University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

James Hooks was a four-year starter at running back from 1969-72, leading the Bronchos to a 33-7-2 record in that span.  He was a second-team All-Oklahoma Collegiate Conference pick in 1970 and was a first-team selection in 1971 and ’72, earning honorable mention NAIA All-America acclaim as a junior and second-team honors as a senior.

Hooks ended his career with 556 carries for 3,190 yards, averaging 5.6 yards a carry.  He ranks fifth on UCO’s all-time rushing list and third on the all-purpose chart with 3,729 yards.  Hooks holds school records for season touchdowns (22), season points (132), career touchdown (50) and career points (300).

His best season came in 1971 when he had 193 carries for 1,351 yards the fourth-best single-season performance in school history touchdown, averaging 7.0 yards a carry. Hooks also played baseball at UCO for three years.

A fourth round draft pick of the Detroit Lions in 1973, Hooks went on to play four seasons in the NFL.