Pervis Atkins

Bio

A former Marine, Pervis Atkins only came to New Mexico State when he tagged along on a trip with a friend who had a NMSU scholarship. The first first-team All-America selection (1960) in New Mexico State football history, Pervis Atkins led the Aggies to a perfect 11-0 season and a Border Conference title in 1960. Atkins twice topped the nation in all-purpose yards (1959-60) and set the New Mexico State single season record with 1,800 all-purpose yards in 1960. During the 1959 season, he led the nation in scoring (107) rushing (971) and punt return yards (241). A two-time all conference selection, he caught touchdown passes in each of two Sun Bowl victories (1959-60). Atkins graduated with a B.A. in Sociology in 1962. Atkins was drafted in the third round of the 1960 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. He played seven seasons in the NFL, including stints with the Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders. He finished his career with 3,300 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns.

Career Highlights

• 1960 All-Conference
• 1960 First team All-America
• 1960 Heisman - Ninth
• 1960 Led nation in all purpose yards
• 1959 All-Conference
• 1959 Led nation in all-purpose yards
• 1959 Led nation in punt return yards
• 1959 Led nation in rushing
• 1959 Led nation in scoring