Billy Jackson (2020) - Hall of Fame

Billy Jackson

Induction:
2020
Class:
1983

Billy Jackson, a member of the SEC's 35-sack club, is a player Mississippi State could never forget. Jackson had 17 sacks in 1980, and a whopping 49 career sacks- which still stand as Mississippi State record. He was a player who felt at home in Starkville, and Starkville welcomed him into the family.

Jackson is one of the top defensive lineman and best defensive players in program history. He captured freshman All-America honors in 1980 by the Sporting News, All-America accolades from Sports Magazine in 1981 and was a three-time All-SEC First-Team pick. He racked up 32 of his program-record 49 sacks during his freshman and sophomore seasons and ranks inside MSU's top 10 in tackles for loss (55.0 – 1st) and tackles (360 – 7th). The 49 sacks are second in the SEC history.

Jackson's 17 sacks in 1980 are a program single-season record. He played a vital role in one of the most memorable moments in program history when he recovered a fumble inside the five-yard line with six seconds left to seal the Bulldogs 6-3 victory over No. 1 Alabama ending the Crimson Tide's 28-game winning streak. Jackson also provided a game-clinching sack during a 19-14 Egg Bowl win against Ole Miss.