Jim Braxton

Football

A physically imposing athlete on the field, fullback Jim Braxton was a soft-spoken, gentle person off it. Entering the University in 1967 after a stellar high school career at Connellsville High School, it took the Vanderbilt, Pa., native just one year before becoming a regular for WVU in 1968.

The Mountaineers' second leading rusher as a sophomore with 272 yards on 83 carries, he also snared 18 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns. As a junior, he rushed for a team-best 843 yards on 199 carries while scoring 13 touchdowns for the 10-1 Peach Bowl champion Mountaineers. Equally talented as a kicker, Braxton booted three field goals and converted 26 of 30 PAT's to finish eighth in the country in scoring with 113 points.

Converted to tight end as a senior, Braxton snagged 27 passes for 565 yards and eight touchdowns. He also rushed the football 51 times for 347 yards and one score. For his efforts, he was honored by the Associated Press as a first team All-American at tight end. All told, Braxton accumulated 1,462 yards rushing and 906 yards receiving in a brilliant Mountaineer career.


  • Position: Tight End
  • Hometown: Vanderbilt, Pa.
  • Inducted into WVU Hall of Fame: 1993