Brian Darden remembered as one of the best running backs in Mississippi

Brian Darden is remembered for his time on the gridiron, being the the top-ranked running back in the state of Mississippi and leading Warren Central to a state championship.

Born and raised in Vicksburg to Shirley Darden and Carl Jackson, Darden began playing football at the Vicksburg YMCA in third grade where he played running back and linebacker. By the the time he entered seventh grade at Vicksburg Junior High School, Darden was a great defensive player. He switched over to Warren Central Junior High when the school zones changed.

In 1991, Darden was a freshmen at Warren Central where he was a rising star as a young athlete preparing to play on the varsity level for legendary coach Robert Morgan. At the time, Darden’s key position was still on defense, but he would soon create his name on offense.

In his 1992 sophomore season, Darden was the starting outside linebacker for the Vikings while playing heavily on offense at running back. He led the state in rushing touchdowns that year, leading the Vikings to a 10-2 record.

The following season, Darden started on the offensive side of the ball, rushing for over 1,700 yards and 27 touchdowns. He proved to be much more effective on offense in the 1993 season despite what the outside world thought he should play.

”I wanted to play on defense but all of the scouts wanted to see me at running back,” Darden said.

Darden led the Vikings to the state championship his junior year. The team had a 14-1 record and only lost to state champs South Panola. Darden managed to gain 195 rushing yards and four touchdowns against South Panola, which put him on the map for being the No. 1 running back for his upcoming senior season.

Newspaper clip from the Clarion Ledger.

In 1994, Darden would get what he worked hard for, leading the Vikings to a state championship win. He finished his senior season with over 2,300 yards rushing and 29 touchdowns.

Wrapping up his senior year, Darden broke Marcus Dupree and Carl Blue’s rushing record in Mississippi. Darden finished his high school career with 78 touchdowns and 4,919 rushing yards.

Soon after his senior season, Darden committed to play for the University of Tennessee. He had considered staying in state, but some universities were placed on probation which forced him to choose otherwise.

At Tennessee, Darden quickly realized he was undersized compared to players such as former star NFL running back Jamal Lewis who was also playing at Tennessee.  Darden eventually transferred to Jackson State University where he finished out his football career.

Darden then moved to Dallas, Texas, where he has been a fitness trainer at Gold’s Gym for the past twenty years. He also has a personal training company, Darden Fitness.

He credits plenty of people for his success including his parents; grandparents, Octavia and Lamont Harris; Robert and Kathy Morgan; his best friend, Thad Bridges Jr., and his parents Thad Bridges Sr. and Betty Bridges; and his guidance counselor Mrs. Jackie.

Darden has a daughter, Taylor Darden, who recently graduated from Ole Miss and is now in medical school at the University of South Alabama.