Coming in today on Alcorn Athletics' 28 Days of Black History is former Alcorn State player and coach, Jack Spinks. Spinks played fullback for the Braves from 1950 to 1953.
Spinks came on the scene in 1950 and immediately made an impact in the Braves backfield. He led the Braves in rushing yards by accumulating over 1,000 yards that season. Behind Spinks, the Braves won the SCAC Championship in 1950 and 1951 with records of 8-2 and 8-3. He also earned All-SCAC honors in both seasons.
During his junior season, Spinks, once again, led the Braves in rushing yards. He gained over 1,000 yards and helped the Braves capture their 4th SCAC title in school history.
In 1954, Spinks became the first African-American player in the state of Mississippi and in Alcorn's history to be drafted in the NFL. He was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Spinks played and later coached for the Braves. He was also one of the few players to win a championship as a player and coach. In honor of Spinks, Alcorn State University named the Braves present football stadium after him (Jack Spinks Stadium) in 1992 and later added legendary coach Marino Casem's name in 2011 (Jack Spinks-Marino Casem Stadium).
