Famed QB and Councilman Dies at 93

Tuscaloosa and Alabama are mourning the passing of a legend. Clell Hobson, Sr. plays a unique role in Tuscaloosa history as a famed high school and Bama quarterback who later became a Tuscaloosa City Councilman. Clell was also the father of Butch Hobson who also played quarterback for Alabama but excelled on the baseball diamond leading him to the major leagues. The elder Hobson passed away this morning at the age of 93. He wore the moniker of oldest living former Crimson Tide quarterback well.

Clell was as "down to earth" as a person could be. Few things ever seemed to rattle him, including opposing defenses. He was born in Tuscaloosa and dreamed of playing for the Tide after a great career at the then Tuscaloosa High School. He accomplished that goal playing for Coach Harold "Red" Drew in 1950, 1951, and 1952, lettering each year.  Alabama finished 9-2, 5-6, and 10-2 during Hobson’s career. A time when freshmen were not allowed to play with the varsity.

Hobson had 107 completions for 1,299 yards and 11 touchdowns in his career at Alabama during a time when the running game dominated college football. He also rushed 164 times for 453 yards.

The Tide went 10-2 his senior year and earned an Orange Bowl invitation where they set records defeating Syracuse 61-6. By the way, his backup quarterback went on to be a legend, Bart Star.

After graduating from The Capstone, Clell played five seasons of professional baseball but unlike his son, never made it to the majors. He then returned to Alabama where he became a graduate Assistant Coach on the staff of Paul "Bear" Bryant. That was the steppingstone to a legendary high school coaching career.

Clell won 90 games as head football coach at Bibb County, Aliceville and Bessemer/Jess Lanier high schools.

When he retired Hobson remained active serving as principal at Davis-Emerson Middle School in Cottondale. He then became an associate dean at Shelton State Community College,

Always interested in the success of his hometown, Clell served one term on the Tuscaloosa City Council from 1997-2001.

In 2022, he was one of four grand marshals for the West Alabama Christmas Parade.

A celebration of life will be held on March 29 at Memory Chapel in Tuscaloosa. Exact timing and schedule have not yet been released.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff this weekend in honor or Clell Hobson, Sr.