Former Mississippi State running back Dontae Walker, whose on-field exploits were eclipsed by off-field troubles that he eventually surmounted, died Saturday. He was 44.
The Clinton native played for the Bulldogs from 1999 until 2002, when he was dismissed from the team after walking off the field during a game. Three years later, Walker was sentenced to 25 years in prison for cocaine and marijuana possession.
He got out of prison in 2009 and began taking classes at Belhaven College in Jackson. He graduated in 2013 with a degree in social services.
“I wanted to cry when they called my name” at graduation, Walker told the Clarion-Ledger at the time. “It’s been a long ride and I have been working hard. I want people to see I am a productive member of society.”
Walker was a highly sought recruit coming out of Clinton High School, where he rushed for 5,153 yards and 76 touchdowns in his career. He made a quick impact at MSU. After rushing for 384 yards and three touchdowns as a freshman, he gained 795 yards and scored nine TDs in 2000. He and Dicenzo Miller made for a formidable 1-2 punch as MSU led the SEC in rushing.
In the 2000 Independence Bowl – a.k.a. the “Snow Bowl” – Walker rushed for 143 yards and three touchdowns as the Bulldogs beat Texas A&M 43-41 in overtime.
Walker’s production fell off a bit the next two seasons, and he finished his career with 1,875 yards and 22 touchdowns.
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