Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Eleven former greats comprise the 2013 induction class for the Black College Football Hall of Fame.
This year's ceremony will be held Feb. 16. The new members from the Hall's fourth class were selected from a list of 35 finalists who had been determined earlier by the Black College Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee comprised of journalists and former football executives from around the country. Past inductees also joined in the vote.
Former players in the class include Elvin Bethea (outside linebacker, North Carolina A&T, 1964-67), Charles "Choo Choo" Brackins (quarterback, Prairie View A&M, 1951-54), Joe Gilliam Jr. (quarterback, Tennessee State, 1968-71), Ken Houston (defensive back, Prairie View A&M, 1964-67) and Charlie Joiner (wide receiver, Grambling State, 1965-68).
Also part of the class are Ed "Too Tall" Jones (defensive line, Tennessee State, 1970-73), Larry Little (offensive line, Bethune-Cookman, 1963-66), Shannon Sharpe (tight end, Savannah State, 1986-89) and Jackie Slater (offensive line, Jackson State, 1973-76).
Former Tennessee State head coach John "Big John" Merritt (1953-83) and long- time commentor for black college football Charlie Neal also are inductees.