Rhodes College Athletics

How often does a coach have to worry about the placekicker being too physical and covering his kickoffs to make tackles? Jim Hever wasn’t your typical placekicker. Most placekickers are finesse players who avoid contact. Jim would seek it out. Most placekickers aren’t the first player to arrive in the weight room. Jim could bench press over 350 pounds, and he ranked as one of the strongest players on the football team.

In September 1984, on a hot, muggy afternoon in Jackson, Mississippi, Jim Hever put on a placekicking show and placed himself in the NCAA record books for the ages. Rhodes defeated Millsaps 34-10 that day, but the Rhodes offense that day was Jim Hever’s powerful leg. He scored 20 of the Lynx 34 points by making six field goals and two extra points. Three of his field goals were from outside 40 yards. He actually attempted eight field goals in the game, an NCAA Division III record, but he showed some mercy on the Majors by missing tow kicks that day.

Jim ranks as Rhodes’ all-time greatest placekicker. He was the All College Athletic Conference first team placekicker each of his four years at Rhodes. In 1984 and 1985 he led the NCAA Division III in field goals made. During his senior year he made 23 out of 23 extra points and 14 out of 16 field goals inside 50 yards. Jim was selected to the prestigious Kodak All American team for the 1985 season. He signed as a free agent with the Memphis Showboats of the United States Football League.

Jim Hever was the consummate teammate. He loved his teammates and coaches. For his work ethic, love of the game and the sweet swing of his left leg, Rhodes is honored to induct JAMES WILLIAM HEVER in the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame this 7th day of October, 2005.