| No. 47 | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Running back |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | January 23, 1956 Dayton, Ohio, U.S. |
| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight: | 230 lb (104 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Dunbar (Dayton, Ohio) |
| College: | Michigan State (1974–1977) |
| NFL draft: | 1978 / round: 7 / pick: 170 |
| Career history | |
| Stats at Pro Football Reference | |
James H. Earley (born January 23, 1956) is an American former professional football running back who played one season with the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Michigan State and was selected by the Jets in the seventh round of the 1978 NFL draft.
James H. Earley was born on January 23, 1956, in Dayton, Ohio. [1] He attended Dunbar High School in Dayton. [1]
Earley was a four-year letterman for the Michigan State Spartans of Michigan State University from 1974 to 1977. [1] He rushed 22 times for 122 yards as a freshman in 1974. [2] In 1975, he recorded 23 carries for 151 yards and one touchdown. [2] Earley totaled 64 rushing attempts for 354 yards and one touchdown during the 1976 season while also catching five passes for 42 yards. [2] As a senior in 1976, he recorded 109 rushing attempts for 668 yards, three touchdowns, and a Big Ten-leading 6.1 yards per attempt while also totaling 17 receptions for 148 yards and one touchdown. [2]
Earley was selected by the New York Jets in the seventh round, with the 170th overall pick, of the 1978 NFL draft. [3] He played in two games during the 1978 season before being placed on injured reserve on October 4, 1978. [3] [4] He retired on July 12, 1979. [4]