James Thacker '55 (2002) - Hall of Fame - Davidson College Athletics

James Thacker '55

Induction:
2002
Class:
1955

Thacker was an absolute dynamo on the football field and was the captain of the football team in 1954. Although undersized at 5-8 and 160 pounds, he was among the best in the Southern Conference. He rushed for 1,676 yards, a school record for 26 years and still fourth all-time at Davidson. His 5.6-yard average per carry is still the Wildcat standard, and he scored 21 touchdowns for 126 points, a total which remains among the top 10 in Davidson history. No Wildcat has posted a run longer than Thacker’s 98-yard dash for a touchdown against George Washington in 1952. He was also one of the Wildcats’ top receivers, hauling in 33 passes in his career for 533 yards. As one of the team’s punters in his junior season, he averaged an astounding 42.8 yards per kick. In 1952, Thacker was named the Charlotte Observer Richmond, and after the season was named first team all-state.