Craig James

Houston Stratford High School

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Inducted in 1988

In 1978 Craig James led Houston Stratford to a 15-0 record and a 29-13 win over Plano in the 4A state championship game. An All-State and Prep All-America running back, James set a class 4A rushing record as a senior with 2,411 yards. The 6’3”, 265 lb. James also scored 29 touchdowns, caught 16 passes for 297 yards, kicked six field goals and 54 PATs and punted for a 41.7 yard average. In the state championship game against Plano he rushed for 168 yards on 13 carries and scored three touchdowns. At SMU James was a three-time All-SWC running back (1980-1982) who teamed with Eric Dickerson to form the “Pony Express” backfield. James helped the Mustangs win two SWC titles in 1981 and 1982. He played pro football with the USFL’s Washington Federals from 1983-1984 and in the NFL with the New England Patriots from 1984-1988.