- Dan Crowley
Towson Football Mount Rushmore
If only four players could represent Towson football history, the selections would be:
- Terrance West
- Grant Enders
- Jermon Bushrod
- Sean Landeta
West was the greatest player. Enders led the greatest team. Bushrod enjoyed one of the finest NFL careers ever by a Tiger. Landeta became one of the greatest punters in football history.
Together, those four players define the legacy of Towson football.
