Marion Reeves was Clemson’s first African-American football player. He came to Clemson in 1970 from Irmo, SC.
Freshmen were not eligible in those days, but it did not long for him to make a major contribution on the field. As a sophomore, Reeves came off the bench to record two interceptions from his defensive back position in a 17-7 win over rival South Carolina in Columbia.
Reeves was a starter the first seven games of his senior year in 1973 before an injury ended his career.
After earning his Clemson degree, Reeves played one year in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles, then a couple of seasons in the CFL.
Reeves began a career in textiles when his playing days ended. He worked for several companies in Georgia and South Carolina, then left the textile industry to open his own masonry business back in his hometown.
Several years later, he answered a higher calling by becoming a pastor.
