“Big George” or “Rat” as he was popularly known on campus held down the position of center for the Badger football team. Considered on the best lineman ever on The Hill, the two-way player was known for his strength and toughness. Teams found it very difficult to run up the middle with Big George at nose tackle. As a blocker, it was not unusual for Ratterman to take on two or three opponents to open holes for the backs. George served as a pilot during World War I, was shot down over Germany and held captive. After he returned from the war, Ratterman played a season at Georgia Tech and earned All-South honors.