Mystery of Charlie Thornhill’s journey from Roanoke to Michigan State solved

PHOTO: Bob McLelland. NOTE: This story is reposted from Oct. 9, 2014. Nay Thornhill died in 2019. By TOM SHANAHAN William “Nay” Thornhill knew the identity of the Roanoke, Virginia, sportswriter that called Michigan State’s football office in 1962. For years it was a mystery who offered the Spartans a tip on their future legendary linebacker. “Bob McLelland,” said Nay, Charlie’s younger brother, referring to the Times and World sportswriter. The role McLelland played provides additional evidence debunking…

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