Ray Costict graduated in 1973 from Moss Point, where he was among the first black football stars following the school’s integration two years earlier.

Costict helped start a pipeline from Moss Point to Mississippi State, a list that included eventual Bulldogs standouts such as Lee, Gerald Jackson, Raymond Peyton, Bobby Molden, Kenny Johnson, Jackie McCorvey, Earnest Barnes, George Wonsley and Melvin Dott, among others. Bob Tyler was entering his first season as head coach in Starkville when he signed Costict and Lee, a defensive back.

From March 19, 1955 – January 3, 2012). Costict was a linebacker for the New England Patriots from 1977 to 1979.

Costict played collegiately at Mississippi State before being drafted the 11th round by the Patriots.[1] He is Mississippi State’s career leader in tackles with 467.