John Cain

Bio

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 All-America 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.

Career Highlights

• 1932 First Team All-America
• 1931 First Team All-America
• 1930 Second Team All-America