Jackson Free Press

In 1976, Roy Coleman became the first black high-school quarterback to receive a scholarship at the University of Mississippi. When he signed with Ole Miss, Coleman mentally and physically prepared himself for the challenges he knew he would face by signing with a school that rallied under the rebel flag. Coleman became a true pioneer and broke down many barriers for black youth in collegiate sports in Mississippi.

Before college, Coleman led the Jackson Callaway High School Chargers to an undefeated season and a state championship win during the 1975-76 school year. No other metro Jackson high-school football team that has gone undefeated and won a state championship in the state since. During his senior year, Coleman became the Mississippi Player of the Year and shared co-honors as the state's Most Valuable Player.

In his freshman year at Ole Miss, Coleman played on the junior varsity team as a quarterback, said Jack Carlisle, who coached Coleman. Moved to the varsity team as a sophomore, Carlisle asked Coleman to play as a wide receiver for one season, which he did. Coleman moved back into the quarterback spot during his junior and senior years.

Carlisle recalled Coleman as "one of my favorite kids," adding that he was a good sport as well as a "tremendous athlete." He played the position of wide receiver to the best of his ability with a great attitude. "Anything to help the team," Coleman responded when Carlisle asked him to take the wide receiver spot. For that, Coleman gained perpetual respect.

Coleman went on to receive his college degree from Ole Miss. After his college career ended, Coleman became a firefighter.

Coleman died of natural causes Tuesday, Feb. 5. Born in Jackson, Coleman was living in Memphis, Tenn. at the time of his death. Coleman was divorced and is survived by three daughters, Kristen, 23; Keeley, 15; and Katie, 14; and a son, Joshua, 21. He is also survived by his mother, Marva Coleman, a brother, Glen Coleman, and a sister, Shelia Wilkerson. Memorial services are still being planned.

Jerome Gentry is the author of "Mississippi's Uncovered Glory: True Football & Life in Mississippi During the Mid 1970s."

UPDATED: Feb. 25 to correct the author's statements that Coleman did not play as a quarterback for Ole Miss.