LSU lost one of its own Monday when Jerry Stovall, the former Tigers All-American and head coach, died at 85.
Reports confirmed the news across Louisiana as fans and former teammates began sharing memories of a man who wore purple and gold as a player, assistant and head coach.
Stovall grew up in West Monroe and arrived at LSU in time to play three seasons from 1960 to 1962. He quickly earned the nickname “Mr. Everything” because he lined up just about everywhere.
He ran the ball as a halfback, covered receivers as a defensive back, returned kicks and punts, and even handled the punting duties himself.
His senior year in 1962 still stands out. Stovall was a unanimous All-American and was named the Southeastern Conference’s Most Valuable Player. He finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting that season, coming in behind Oregon State quarterback Terry Baker.
A year earlier he had helped LSU win the SEC championship.
By the time he left Baton Rouge as a player, Stovall had rushed for more than 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns. He added 452 receiving yards and one more score.
He also intercepted seven passes and averaged 42.1 yards per punt in 1962.
LSU retired his No. 21 jersey in 2018. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 1981.
The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame posted a statement that captured how many people here feel: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Jerry Stovall following his passing. ‘Mr. Everything’ left an unforgettable legacy at LSU as a consensus All-American, Heisman Trophy runner-up, 3x All-SEC selection and head coach. Rest in peace, Coach Stovall.”
The St. Louis Cardinals made him the No. 2 overall pick in the 1963 NFL Draft. He switched to safety and spent nine seasons with the team, earning three Pro Bowl nods and All-Pro honors.
After his playing days, Stovall got into coaching and eventually came back to LSU as an assistant under Charles McClendon.
When newly hired head coach Bo Rein died in a plane crash before the 1980 season, the university turned to Stovall to lead the program.
He coached the Tigers for four seasons and finished 22-21-2. His best year was 1982, when LSU went 8-3-1, beat several ranked teams and reached the Orange Bowl.
Nebraska, then ranked No. 3, edged No. 13 LSU in that game to finish 12-1. Stovall was named Walter Camp Football Foundation Coach of the Year for the effort.
He later left the sidelines and became athletic director at Louisiana Tech starting in 1990. In the years after that he returned to Baton Rouge and served as president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation, staying involved in local sports and community work until the end.
