Although Stump filled in capably completing 94 of his 189 attempts for 1135 yards, he would spend his sophomore and junior seasons on the bench watching Murray break most of the Aggies' passing records.
When Murray decided to leave school early for the National Football League Draft, Stump had his opportunity.
Surprising many, Stump and freshman phenom Bucky Richardson led the Aggies to an unexpected conference championship and a third straight Cotton Bowl Classic appearance, a 35–10 victory over Notre Dame and Heisman Trophy-winner Tim Brown.
Stump spent six years, from 1997 to 2002 as an assistant at Mississippi State University under his former college coach, Jackie Sherrill.
[1] Stump was the head coach at Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School, in Beaumont, Texas from 2003 to 2004.