In 2001, running back Charles Anthony arrived on the Tennessee State campus and promptly rushed for 812 yards to lead the Tigers. The stellar freshman campaign was a sign of things to come and Anthony left as the school's all-time leading rusher.

Anthony increased his rushing totals every year including his senior season when he rushed for a school-record 1,739 yards. He finished his career with 5,057 yards- breaking the old record by over 2,000 yards.

The Tigers relied on Anthony to get the offense going, and even gave him a record 38 carries in a 35-10 victory at Murray State during his junior campaign. Those 38 carries were just part of the 322 rushing attempts that season- a record that still stands today.

TSU kept feeding Anthony the ball, and he kept producing. He had 14 rushing touchdowns as a senior and has the second-most rushing career touchdowns in TSU history with 41. 

He was a four-time season rushing leader and amassed 25 games with over 100 yards- three of which went for over 200 yards. One of those 200-yard games was on Oct. 23, 2004 when Anthony rushed for a school-record 285 yards against Samford.

He led the OVC in rushing yards in 2003 and 2004 and was named OVC Offensive Player of the Week seven times during his career. 

Anthony's gaudy numbers earned him national recognition. He was chosen as a two time All-American by five different publications, including the associated press. The OVC also recognized Anthony's accomplishments and selected him to both its preseason and regular season all-conference teams.

To cap off a fantastic career, Anthony was named the Football OVC Offensive Player of the Year as well as the OVC Male Athlete of the Year, across all sports. 

Several running backs have suited up for Big Blue since Anthony left, but not one has ever been able to match his incredible production.

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