Former Texas Tech receiver and 2008 College Football Hall of Fame inductee Dave Parks returned to Tech as he was saluted at halftime of the Tech-SMU game Saturday.
Parks is a part of a nationwide event this season where each Football Bowl Subdivision Hall of Fame inductee returns to their respective schools for an appearance. Tech was presented with a commemorative plaque for permanent display and Parks was given an on-campus salute, giving him a chance to be back on the field.
"We had some guys that I hadn't seen in a long time that came back to help me out," Parks said. "That was great."
Parks is entering the 2008 College Football Hall of Fame with players such as Troy Aikman, who played at UCLA, Thurman Thomas, who played at Oklahoma State and Billy Cannon from LSU. Also a part of Parks' class are coaches Lou Holtz and John Cooper.
Playing from 1961-63, Parks is the first Red Raider to be named to The Associated Press' All-America First Team. He also received All-Southwest Conference honors twice, a first at Tech as well. Parks was one of the first to establish numerous receiving records, including receiving yards in a game with 132, career receptions with 80 and career receiving yards with 1,090. During his playing days at Tech, Parks also played defense and punted.
One of Parks most famous accomplishments was being the No. 1 overall pick for the 1964 NFL Draft.
He went on to establish a career in the NFL, playing for the San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints and Houston Oilers. He made three Pro Bowl appearances as a receiver in the NFL.
His best season as a pro was in 1965 with the 49ers. He had 80 catches for 1,344 and 12 touchdowns that season.
Parks said college football has significantly changed since his playing days, making it possible for the program to produce another No. 1 overall pick in the NFL.
"Tech's getting better players all the time," he said. "These kids are so much better than me. They've got great weight training, nutrition, everything. It's a faster game. I love it. I have no problems with what I did. I've got no problems, just big respect for what they do now."
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