Bob Ward, an undersized lineman for the Maryland Terrapins from 1948-1951 and two-time first team All-America selection, died Friday in Annapolis, MD. He was 77.

Known as the “watchcharm guard” during his days with the Terps, Ward never weighed more than 185 pounds but consistently dominated bigger opponents as both a defensive and offensive lineman. He earned All-America honors at defensive guard in 1950 and captured a second All-America award in 1951 on the offensive line. That 1951 season proved magical for Maryland, as the team upset No. 1ranked Tennessee 28-13 in the Sugar Bowl to cap an undefeated season and capture the school’s first national championship.

Ward was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980, and became the first Maryland football player to have his jersey number retired by the school.

During his four-year career, the Terrapins went a combined 32-7-1, won two bowl games and set the foundation that would lead to a second national championship in 1953.

Born on September 16, 1927, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Ward enlisted as an Army paratrooper before arriving at Maryland in 1948, during the World War II-era when freshman were allowed to play varsity football. After four gritty years with the Terrapins, Ward was an assistant coach with Maryland, Oklahoma, Iowa State and West Point before returning to his alma mater as head coach in 1967 and 1968. Following a brief coaching stint in Canada, Ward opened up a successful liquor store in Annapolis, Md., with his wife, Ellen.