Auburn Alums Gregg Carr, Larry Blakeney Elected to College Football Hall of Fame
The Auburn Tigers’ football legacy is filled with remarkable players and coaches who have contributed to the program’s storied history in significant ways. Recently, two more former Auburn greats—Gregg Carr and Larry Blakeney—were honored by being elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, solidifying their places as some of the most influential figures in the history of the sport. Their induction is not only a testament to their individual achievements but also a celebration of Auburn’s rich football tradition.
Carr and Blakeney, both of whom have left indelible marks on Auburn and the game of football, were officially named to the Hall of Fame, and their induction represents the culmination of extraordinary careers that have earned them this prestigious honor. In this article, we’ll dive into the careers of these two legendary figures, the significance of their induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, and how their accomplishments continue to resonate within the Auburn football community.
Gregg Carr: A Defensive Force for the Tigers
Gregg Carr, a former Auburn defensive standout, was recently named to the College Football Hall of Fame as part of the 2024 class. Carr’s career was marked by his ability to change the game on defense, and his name is etched in Auburn football history as one of the most impactful defensive players the program has ever seen. Carr, a linebacker, was a force on the field during his time at Auburn from 1979 to 1982.
Carr’s journey to the Hall of Fame was marked by his tenacious play and leadership on the field. At 6’3″ and 240 pounds, Carr possessed a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism that made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. His ability to read plays, react quickly, and disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm made him a standout player in the SEC and across the country.
Carr’s most defining season came in 1982, his senior year, when he earned consensus All-America honors and was named to the SEC All-Conference team. He finished his career with 340 tackles, including 35 tackles for loss and 15 sacks, numbers that highlighted his dominance on the field. His ability to make plays in critical moments and his relentless pursuit of the ball made him one of the premier linebackers of his era.
In addition to his individual accolades, Carr helped anchor a stout Auburn defense that played a pivotal role in the team’s success during the early 1980s. Auburn’s defense was known for its physicality, and Carr was the embodiment of that mentality. He was not just a great player on the field; he was also a leader who set the tone for his teammates. Carr’s leadership, work ethic, and commitment to excellence were key factors in his success and the success of the Auburn defense during his tenure.
After leaving Auburn, Carr went on to play in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons, where he continued to showcase his talents as a linebacker. Though his professional career was brief, his time at Auburn left a lasting legacy. His election to the College Football Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of his impact on the game and his contributions to Auburn football.
Larry Blakeney: A Coaching Legend
Larry Blakeney’s induction into the College Football Hall of Fame is a tribute to a remarkable coaching career that spanned several decades. Blakeney, a former Auburn player and long-time head coach at Troy University, is widely regarded as one of the most successful and respected figures in college football. His journey to the Hall of Fame began at Auburn, where he was part of the Tigers’ football program before embarking on a legendary coaching career.
Blakeney played at Auburn from 1966 to 1969, a period when the Tigers were building their program under legendary head coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan. As a running back, Blakeney made his mark with his hard-nosed style of play and his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. His playing career was highlighted by his strong performance in Auburn’s offensive system, where he helped lead the team to several successful seasons.
After his playing days ended, Blakeney transitioned into coaching, and his impact on the game grew exponentially. He started his coaching career as an assistant coach at Auburn, where he learned from some of the best minds in college football. His coaching acumen and leadership skills quickly became evident, and it was clear that Blakeney had the potential to become a successful head coach.
In 1991, Blakeney took the helm at Troy University, a small program at the time, and began a coaching career that would go on to make history. Blakeney’s success at Troy was nothing short of extraordinary. Over the course of his 24-year tenure as head coach, Blakeney turned the Trojans into a powerhouse program, leading Troy to multiple conference championships and bowl game appearances.
Under Blakeney’s leadership, Troy became one of the most successful teams in the Sun Belt Conference. He guided the Trojans to a series of impressive victories, including a victory over nationally-ranked Missouri in the 2004 Liberty Bowl, which put Troy on the map as a legitimate program. Blakeney’s teams were known for their disciplined approach, strong work ethic, and ability to compete with top-tier programs, regardless of their size or stature.
Blakeney’s coaching style was built on his ability to develop talent, both on and off the field. He mentored countless players throughout his career, many of whom went on to successful careers in professional football. His focus on academics, leadership, and community involvement helped shape young men into well-rounded individuals who excelled in all areas of life.
His success at Troy did not go unnoticed, and in 2014, Blakeney retired as one of the most accomplished and respected coaches in college football history. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame is a recognition of his incredible contributions to the game and his legacy as one of the all-time greats.
The Significance of Their Inductions
The induction of Gregg Carr and Larry Blakeney into the College Football Hall of Fame is an important milestone for Auburn University. While Carr was an instrumental player for the Tigers, and Blakeney helped guide the program through his coaching success, both men embody the values that have made Auburn football a respected program throughout the years. Their contributions to the game have helped shape Auburn into the powerhouse it is today.
Carr’s election to the Hall of Fame is not only a recognition of his incredible playing career but also a testament to the role Auburn football has played in developing some of the most talented players in the history of college football. Carr’s legacy is felt every time the Tigers take the field, as his commitment to excellence and leadership continues to serve as an inspiration to current players and coaches.
Blakeney’s induction, on the other hand, highlights the important role that Auburn plays in shaping successful coaches. Blakeney’s time at Auburn helped lay the foundation for his future success at Troy, where he became one of the most respected coaches in college football. His coaching tree and influence in the game extend far beyond his time at Auburn, but it was at the university that Blakeney learned the values of hard work, integrity, and leadership that would define his coaching career.
Together, Carr and Blakeney’s inductions reflect the deep and lasting impact that Auburn has had on the game of college football. These two men embody the spirit of Auburn football: relentless effort, teamwork, and dedication to success.
Auburn’s Football Legacy
The induction of Gregg Carr and Larry Blakeney into the College Football Hall of Fame adds to the long and rich history of Auburn football. From legendary players like Bo Jackson and Cam Newton to influential coaches such as Shug Jordan and Gene Chizik, Auburn has consistently produced some of the best talent in the sport. Carr and Blakeney join an elite group of Auburn football legends, further solidifying the program’s place among the most respected in college football.
For Auburn fans, the Hall of Fame recognition of Carr and Blakeney is an occasion to celebrate the history of the program and the incredible individuals who have contributed to its success. These two men’s contributions are reminders of the rich tradition that has made Auburn football a source of pride for the university and its fans.
As Auburn looks ahead to the future under head coach Hugh Freeze, the program can take pride in the legacy of players and coaches like Carr and Blakeney who have paved the way for the Tigers’ continued success. Their Hall of Fame inductions are a reflection of the excellence that has defined Auburn football throughout the years and a reminder of the bright future ahead.
Conclusion
Gregg Carr and Larry Blakeney’s induction into the College Football Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of their outstanding careers in the world of college football. Their contributions to Auburn University and the sport as a whole are invaluable, and their legacies will live on for generations of Auburn fans and college football enthusiasts to come. As the Tigers continue to build for the future, the impact of Carr and Blakeney’s careers will remain a central part of Auburn’s football story.
