 Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson graduated from Lanier in 2001.Coach Bobby Wilson retired after the 1968 season and was replaced by Bill Joiner.One of Coach Joiner's most successful teams was the 1971 team led by future University of Alabama All-State Kicker Bucky Berry, who kicked the game-winning field goal in the Poets' 24–23 upset of Jeff Davis in 1971.