James Welch
Welch was a starting fullback and linebacker on the 1955 state championship squad at Abilene High. In his first start at fullback as a senior, he rushed for 233 yards against Odessa High, still one of the top rushing performances in Abilene High history. Welch went on to play fullback and linebacker at Southern Methodist University and then spent nine seasons in the National Football League as a defensive back, eight years with the Baltimore Colts and one season with the Detroit Lions.