Playing Career
Fuller grew up in Nederland, Texas, where he attended high school and played football for Bum Phillips. Despite weighing only 135 pounds (61 kg), Fuller displayed extraordinary talent and tenaciousness as a defensive back. As a senior in high school, Fuller lived with the Phillips family, after his father was shot in a bar and his mother left town.
Because of his size, Fuller was not recruited by any college, but Phillips recommended him to Floyd Wagstaff, head coach at Tyler Junior College. Fuller was awarded a scholarship and immediately became the team's most valuable player. He was named All-Texas Junior College and NJCAA All-American.
Bum Phillips later recommended Fuller again to an acquainted colleague, this time Alabama Crimson Tide coach Bear Bryant. In his first year, Fuller made the All-Southeast Conference team at safety, and during his senior year he made the all-star team on both offense and defense and served as team captain. He played in the North/South All-Star Game and the Senior Bowl All-Star at Alabama.
Read more about this topic: Leon Fuller
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