Dick Caldwell (1980) - Southern Miss M-Club Hall of Fame

Dick Caldwell

Induction:
1980

   Dick Caldwell was an outstanding two way end for Coach Thad (Pie) Vann on the Southern Miss teams of 1951-53. As a vital part of the those teams Caldwell help lead the Golden Eagles to a 25-9 record during his three year career.
   He is remembered for this toughness and his all out style of play that would wreck havoc among Southern Miss opponents.
   Caldwell arrived at Southern from Columbus (Miss.) Lee High School, where he was the team captain as a senior. After a season with the Southern Miss freshman team Caldwell was ready to burst on the scene. His speed and quickness had already attracted the attention of the coaching staff and his play during spring practice prior to his sophomore year, assured him of seeing lots of playing time in 1951.
   He did see considerable playing time in 1951 and was a valuable part of the Gulf States Conference Championship team. He was utilized as a reserve end behind future Hall of Famers, Bob McKellar and Elmo Lang, but found his niche and also helped out on the special teams.
   That 1951 team was one of the most explosive offensive teams Southern Miss has ever had, scoring 45 touchdowns and 306 points that year. Statistics don’t tell the real story of Caldwell contribution that season. He only made one pass reception for 10 yards, but that one catch was for a touchdown. But he also developed into a fine blocker and helped open holes for Bucky McElroy and company.
   In 1952 Caldwell gained even more playing time, but again his primary role on the team was blocking in the running attack and playing on defense. He in fact made the first interception of his career during the 1952 season and also blocked a punt, proving how valuable he was to the team. That team finished 10-2 that year and went on to play the College of the Pacific in the Sun Bowl.
   The 1952 offense with Caldwell at end is the highest scoring team in Southern Miss history with 402 points that year. They also piled up 4,575 yards in total offense, also a school record.
   In 1953 Caldwell was now a starter and teaming with end Jackson Brumfield, gave Southern Miss one of the best end combos in the South. Caldwell would catch three passes for 33 yards (11.0 average), rush one time for four yards, return two kickoffs for 19 yards, intercept the second pass of his career and block another punt. Defensively that year the team allowed an average of only 155.2 yards a game, third best in school history, and allowed the opponents only 86 first downs.
   The 1953 team went 9-2 and played in the Sun Bowl for a second straight year.
   Caldwell is another player whose greatest can’t be measure by statistics, but his pride and style of play, plus his contributions, make him one of Southern’s best.