Avatus Harry Stone (April 21, 1931 – November 2, 2000) was an American gridiron football player.

His best year was playing tailback in 1955 when he won the Jeff Russel Memorial Trophy as best player in the East.

[1] Stone entered Syracuse University in 1949 to become the first black player under Coach Ben Schwartzwalder.

However, instead of entering the league, he signed with the Ottawa Rough Riders of the CFL where he played for three seasons.

[3] He later taught and coached at Phelps Vocational High School before becoming national director of recruiting for minority colleges with the Peace Corps.