Hall of Fame College Football Coach, Professional Football Player. As head coach of the University of Florida Gators' football program (1960 to 1969), he devised what was known as the "Monster Defense", as he guided his teams to four Bowl Game titles. Born Samuel Ray Graves, he played collegiate football at the University of Tennessee (at the center position) and contributed to the Volunteers' appearance in the Sugar Bowl in 1941. Selected by the Philadelphia Eagles during the 9th round of the 1942 NFL Draft, he totaled 28 career regular season games (1942,1943 with the Philadelphia Steagles and 1946). Following his playing career, he began coaching as an assistant initially with the University of Tennessee, followed by Georgia Tech where he remained until 1959. He compiled a 70 win, 31 loss and 4 tie record and produced and mentored Heisman Trophy winner Steve Spurrier. From 1971 until 1980, he served as Athletic Director at Florida. He was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
Hall of Fame College Football Coach, Professional Football Player. As head coach of the University of Florida Gators' football program (1960 to 1969), he devised what was known as the "Monster Defense", as he guided his teams to four Bowl Game titles. Born Samuel Ray Graves, he played collegiate football at the University of Tennessee (at the center position) and contributed to the Volunteers' appearance in the Sugar Bowl in 1941. Selected by the Philadelphia Eagles during the 9th round of the 1942 NFL Draft, he totaled 28 career regular season games (1942,1943 with the Philadelphia Steagles and 1946). Following his playing career, he began coaching as an assistant initially with the University of Tennessee, followed by Georgia Tech where he remained until 1959. He compiled a 70 win, 31 loss and 4 tie record and produced and mentored Heisman Trophy winner Steve Spurrier. From 1971 until 1980, he served as Athletic Director at Florida. He was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
Bio by: C.S.
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