Topic: Eric Dickerson

Eric Demetric Dickerson (born September 2, 1960) is a former professional running back in the National Football League (NFL) who in his career played for the Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons.

Dickerson wanted to go to the University of Oklahoma, but his grandmother talked him into going to Southern Methodist University because she trusted SMU coach Ron Meyer more than OU's Barry Switzer. Dickerson was the subject of recruiting controversy when he started driving a new Pontiac Trans-Am during his senior year. At the time he said his grandmother from Mexico bought it for him.

Initially, he shared carries with Craig James and Charles Waggoner, all three blue-chip recruits in 1979. Waggoner got hurt returning a kickoff their freshmen season, so Dickerson and James led SMU's Pony Express system, a system that neither Dickerson nor James liked at first. However, he started to like the system and his stats reflected the success he had with it as he gained 4,450 yards on 790 carries to break Earl Campbell’s Southwest Conference record for yards and attempts. His 48 career touchdowns tied Doak Walker’s SMU total for career scoring. In his senior year despite splitting time with James, Dickerson finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting. He was also a First-team All-American in 1982 and a Second-team All-American in 1981.