Cardinal Hall of Honor
A true triple-threat back offensively who was equally dangerous defensively, Jake Verde was Lamar’s first bona fide superstar while playing for the Lamar Junior College teams of 1932 and 1933.
A lifelong resident of South Park, Verde’s running, passing and kicking paved the way for the Cardinals’ 8-1 record in 1932. He scored four touchdowns and passed for six other scores that season as well as kicking field goals and extra points.
In 1933, Verde led Lamar to two great victories. He had scoring gallops of 83 and 67 yards and a 50-yeard interception return for a touchdown in a win over Victoria for the Southern Division title. Against Schreiner in the state semifinal game, Verde scored twice and kicked an extra point in a 20-14 upset triumph.
Verde lettered at the University of Texas in 1934 when the Longhorns went 8-2-1. During his athletic career, he played at only 140 pounds.
