Greenville’s Wilbert Montgomery arrived at Jackson State in 1973 to find the running back position overcrowded with stars. Walter Payton was a sophomore. Eddie Payton was a senior. Joe Lowery, Rickey Young and Rickey Young were also vying to get playing time. As we all know Montgomery would become an NFL superstar. It can be argued that Jackson State’s running backs were as good as any American team, NFL included. Montgomery was only a short-term student at Jackson State. He moved to Abilene Christian, almost 600 miles west. Many believed Montgomery was transferred due to all the running back competition. We now know the truth 46 years later, as Montgomery is inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. Montgomery stated that “we had a lot great backs at Jackson State, but I wasn’t afraid of the competition.” “I was just playing safety. Walter hurt me and I was forced to switch to offense. “That’s why I transferred.” It turned out that Montgomery could not hide his running abilities at Abilene Christian. Montgomery’s time at Texas school on defense was short. The coaches at Abilene Christian weren’t stupid. They placed Montgomery at running back, and gave him the ball. He scored 37 touchdowns as a freshman and led the Wildcats to a NAIA national title. Montgomery ran for over 3,000 yards before his college career was over. He also had a record of 76 touchdowns, which is an all-time college record. He was inducted into College Football Hall of Fame along with Walter Payton who was his only teammate. Montgomery and Payton were Pro Bowl teammates in NFL until Payton’s passing. Montgomery stated that Walter and he talked all the time. Montgomery said, “He was a great friend. He tried to convince me once to marry his sister. Montgomery had a great NFL career, including two first-team All-Pro selections. In seven seasons with Philadelphia Eagles, he rushed for 6,538 yard. In 1979, he rushed for 1,512 yards, a record. Montgomery, at 5’10” and just under 200 lbs, ran with great power and speed. Montgomery was one of those rare backs who could run between tackles and around the end. Walter Payton was his friend and he took as much pain as possible. He was also a threat to receivers, catching 273 passes and 2,502 yards for his career. He was also a great punt returner and kickoff returner. He was a professional football player and scored 58 touchdowns. This is enough to be inducted into the Philadelphia Eagle Hall of Fame just two years after his retirement as a player. Montgomery also shares a rare trait with Walter Payton. Both were punters early in their careers. Montgomery was a great player at Greenville High. He played football for Gary Dempsey. Montgomery was a star on defense and offense. He also won medals in track. Montgomery punted for Dempsey. Montgomery loved punting. Montgomery loved punting so much that he requested a trip to Southern Miss when he was being recruited by colleges. Montgomery stated that he had heard a lot about Ray Guy. Montgomery said, “I heard about Ray Guy’s punts going over the stadium lights and I wanted to see it myself.” Guy was safe and I was too. Guy punted, and so did I. Coach Dempsey asked me if I would like to see Ray Guy. He said that I wanted to be in the very top row. Yes, I did. His punts were way higher than mine.” As a professional, Montgomery had to catch Guy’s punts and return them, even once in the Super Bowl. Montgomery stated, “Man, it seems like the ball is high up in the clouds.” You are looking up trying to find it, and you are also looking up at the sun. The officials will consider you a fair catch and won’t allow you to use your hands as shields. “Eventually, you find it. It’s a little dark speck high up in the sky. Then it takes forever for it to come down.” Meanwhile, an army of strong, large opponents is coming at you with fire in its eyes. Montgomery stated, “You can’t imagine how difficult that was.” Montgomery succeeded in the football task, as was almost always the case. He now joins Guy and Payton in the sports hall of fame of his home state. *** Wednesday’s guest: Roy Oswalt, one of the best pitchers in baseball.