Lionel Fayard (1989) - Southern Miss M-Club Hall of Fame

Lionel Fayard

Induction:
1989

Lionel Fayard etched his name into the Southern Miss record books as one of the most talented receivers the school has ever produced. He began his career as a tight end for the Golden Eagles in 1968 and 1969 and played split end his final season as the offense looked to throw the ball.
   Was known throughout his career as a fierce competitor and a proficient blocker, who had marvelous hands and good speed, and knew how to run with the ball once he caught it.
   Joined the Golden Eagles in 1967 after earning all-state honors at Biloxi High School.
   After a season with the freshman team he was ready to battle for playing time and make a contribution in 1968 and that’s exactly what he did.
   Although the 1968 Golden Eagles posted only a 4-6 record, Fayard was one of the bright spots on the team. He would finish the year tied for fourth on the team with 16 pass receptions for 170 yards (10.6 yard average). The 1968 team was one of the nation’s most productive, averaging 375.5 yards a game, 23rd best in the country.
   He became the team’s second leading receiver during the 1969 season which saw the Golden Eagles finish the year at 5-5. Fayard would catch 36 passes that year for 371 yards (10.3 yard average) and a touchdown. The 1969 team ranked 29th in the nation in passing offense averaging 195.9 yards a game.
   He made the switch to split end for the 1970 season and never seemed to miss a beat. His 22 catches that season ranked fourth on the team and would go for 252 yards (11.5 yard average) as the team finished the year 5-6.
   Although the last 22 catches of his career were made from the split end position Fayard is still consider, along with Marvin Harvey (1977-80) as one of the greatest pass receiving tight ends that has ever played at Southern Miss and his blocking abilities were certainly one of the keys to the success of the running attack during those seasons.
   Fayard would wind up his career as one of the school’s all-time leading receivers with 74 catches for 793 yards (10.7 yard average) and four touchdowns.
   Was a part of several of the school’s biggest football victories including the 30-14 win over No. 4 Ole Miss in 1970 and a 47-14 win over Mississippi State in 1968.
   Fayard also was an outstanding baseball player for the Golden Eagles during his years at Southern Miss. He played right field during the 1970 and 1971 seasons. In 1970 he was second on the team with a .247 batting average and was also second in slugging percentage with a .411 mark. In 1971 he hit .235 with three home runs and a slugging parentage of .424.