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Dave Parks Voted To The College Football Hall Of Fame

By Seth C

Congratulations to Dave Parks, former Red Raider, who was voted into the College Football Hall of Fame today. Parks was a former First Team All-American and the first pick of the 1964 NFL Draft. Parks played for Texas Tech from 1961 through 1963. In 1962 he led the team in receptions with 32 for 399 yards and 1 touchdown and in 1963, he also had 32 receptions for 499 yards and 4 touchdowns. Athletic Director Gerald Myers had this to say about Parks:

"Dave Parks is one of our greatest football players," Texas Tech Director of Athletics Gerald Myers said. "He's been successful at all levels and was one of our early All-Americans. We're proud of the things Dave accomplished in football and we are pleased and excited he's been voted into the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. This is great recognition for Texas Tech and an honor well-deserved for one of our former greats."

Just for reference purposes, the 1961 team went 4-6, the 1962 team struggled mightily, going 1-9, the lone win coming against Colorado, while the 1963 team improved by 4 games with an overall record of 5-5 and a huge win against Texas A&M, 10-0. The reason I mention that victory over the Aggies isn't to gloat yet again, but to draw attention to a particular play, "the catch":

Media and opposing coaches alike watched in awe as Parks dismantled opposing defenses every Saturday. Former Fort Worth Star-Telegram sports writer Jim Trinkle described a play against Texas A&M where "two Aggies were running side-by-side with the brilliant Parks, but he made a diving catch across the goal, did a somersault, and leaped up with the ball high over his head." A TCU coach scouting the game said, "That was the finest catch I've ever seen."

And thanks to YouTube user oglepro, we get to see that catch (and what I believe to be Donny Anderson running roughshod over the Aggies), make sure and stay tuned until the end of the video:

I should also highlight Parks' professional career, which was highlighted by 3 Pro Bowls and being named to the first-team All-Pro team.

Congratulations, obviously an honor well overdue and well deserved.

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