Roland Loper (1967) - Southern Miss M-Club Hall of Fame

Roland Loper

Induction:
1967

Roland Loper was an outstanding two way tackle for Southern Miss in the era just prior to World War II and just after the war. One of the things that made Loper so special was the fact that despite the fact that nearly seven years passed between the time he first played for the school and the final time, he was as good, maybe even better the second time around.
   Although Loper would miss perhaps the prime years of his college football career, he still ranks among the finest tackles that the school has ever produced. With enough size and strength to fight off and defeat even the biggest defender, and the speed and quickness to cause them all kinds of problems, Loper was one of the key ingredients on a couple of outstanding teams.
   When Loper first came to Southern Miss in 1940, war clouds were already beginning to form over Europe, but that was the farthest thing from the mind of a young football player who was intent on making the starting lineup or at least securing a great deal of playing time. The playing time and an occasional starting assignment would come to Loper during the 1940 season, when on a team laced with veterans, he immediately became one of the biggest contributors.
   The 1940 team at Southern Miss was coached by Reed Green and he led them to a 7-4 record that season. It was a well balanced team that was productive on offense and very aggressive on defense.
   The 1940 offense with Loper lending a hand up front blocking scored over 20 points four times that year, including a 41-0 win over Delta State, a 38-6 win over Spring Hill and a 25-0 win over Troy State.
   On defense they had two shutouts, but held four other opponents to a single touchdown. Loper had his share of tackles on that defense, with his specialty, pressuring the quarterback.
   Loper would leave after the 1940 to serve in the military during World War II and would not return to Southern Miss until the 1947 season. Green eagerly welcomed back the tackle, who was tough enough before the war, but now was a veteran not only of football, but of war.
   The 1947 team with Loper a full fledged starter and leader would post a 7-3 record that included a thrilling 19-13 win over Auburn, the first of the school’s big wins.
   Loper would emerge that season as one of the best tackles in the South and his fiery style of play, competitive spirit and leadership skills made him a fan favorite as well.
   Although statistics weren’t kept immediately after the war, especially on the defensive side, there is little doubt, that Loper would have ranked among the team leaders in tackles and big plays that season.
   A great leader, talented football player and a favorite, Loper deserves to sit among the greats at Southern Miss in the Sports Hall of Fame.