Below is a short list of former winston salem state football players that were able to showcase there talent beyond the collegiate level. Each of these athletes had major success while playing for the rams and all of thier hard work and skills showed in the NFL as well.
Current head coach at Winston Salem State University, Tory Woodbury was known for His versatility and speed playing the quarterback position as well as special temas. He played for the rams from 1997-2000 Starting all four years of his college carrer having a lot of success.
He holds the rcord for the most passing yards with 4,493 yards and completions with 287. After graduating from winston he signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent (UDFA)in 2001. He played for the New Orleans Saints & Buffalo Bils as well. Woodbury is also a CIAA and WSSU hall of fame inducte.
At Winston Salem State University, Anthony Blaylock made an huge impact on the football field. He was a defensive back and sported the WSSU Letterman from 1984 until 1987. Because of his extraordinary talent, Blaylock was named All-CIAA three consecutive times from 1985 to 1987.
In 1986 and1987, he was the team captain. Due to work ethic and leadership Baylock was picked in the fourth round in the 1988 NFL Draft by the cleavland browns. He palyed in the NFL for six seasons showing off his elite skill and love of the sport.
William Quintin Hayes was one of the top defensive players at Winston-Salem State University, making a big impact on the Rams’ defensive line. He played during a time when the program was transitioning from Division II in the CIAA to Division I in the MEAC, and he elevated his performance to help lead the team through that change in competition.
Over his college career, Hayes recorded 117 total tackles, including 35.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks. In his senior season, he stood out as one of the team’s top performers with 78 tackles and earned All-American honors. He also led the FCS in touchdowns scored on fumble recoveries with four.
At the end of his collegiate carrer William was drafted in thhe 4th round of the 2008 NFL draft. Over his ten year carrer he played for the Titants, Rams, Dolphins and Steelers.
Timmy Newsome was an important player in Winston-Salem State University football program, playing for the Rams from 1976 to 1979. He played a major role in the team’s success during that time, especially during the historic 1977 season when the Rams went undefeated and won the CIAA championship. His performance helped establish WSSU as a dominant team in the conference.
During his college career, Newsome became one of the top running backs in program history. He finished as the second all-time leading rusher for the Rams with 3,843 career rushing yards. His impact on the program was so crucial that he was inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame, for his outstanding accolades and contributions to HBCU football.
After his success at WSSU timmy was drafted in the sixth round of the 1980 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He played nine seasons in the NFL. Throughout his professional career, he recorded over 1,200 rushing yards and scored 30 touchdowns.
Yancey Thigpen played for the Rams from 1987–1990 and was one of the best wide receivers on Winston-Salem State University football team at that time. During his carrer at WSSU, he was known for his speed, and strong hands, making him a big part of the team’s offense. He helped the Rams stay competitive in the CIAA and stood out as one of the best players on the field.
After his college career, Yancey was drafted in the fourth round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers (now the LA Chargers). He also played for the steelers and titans as well. Over his NFL career, he recorded over 5,000 receiving yards and scored 30 touchdowns. Yancey was also a two time pro bowler.