College football analyst eyeing Senate run in Texas

An ESPN college football analyst in an interview Thursday wouldn't rule out a run for Senate in Texas as a Republican.

Craig James -- who used to play football at Southern Methodist University -- was asked on WFAA-TV Dallas about rumors of him considering a run for Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson's (R-Texas) seat.

“I'm a Texan. I’m concerned for our country,” he said. “I disagree with the approach that we're having, things that are taking place, and so whatever door opens up, I’ll look at it, if and when it opens up.”

Hutchison has been off and on about resigning her seat to focus full time on her primary challenge against Gov. Rick Perry (R-Texas).

Meanwhile, James' name recognition has increased due to his role in the firing of Texas Tech head football coach Mike Leach. James' son Adam, a Tech player, was allegedly locked in an equipment shed on orders from Leach.

James' defended his role in speaking out on Leach's alleged actions. Leach was dismissed late last month.

“Any mom or dad who knew what we knew at the time that we knew it would’ve taken the same action that we did,” said the former running back.

Tell us if this sounds like a quasi-campaign stop: James said he will serve as keynote speaker at a Texas Public Policy Foundation luncheon in the state capital Austin next week.

---