Mississippi State announces death of former RB Dontae Walker

Former Mississippi State running back Dontae Walker has died, the University announced on Saturday. Walker played for the Bulldogs from 1999-2002, finishing his career with 1,875 rushing yards.

Walker ranks ninth all-time in rushing touchdowns touchdowns at Mississippi State with 22. He finished his career with 417 carries for 1,875 yards.

Walker’s best season came in 2000 when he reached the 100-yard rushing mark six times. That includes a streak of three straight 100-yard games, which is tied for the seventh-best stretch in Mississippi State history. He finished his career with eight 100-yard rushing games.

Prior to signing with Mississippi State, Dontae Walker was named Mr. Football in the state of Mississippi. During his high school career he rushed for 5,153 yards and 76 touchdowns.

Walker had an up-and-down career at Mississippi State before leaving the school without his degree. He was arrested in 2005 for cocaine and marijuana but later turned his life around.

According to USA Today High School Sports, Dontae Walker earned his bachelor of science degree in social services from Belhaven University in 2013. He spoke with USA Today at the time about earning his degree.

“Man, this is a big day for me,” Walker said. “I wanted to cry when they called my name. It’s been a long ride and I have been working hard. I want people to see I am a productive member of society. A lot of people thought I wasn’t ever going to do it. I had to prove to myself and to my family and my Mississippi State fans that I could do it.”

Walker told USA Today that he would have liked to have earned his degree from Mississippi State. However, he unfortunately had a rough ending to his time as a Bulldog. Walker was booed during pregame on Senior Day and ended up walking to the locker room during the game.

“If I could do it again, I would have stayed humble and stayed on that field and tuned everything out,” he told USA Today. “There was more cheering than booing, but when I heard that booing, I couldn’t take it. I did a lot for Mississippi State with winning bowl games and helping recruit players there. It was a hurting feeling. But I learned from it.”

Despite an up-and-down career, Walker is without a doubt one of the most talented running backs in Mississippi State history.