Alumni from Auburn Larry Blakeney and Gregg Carr were inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Auburn Alumni Larry Blakeney and Gregg Carr Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame

The College Football Hall of Fame is the pinnacle of recognition for those who have made an indelible mark on the sport. It honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and character on and off the field. For Auburn University, two of its most cherished alumni have recently been inducted: Larry Blakeney and Gregg Carr. Both of these Auburn legends have left an unforgettable legacy on the field and in the hearts of the Auburn family. Their induction into the College Football Hall of Fame is a testament to their contributions to the game, the university, and the communities they served.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the careers and accomplishments of Larry Blakeney and Gregg Carr, exploring how their respective paths led to one of college football’s highest honors. We’ll also reflect on their legacy at Auburn and how their careers have shaped the university’s football program over the years.

Larry Blakeney: A Pioneer and Builder of Auburn’s Legacy

Larry Blakeney is one of Auburn University’s most celebrated figures, not only for his contributions as a player but also for his remarkable success as a coach. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame is the culmination of a career that has left a lasting impact on Auburn and college football as a whole.

Blakeney’s Playing Career

Before becoming a coaching legend, Larry Blakeney made a name for himself as a talented and versatile player. Born and raised in Elba, Alabama, Blakeney came to Auburn in the early 1970s as a quarterback. His skills were evident even in his early days on the Auburn campus, and he quickly developed into a standout player.

Blakeney played for the Auburn Tigers from 1969 to 1972, where he was known for his strong leadership on the field. As a quarterback, Blakeney was a multi-dimensional player, with the ability to both pass and run the ball effectively. His athleticism and football IQ helped guide Auburn through some challenging seasons during his tenure. While Blakeney may not have put up record-breaking stats in comparison to some of Auburn’s other great quarterbacks, his ability to rally his teammates and lead with poise made him one of the most respected players of his era.

His leadership on the field was one of the driving forces that helped Auburn to remain competitive in a tough Southeastern Conference (SEC) landscape. Though he did not play for a national championship or win a Heisman Trophy, Blakeney’s reputation as a leader and a fierce competitor remained intact, and his contributions to Auburn football were significant.

Blakeney’s Coaching Career: Building a Dynasty at Troy

While Blakeney’s playing days at Auburn were impactful, his greatest achievements would come as a coach. After graduating, Blakeney began his coaching career, eventually finding his way to Troy University, where he would become one of the most successful head coaches in college football history.

Blakeney served as the head coach at Troy University from 1991 to 2014, where he built a dynasty and transformed the program into a nationally respected football team. His ability to recruit, develop players, and win consistently earned him widespread respect in the coaching world.

During his time at Troy, Blakeney led the Trojans to numerous conference championships, including multiple championships in Division II and Division I-AA. Under his guidance, the program made the jump to Division I and continued to excel, eventually achieving prominence as a respected member of the Sun Belt Conference. Throughout his tenure, Blakeney’s teams were known for their disciplined play, hard-nosed defense, and efficient offense. His leadership and coaching acumen were key to the program’s rise and sustained success.

Blakeney’s impact on the Troy football program was profound. He became the winningest coach in the program’s history, leading the Trojans to nine bowl games and accumulating more than 170 career victories. His ability to take a small program and elevate it to national relevance was a remarkable achievement that solidified his legacy as one of the greatest football minds of his generation.

For Auburn fans, Blakeney’s success at Troy further solidified his place in the football world, as he was able to build a successful program while maintaining strong ties to his roots at Auburn. His impact was felt far beyond his tenure as a player and coach for Auburn; his success at Troy proved that his leadership transcended any single program or conference.

Auburn’s Influence on Blakeney’s Legacy

While Blakeney’s most prominent coaching achievements came at Troy, Auburn’s influence on his career cannot be overstated. The lessons and experiences he gained as a player under legendary coaches helped shape the way Blakeney approached coaching. His time at Auburn solidified his belief in the importance of building strong relationships with players, and it was a principle that he carried with him throughout his coaching career.

Blakeney’s induction into the College Football Hall of Fame serves as a fitting tribute to his lifelong dedication to the sport of football, both as a player and a coach. His career is an embodiment of the values Auburn holds dear: leadership, commitment, and excellence.

Gregg Carr: The Quiet Force of Auburn’s Defensive Line

While Larry Blakeney made his name as both a player and coach, Gregg Carr’s legacy is built purely on his dominance as a defensive player. Carr’s induction into the College Football Hall of Fame highlights the incredible impact he had on the Auburn football program during his playing days and the lasting impression he left on the college football landscape.

Carr’s Playing Career

Gregg Carr was an absolute force on the field during his time at Auburn. As a defensive lineman, Carr was known for his incredible athleticism, relentless motor, and disruptive presence. He played for the Auburn Tigers from 1972 to 1975, anchoring a defense that was feared by opponents across the SEC.

Carr’s most notable attribute was his ability to get to the quarterback and disrupt offensive schemes. He was a constant presence in the backfield, able to pressure quarterbacks and stuff running backs before they had a chance to get going. His combination of size, speed, and technique made him one of the most feared defenders in college football during his era.

Carr was a key member of Auburn’s defense in the mid-1970s, a time when the Tigers were building their reputation as a hard-nosed football team in the SEC. His leadership on defense helped Auburn compete at a high level, and his performances on the field earned him numerous honors. He was selected as an All-American in 1975 and became one of the top defensive linemen in the country.

Carr’s Impact on Auburn’s Defense

Carr’s ability to impact the game from the defensive line set him apart as one of the best to ever play for Auburn. He was a key player for the Tigers during a time when Auburn football was beginning to assert itself in the SEC. His impact on the program was immense, as he was not only a standout on the field but also a leader who inspired those around him.

Carr’s legacy is one that continues to inspire Auburn’s current defensive players. His commitment to hard work, his ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage, and his leadership both on and off the field have become benchmarks for defensive players at Auburn.

Post-Auburn Career and Continued Influence

After his time at Auburn, Carr went on to a successful career in the NFL, where he continued to dominate as a defensive force. His career in professional football further solidified his place as one of the greats in the history of Auburn football. Carr’s time in the NFL allowed him to showcase his talent on a bigger stage, but it was his years at Auburn that truly defined his legacy.

Today, Carr remains a beloved figure at Auburn. His contributions to Auburn football, especially on the defensive side of the ball, continue to be celebrated by fans, coaches, and players alike. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame further cements his status as one of the greatest Auburn Tigers of all time.

Auburn’s Legacy and the College Football Hall of Fame

The inductions of Larry Blakeney and Gregg Carr into the College Football Hall of Fame are monumental milestones for Auburn University. They represent the best of Auburn football — dedication, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. These two individuals embody the spirit of Auburn, and their recognition in the Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor for their contributions to the sport.

Auburn football has long been a program steeped in tradition, and the inductions of Blakeney and Carr add to the rich legacy of Auburn players and coaches who have left an indelible mark on the game. As Auburn football continues to evolve under new leadership, the memories of players like Blakeney and Carr will inspire future generations of Tigers.