Go find a few Bulldog fans and ask them who stands as the only 1000-yard receiver in Mississippi State history. Many probably will say Eric Moulds. Someone might say Justin Jenkins, and who knows, Chad Bumphis may even get a vote or two. None of these would be correct. The only man to surpass the 1000 yard mark in a season was #88, Mardye McDole in 1978 when he hauled in 1035 yards.
To put McDole's accomplishments in perspective, I encourage you to read this article from the Mobile Press-Register two years ago. Going into the 2010 season, very few players had ever accomplished reaching the 1000 yards receiving mark in a single season. Florida had the best success during the Spurrier years, but the fact is, pulling in over 1000 yards receiving in the SEC is a difficult feat, and it was even more difficult giving the dependence on the running game during McDole's career.
McDole broke out in 1978, bringing in 48 catches for 1035 yards for a 21.6 yards per reception and seven touchdowns. Had he not made a move to running back during his senior season, his overall numbers may be even better.
When he left Mississippi State, he trailed only Walter Packer and David Smith on the all-time list for all-purpose yards. He now sits sixth with 3353 yards (430 rushing, 2214 receiving, 427 kick return, and 282 punt return). He also leads Mississippi State in yards-per-play average among players with a minimum of 200 plays with 14.5 yards per play.
A deeper look at the stat book reveals a few odd statistics about McDole. He never had a ten reception game even though he had seven games with over 100 yards receiving.
McDole still leads Mississippi State with 2214 receiving yards in his career and he ranks fourth in touchdowns with 13.
Unfortunately, McDole, who now coaches football, has been listed as one of the greatest busts in Minnesota Vikings history. The 39th overall pick in the 1981 NFL draft finished his career with three catches for 29 yards, all happening in the rookie season of his three year career.