Louisiana State University

1956  Tigers
(Authentic Reproduction)
 

Dietzel entered his second season by introducing a new helmet design, putting his stamp on the Bengal program. The helmet was changed to a Green Bay gold that featured a white one-inch center stripe and purple three-quarter-inch flanking stripes, a look that has become synonymous and identified with the LSU football program since its unveiling. Baton Rouge H.S. star Jim Taylor had paced the 1954 frosh team from his Single Wing TB spot but spent 1955 at Hinds (MS) CC picking up his grades and getting married. He returned to lead the ’56 Tigers from the fullback position but until he was acclimated to Dietzel’s new offense, the going was slow for the entire team. Taylor scored eight points in the first five games of the season, and then fifty-one in the last five to lead the SEC in scoring. The squad won three of their last four to finish at 3-7 with M.C. Reynolds at QB and Taylor behind him. Tackle Leggett was the force up front and he finished a great college career as an All American. He starred as a DT on the Bears rock-ribbed defenses of the late ‘50’s and early ‘60’s, finished his playing days with the Rams and expansion Saints, then became a beloved NFL defensive line coach, most known for developing Howie Long and the great Raiders D-line of their championship seasons. Very noticeable was the freshmen squad that featured an All Baton Rouge area high school backfield of Warren Rabb (Baton Rouge HS), Billy Cannon (Istrouma HS), and Johnny Robinson (University HS). As Robinson’s father was the LSU tennis coach, it was no surprise that both he and his brother became SEC tennis champions while representing the Tigers.

If interested in any of these LSU helmets please click on the photos below.