Bill Boling (1995) - Southern Miss M-Club Hall of Fame

Bill Boling

Induction:
1995

Bill Boling was an outstanding end for Coach Thad (Pie) Vann’s teams of 1951 through 1954 and although he played in an era in which Southern Miss relied more on the running game rather than a passing attack, he established himself as both an outstanding blocker and clutch receiver during his four year career. During his four-year career Boling played on a conference championship team and two teams that advanced to post-season play.
   Boling joined the Golden Eagles out of Aliceville, Alabama in time for the 1951 season. At 6-4, 204 pounds he made a wonderful target for Southern Miss quarterbacks and those that played with him still talk of his ability to focus and catch the ball in a crowd and of the toughness he exhibited on the football field.
   He battled injuries throughout his career, but it was his toughness and willingness to play hurt, that allowed him to make big contributions and be a part of some of the key victories the school has ever had.
   As a freshman in 1951 he was a valuable reserve at end on both sides of the ball and finished the year third on the team in receiving with eight catches for 124 yards (15.5 average) and two touchdowns. That 1951 team captured the Gulf States Conference Championship and was one of the most productive on offense that the school has ever had, scoring 30 or more points six times. They also advanced to post-season play taking on The College of the Pacific in the Sun Bowl.
   He continued to improve as a sophomore in 1952 but he was slowed by a series of injuries that limited his playing time. Boling caught only five passes that year, but they were good for 90 yards (18.0 average) and two touchdowns. The 1952 team roared to a 10-2 record and again piled up large amounts of yardage on offense by scoring 30 or more points seven times.
   In 1953 Boling missed the first few games with recurrent injuries but came on to make a solid contribution down the stretch on a team that would finish 9-2 and advance again to the Sun Bowl. Boling caught five passes for 79 yards (15.8 average) and a touchdown. He played a big role defensively in a 14-0 win over Georgia in Jackson that season and nearly tackled Bulldog All-American Zeke Bratkowski in the end zone for a safety.
   Boling caught a career high 10 passes as a senior for 115 yards (11.5 average) and two touchdowns as the 1954 team finished 6-4 and was a vital part of the defense as well that year, helping record two shutouts and a 7-2 win over Alabama.
   His final career stats show him with 28 catches for 408 yards (14.6 average) and seven touchdowns. Only ten players have ever caught more touchdown passes and when you consider that 36-percent of the passes he caught were for scores, it’s easy to see why Southern Miss looked to Boling in tight situations.
   Boling was also a standout performer in track at Southern Miss during the 1952, 1953 and 1954 seasons.