Bull Kearley

Richard Irven "Bull" Kearley (August 25, 1891 – August 11, 1977) was a college football player.

Bull Kearley
Kearley from the 1914 team picture
Auburn Tigers
PositionHalfback/End
ClassGraduate
Career history
CollegeAuburn (1911–1914)
Personal information
Born:(1891-08-25)August 25, 1891
Franklin, Alabama
Died:August 11, 1977(1977-08-11) (aged 85)
Andalusia, Alabama
Weight180 lb (82 kg)
Career highlights and awards

Early years

"Bull" Kearley was born on August 25, 1891 in Franklin, Alabama[1] of Monroe County to Irvin James Kearley and Frances E. Gaines.

Auburn University

Kearley was a prominent football player for Mike Donahue's Auburn Tigers of Auburn University from 1911 to 1914, winning two Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA) titles with Auburn and selected for All-Southern teams in 1913 and 1914.[2][3]

1913

He was shifted from halfback to end in 1913,[4] playing opposite Robbie Robinson. Donahue's 7-Box or 7-2-2 defensive scheme required fast ends which could disrupt a play from the start; a role filled by Kearley.[5]

1914

He recovered three fumbles in the game with Georgia Tech in 1914, a 14 to 0 victory. "Bull Kearley was the star on both sides and gave an exhibition of football the like of which has never seen on a southern gridiron before. He covered every punt and nearly every time nailed the man in his tracks, once coming down the field so hard that the man, receiving the punt, fumbled it to get out of the way."[6] One writer claims "Auburn had a lot of great football teams, but there may not have been one greater than the 1913-1914 team."[7]

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References
  1. U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database on-line]. Registration State: Alabama; Registration County: Covington; Roll: 1509374.
  2. "Constitution's All-Southern Picked By Coach Donahue of Champion Auburn Team". Atlanta Constitution. November 30, 1913.
  3. Spalding's Official Football Guide. NCAA. 1915.
  4. Michael Skotnicki (August 12, 2014). "Auburn's Best Defense Ever Led the 1914 Tigers to an Undefeated Season Now Recognized as a National Championship".
  5. Michael Skotnicki (June 28, 2013). "100 Year Anniversary: The Top 10 Players on Auburn's 1913 National Championship Team". Archived from the original on October 1, 2014.
  6. "Tigers Take 14 Pounds From Yellow Jackets". Orange and Blue. November 14, 1931.
  7. Ethan Brady. "Auburn's 1913 Undefeated Team" (PDF).
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