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In Memory Of Our Poets

John Cain (1908-1977) - Class Of 1929

Taught Commercial Studies and Athletics at Lanier from 1935 - 1937.

 

John "Hurri" Cain

Position:Quarterback/Fullback

School: Alabama

High School: Montgomery, AL (Sidney Lanier HS)

Years: 1930-1932

Inducted: 1973

Place of Birth: Montgomery, AL

Date of Birth: 11/17/1908

Place of Death: Memphis, TN

Date of Death: 8/18/1977

Jersey Number: 25

Height: 5-10

Weight: 183

Member Biography:
Alabama coach Wallace Wade wanted John Cain in the game. "Hurry, Cain," Wade shouted. The nickname stuck. "Hurri- Cain" as a sophomore in 1930, was the only non-senior in the Alabama starting lineup. Alabama had a 10-0 season, outscored its opponents 273-13 and beat Washington State in the Rose Bowl. Cain was listed as a quarterback on that team. A new coach, Frank Thomas, took over in 1931. After one game Thomas moved Cain out of the quarterback spot "because he is too modest to call his own signal." Cain became a fullback, and Alabama went 9-1. Against Tennessee he punted 19 times for an average of 48 yards a kick. In his senior year, 1932, Alabama went 8-2. Cain was a first team selection of the All-America Board in 1931 and second team choice in 1932. He was all-Southern three years and Zipp Newman, who covered Alabama football from 1913 through 1948, wrote, "He could run, block, punt, and play defense, the best all-around back I ever saw." Cain was head football coach at Southwestern Louisiana 1937-41, athletic director at the same school 1946-47, and then was assistant athletic director at Mississippi. John Lewis Cain was born November 17, 1908, in Montgomery, Alabama; he died August 18, 1977.

College Football Hall Of Fame