Jerry LeVias

Bio

A pioneer in football history, Jerry LeVias was the first African-American player in Southwest Conference history. Amidst the trials and tribulations of breaking the color barrier, he emerged as one of the great receivers of his day. LeVias came from a football family. His cousins Mel and Miller Farr went on to outstanding college and professional careers. In high school, Jerry played quarterback but was converted to wide receiver by Hall of Fame coach Hayden Fry. Jerry made up for a lack of size (5-9, 170 pounds) with blazing speed. At SMU, LeVias was an all-purpose player. In addition to being a receiver, he ran from scrimmage, passed and returned kicks. In 1966, he led the Mustangs to the school's first SWC title in 18 years. That season he was named to the first of three All-SWC teams. The following year he was a second-team All-America before gaining consensus All-America status as a senior. During his career, he set numerous records, including receptions in a game (15 vs. Ohio State), season (80), career (155), yards in a season (1,131), career (2,275) and career touchdown receptions (22). LeVias was equally talented in the classroom as he was a 1968 Academic All-America. Professionally, he played six seasons with the Houston Oilers and San Diego Chargers.

Career Highlights

• 1968 Academic All-America
• 1968 All-Conference
• 1968 Consensus All-America
• 1967 All-Conference
• 1967 Second Team All-America
• 1966 All-Conference