House Resolution 91

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI, NATIVE KEVIN DENT, UPON HIS ENSHRINEMENT INTO THE 2006 CLASS OF THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME.

WHEREAS, Kevin Dent, a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and standout defensive back for Jackson State University from 1985-1988, was recently enshrined into the 2006 Class of the College Football Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, at Vicksburg High School, Dent showcased his athletic versatility by playing both quarterback and defensive back, starting at quarterback for three seasons and leading his team to a combined 23-9 record; and

WHEREAS, the first Mississippi inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame, who never played professional football, Dent's experience of being a quarterback and knowing the intricacies of the passing game provided him an advantage playing defense; and

WHEREAS, during his sophomore year at Jackson State, Dent tied for the nation's lead in interceptions with 10, taking two back for touchdowns, and was twice named Defensive Player of the Year during his career; and

WHEREAS, a constant interception threat, Dent is the university's only three-time First Team All-America selection (1986-1988), a three-time Sheridan Black College National Defensive Player of the Year, and he led the nation in interceptions in 1986 and currently ranks among the Top 25 in NCAA Division 1-AA history with 21 career picks; and

WHEREAS, a fierce defensive talent, Kevin Dent became the first defensive player and third overall in Jackson State's history to enter the College Football Hall of Fame, joining legends Walter Payton and Willie Richardson; and

WHEREAS, at six feet, two inches, 196 pounds, Dent was the leader of a defense that vaulted the Tigers to three consecutive Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championships and a remarkable 27-1 conference record; and

WHEREAS, a three-time First Team All-Conference selection, he was twice named SWAC Defensive Player of the Year; and

WHEREAS, a two-time Mississippi Sports Writers All-Mississippi Team selection, Dent currently ranks fourth all-time at Jackson State in single-season interceptions, with 11 interceptions in 1988; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the accomplishments and success of such a remarkable Mississippi athlete as Kevin Dent, whose athletic career remains forever etched in sports history throughout the state, region and nation:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Kevin Dent upon his recent enshrinement into the 2006 Class of the College Football Hall of Fame and extend warmest wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Kevin Dent, Jackson State University, Vicksburg High School and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.