Steve McNair came off the bench in the first game of his freshman season and rallied Alcorn State to a victory against Grambling State.

So began one of the great careers in the history of college football.

VIDEO: Click to see a tribute to Steve McNair

VIDEO: Click to see interview with Eddie George

TEXT: Click to read Nashville Police report

McNair, who was shot and killed Saturday in Nashville, brought big-time football to Lorman. He attended Alcorn State, about a 2 1/2-hour drive from his hometown of Mount Olive, because he wanted to play quarterback instead of defensive back. That’s where the marquee programs wanted him to play. Alcorn State coach Cardell Jones was happy to bring a talent such as McNair into the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

He finished third in 1994 Heisman Trophy race and ended his career with 16,823 total yards, another record that still stands. He threw 119 touchdown passes.

“Coaching Steve was definitely the highlight of my coaching career,” said the 65-year-old Jones. “He’s the type ballplayer who comes along once in lifetime.”