Lamar University Athletics

The traditional triple-threater, diminutive Sammy Carpenter was heralded as Lamar’s greatest offensive back in its first 50 years of football.

Although only 5-foot-7 and 144 pounds, Carpenter overcame injuries to plunge for 2,703 yards rushing and 198 points in his four-year career. He was All-Lone Star Conference running back in both 1951 and 1952, the opening years of Lamar’s senior college era. Carpenter led the Cardinals in rushing four consecutive years. He had a super campaign in 1952, running for 1,005 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns.

Carpenter’s biggest single game came in 1952 against Sul Ross State when he scored two touchdowns and carried 28 times for 210 yards. He was also a fine passer, a top receiver and a kickoff return specialist. Carpenter also lettered for the Cardinals in baseball and ran on the track team when he found the time.