James Williams

Bio

James "Froggy" Williams had little problem living up to his nickname, for he was as slippery as an amphibian as he confounded enemy defenses in becoming Rice's all-time leading scorer. His 156 career points came on 13 touchdowns, 75 conversion kicks and a field goal. He was called the most important piece in coach Jess Neely's team which won the Southwest Conference Championship in 1949. The Owls won nine of ten regular season games, then clipped North Carolina and Hall of Fame back Charley "Choo Choo" Justice in the Cotton Bowl, 27-13. Jim was hailed as a consensus All-America choice in his senior season. Only a 14-7 loss to Louisiana State in the second game of the campaign marred the Owl record. Williams seemed to respond best to the intensity of a traditional rivalry and his best performance came against arch enemy Texas. During his career he scored two touchdowns and kicked seven extra points against the Longhorns. The only field goal he ever made as a collegian was good enough to beat Texas, 17-15, in the 1949 battle. Southwest Conference observers rated "Froggy" among the best ends to play in that league.

Career Highlights

• 1949 All-Conference
• 1949 Consensus All-America
• 1948 All-Conference