Hull To Receive Dowsing-Bell Award At Hall Of Fame Gala
September 08, 2022 | Football, Athletics
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State's M-Club Alumni Association has announced that the late Harvey Hull – one of the greatest defensive linemen in MSU history – will be the recipient of the 2022 Dowsing-Bell Award at this year's Hall of Fame Gala.
The Dowsing-Bell Award was created in 2018 in honor of Mississippi State's first African-American student-athletes, Frank Dowsing, Jr., and Robert Bell. The two were teammates on the Bulldog football team from 1969-72. The award honors the most deserving male whose determination and perseverance in overcoming obstacles academically, athletically, or personally, exemplifies their tremendous character.
Hull starred for the Bulldogs from 1973 through 1976, earning All-Southeastern Conference hoors in each of his final three seasons as well as garnering an All-America honor his senior year. The Walnut Grove, Mississippi, native racked up 454 career tackles while wearing the Maroon and White. It's a total that still stands second in Mississippi State history.
Hull rode his success in Starkville to the professional ranks. He was selected in the 10th round of the 1977 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. Unfortunately, Hull's pro career was cut short as he suffered a catastrophic knee injury in a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints.
While Hull was unable to return to the NFL following a grueling year of rehab, he pressed on and headed back to Mississippi State where he got a physical education degree and briefly served as an assistant football coach helping with the defensive line. After his coaching stint at MSU, Hull ultimately landed in Shubuta, Mississippi, where he was employed by the Town of Shubuta.
For all of his achievements, Hull was chosen for the Mississippi State Sports Hall of Fame in 2010, as well as the Bulldogs' All-Decade Team. Hull passed away on February 25 of this year. He was 66 years old.
The 2022 MSU Sports M-Club Hall of Fame Gala is set for Friday evening, September 30, at the Rula Tennis Pavilion. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the program set for 7 p.m.
Active M-Club members can receive discounted tickets to the event by signing in to their Athlete Network portal AT THIS LINK. Non-M-Club members may register to attend AT THIS LINK.
