Mississippi State Bulldogs: 50 Greatest Athletes in School History

Nov 14, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Fans tailgate before the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Alabama won 31-6. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

#31 Jackie Parker, Football Quarterback (1952-1953)

An electrifying athlete in the early 1950s, he was an All-American in ’53. He held the record for total touchdowns in a game (six vs. Auburn 1952) until Dak Prescott had seven vs. Arkansas in 2015. He is in the top 10 in rushing touchdowns, touchdowns responsible for, yards per pass attempt, passing efficiency and holds the record for most points responsible for in a single season (168). He is also the only QB in school history to have a perfect 100% completion percentage when he did so against Ole Miss in 1953. Not only was Parker a dynamic quarterback, but he led MSU in punt and kickoff returns in both of his years in Starkville and led the team in interceptions in ’53. He is one of five in the MSU ring of honor and is a member of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. Unfortunately he was unable to lead MSU any bowl games. The 1952 season ended 5-4 and 1953 ended 5-2-3.

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