Looking Back At Texas Tech First Round Draft Picks

Dave Parks – Receiver

Some things never change.  Since the 1960’s, Texas Tech has been synonymous with standout receivers.  One of the most decorated is College Football Hall of Fame member Dave Parks.

The Muenster, Texas native is the only Red Raider to be taken as the first overall pick in the draft when San Francisco made him the first wide receiver ever taken with the No.1 pick in 1964.   But before that, he made plenty of history at Texas Tech.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder would be a big receiver in today’s game but in the 1960’s he must have looked like LeBron James playing receiver.  His career spanned from1961-1963 during which he set several school records

During his junior season in 1962, Parks was named an All-Southwest Conference selection. After his senior season, Parks became the first player in Texas Tech history to be named an Associated Press All-American.

When he left Texas Tech, he held the school records for career receptions (80), single-season receptions (32), single game receptions (8 vs. Kansas State in 1963), and single game receiving yards (132 vs Kansas State in 1963).

Parks was also a standout in the NFL.  He was named to the Pro Bowl three times (1965, ’66 and ’67).  He was an all-pro selection in 1965 and 1966 while leading the NFL in receiving yards, receptions and receiving touchdowns in 1965.

Parks was a trailblazer who ended his career with 360 receptions for 5,619 yards and 44 touchdowns.  It is only fitting that a wide receiver is the highest drafted player ever to come from the school that revolutionized the passing game in the modern era of college football.