University of Arkansas at Monticello Athletics

M. L. Mann was recruited by John Barnhill to play football for the University of Arkansas in 1949 and played for the Razorbacks as a sophomore defensive end in 1950 before being drafted. As part of the 101st Airborne, Mann parachuted into Korea in 1952 and later received a battlefield commission of second lieutenant from General Matthew Ridgway.  For gallantry under fire, Mann received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, and Distinguished Service Cross.

After his discharge in 1954, he enrolled at what was then Arkansas A&M College and lettered two years for Boll Weevil teams that won the first of four consecutive AIC championships. Mann was a two-year starter at tackle in theone-platoon era when players played both ways, earning first team All-AIC honors in 1955 while leading the Weevils to a 7-2 record and the league title.