Inducted 1981
Hometown: Greenville, N.C.
Sport: Football (1955-58)
Coach: Jack Boone

In 1957, East Carolina's football Pirates won only one game but hopes for the 1958 season were high thanks to James Speight.

In 1957, Speight was All-Conference, did three-quarters of the team's scoring and earned a spot on the NAIA All-Conference team. As a freshman, the Pirate running back was the top ground gainer for the Pirates.

During his football career at East Carolina from 1955-59, Speight was honored with the "Outstanding Senior", the "Outstanding Player" and with the "Rawl Memorial Trophy." His career statistics amounted for 2,700 career rushing yards.

He is still remembered for scoring four touchdowns and a two-point conversion in East Carolina's 1959 game with Norfolk Navy. He scored 26 points in the game.

Speight's number 29 jersey is one of only three to be retired in Pirate football history.