Former Mississippi State running back Dontae Walker, a prominent figure in the late 1990s and early 2000s, has passed away, the university announced on Saturday.
Walker, an in-state recruit who joined the Bulldogs in 1999, quickly made an impact as a freshman, recording 384 yards and three touchdowns on 76 carries. His standout season came in 2000, when he rushed for a career-high 795 yards and nine touchdowns.
The following year, he added 548 yards and five touchdowns to his record. However, his college career faltered in 2002, with only 148 yards on 57 carries and five touchdowns before leaving the team after eight games.
Walker’s collegiate career totaled 1,875 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns on 417 carries. At the time of his departure, his 22 career touchdowns ranked among the top five in Mississippi State history.
His most memorable performances include the 2000 Egg Bowl against Ole Miss, where he rushed 14 times for 121 yards and scored three touchdowns. Walker’s career-high game occurred on September 30, 2000, when he ran for 156 yards in a 47-35 victory against Florida.
Despite challenges off the field, including serving four years of a 25-year prison sentence for drug possession, Walker earned his college degree in 2013. His legacy as a standout player remains a significant part of Mississippi State’s football history.
