Frank Smith Jr.
Inducted 1994
Hometown: Edcouch-Elsa
High School: Edcouch-Elsa High School
College: Rice University
Best Known for: Athlete – Football
Smith was one of the Valley's finest running backs in the mid-1950s, and went from there to Rice University, where he lettered and was touted as one of the SWC's most promising prospects, as a speedy 210-pounder.
Smith played for Coach “Lum” Wright at Edcouch-Elsa High School and in 1956 earned second team Class 2A All-State honors from the Texas Sports Writers Association as a running back. He was also an outstanding place-kicker and won a scholarship to attend Rice, under legendary Coach Jess Neely.
With the Owls he had some exciting moments, including a touchdown against Arkansas in 1958, and was listed as one of the preseason All-Southwest Conference picks the next season, one of eight locals on the honor roll that year.
Smith went into business after his football days, continuing the family automobile franchise's steady record of quality and success in the Valley economy.