Jerry Stovall: LSU Legend and College Football Hall of Famer Passes Away at 85

Jerry Stovall, recognized for his achievements as a former LSU head coach and a distinguished halfback inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, passed away at the age of 85, as reported on Monday, August 31. The specific cause of his death has yet to be disclosed.

Early Life and School Career

Stovall was born on April 30, 1941, in West Monroe, Louisiana. His exceptional abilities as a football player emerged while attending West Monroe High School, a relatively new institution at the time. He holds the honor of being the first All-State player in the school’s history.

College Achievements at LSU

Upon his recruitment to LSU, Stovall established himself as one of the most versatile players in the university’s history. Between 1960 and 1962, he acted as halfback and contributed as a receiver, punter, returner, and defensive back. In the course of his LSU career, he became a first-team All-SEC selection twice and earned the title of the conference’s most valuable player in 1962. That same year, he achieved unanimous All-American status and finished as a runner-up in the Heisman Trophy voting against Oregon State’s quarterback Terry Baker. His career stats at LSU include over 1,000 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, 452 receiving yards, and seven interceptions. His contributions led LSU to retire his No. 21 jersey.

Professional Career with St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals selected Stovall in the first round of the 1963 NFL Draft. He spent nine seasons with the team, primarily playing in the defensive backfield while also punting and joining special teams efforts. His professional performance earned him three Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors.

Coaching Career and Legacy at LSU

Stovall’s relationship with LSU continued when he returned as an assistant coach under Charles McClendon. Following the tragic death of newly appointed coach Bo Rein in a plane crash, Stovall stepped up as head coach in 1980. His leadership extended over four seasons, resulting in a 22-21-2 coaching record. The highlight was the 1982 season when LSU went 8-3-1, qualified for the Orange Bowl, and impelled Stovall to national coach-of-the-year accolades. His tenure concluded after the 1983 season, post a winless conference play.

Legacy and Further Contributions

After his head coaching period, Stovall returned to administrative roles in athletics, serving notably as director of athletics at Louisiana Tech and later heading the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation. His illustrious career culminated in his induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 1981 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

Stovall’s legacy transcends his coaching; he remains one of LSU’s most accomplished athletes, occupying nearly every conceivable role in the sport. His contributions left a lasting impression on the community.