The Mangum family are a dynastic Southern football family in the vein of the Mannings, the Goodes and Tennessee’s puntin’ Colquitts. We know the sons — John, Kris and Jake — however, the legacy began with Big John Mangum, a stalwart defensive tackle on Southern Miss teams that led the nation in defense in the mid-60s. As good as Pops was with the Golden Eagles, John was even better in Alabama’s defensive backfield. This was my favorite player as a kid.
A Ray Perkins recruit, John Mangum came to Alabama from Magee, Mississippi in 1986. The 5’10”, 179-pound corner was far more physical and athletic than his size would indicate, and John was able to work his way onto the field as a freshman, playing in all 12 games and notching an interception.