During his playing days, Auburn running back and return man Spec Kelly (1936-1938) was known as one of the fastest players in college football. He shared starting tailback duties as a junior and senior with bruiser Jimmy Fenton, forming one of the most lethal backfields in the South. He was the second-leading return man in the country in 1938, averaging 18.0 yards per attempt, and was the team's leading rusher in the landmark Orange Bowl victory over Michigan State. He had one of his finest games in the 20-6 triumph over Mississippi State in 37'. Kelly led the team in total offense on the day, scored Auburn's first touchdown on a 7-yard sweep, and returned the opening kickoff of the second half 96 yards for a score- a play in which he eluded a pile of Maroon jerseys near midfield before outpacing 3 other defenders on his way to the end zone. For his performance, Kelly was awarded a special trophy after the game by the A Club. His senior year, he turned the tide of the Georgia game with an 18-yard touchdown pass to cut the Bulldogs' two TD lead and eventually came up with the game-clinching interception late in the 4th quarter. He was named 2nd Team All-SEC in 1938.
*The picture above is from "Derby Day" held in 1937. Hundreds of fans came to watch Spec Kelly, showed kneeling, race teammate Bo Russell and his thoroughbred one Saturday afternoon before the start of the season.
