Javelina Hall of Fame
Eldridge Small, who joined the Texas A&I program after an outstanding high school career at Houston Wheatley, still holds the school record for most pass receptions in a game, season and career. He was inducted into the Javelina Hall of Fame in 1991.
He also saw action as a defensive back for the Javelinas.
Small was an Associated Press Little All-America first team honoree in 1971 and was named to the NAIA All-America squad. He was selected to play in the Senior Bowl game after his senior season.
He was All-Texas College, All-Lone Star Conference for three seasons and was named to the Houston Chronicle’s all-college team that included players from university and college division schools.
With Small in the lineup, the Javelinas won three LSC championships (1968, 1969 and 1970) and were the NAIA national champions in 1969 and 1970. The team had a 39-7-0 record during Small’s four years on the roster.
Small was a first-round draft choice of the New York Giants and played with the National Football League team for five seasons.
Small received a bachelor of science degree from Texas A&I in 1972 and has done graduate work at Texas Southern University.
After five years with the Giants, Small joined the Houston Independent School District as a coach and industrial arts teacher. He currently serves as offensive coordinator at Houston Sterling High School and teaches industrial arts.
Small is married and he and his wife, Lorett, have three children: Jarvis, Eldridge III and Anrea.
