Jack Cristil, the play-by-play radio announcer who recently retired after 58 seasons of calling Mississippi State football games (54 of basketball), is among the inaugural class of former football figures to be "permanently recognized" at Davis Wade Stadium.

The announcement was made at halftime of the Maroon-White spring game, and it was followed by a video tribute to the 85-year-old Cristil.

The other honorees are all former players: QB Jackie Parker (1952-53), LB D.D. Lewis (1965-67) and LB Johnie Cooks (1977-81).

Stll no word on exactly how these men will be immortalized, but that's a pretty strong inaugural class.