Jerry Stovall, the former LSU head coach and College Football Hall of Fame halfback who was a unanimous All-American and Heisman Trophy runner-up, died at 85 according to multiple reports Monday, Aug. 31. No cause of death was immediately announced. Stovall was born April 30, 1941, in West Monroe, Louisiana, where he first distinguished himself as a football player at a high school that was only a few years old.
He was the first All-State player in West Monroe High’s early history. Recruited to LSU, Stovall developed into one of the most versatile football players in the school's history. From 1960-62, he played halfback while also contributing as a receiver, punter, returner and defensive back.
Stovall was a first-team All-SEC selection twice, and was named the conference’s most valuable player in 1962. That season he became a unanimous All-American and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting to Oregon State quarterback Terry Baker. His career totals included more than 1,000 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, 452 receiving yards and seven interceptions.
His No. 21 jersey was eventually retired by the program. More news: Longtime Washington State Coach Dies at 85 The St. Louis Cardinals selected Stovall in the first round of the 1963 NFL Draft.
He spent nine seasons with the team (1963-71), playing primarily in the defensive backfield while also punting and contributing on special teams. He was selected to three Pro Bowls and earned All-Pro recognition. Stovall returned to LSU as an assistant coach under Charles McClendon.
In 1980, after newly hired coach Bo Rein died in a plane crash, Stovall was elevated to head coach. He led the Tigers for four seasons, compiling a 22-21-2 record. More news: Former Rams, Vikings, Falcons Quarterback Dies The Tigers' best season under Stovall came in 1982.
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