Bill Spears
Quarterback
1927
First Team All-American
NEA and Associated Press
One of the team’s top offensive players ever, Spears was a three-year starter at quarterback for some of McGugin’s best Vanderbilt teams.
In 1927, he was selected First Team All-America by NEA and Associated Press.
In 1927, he guided the squad to an 8-1-2 record, including a win over Tulane when noted writer Blinkey Horn described Spears as “All-World” after a two-touchdown effort.
Spears concluded his career by outgaining the entire Alabama squad in a 14-7 Vanderbilt win.
One of McGugin’s most beloved players, Spears went on to chair his own law firm.
He was a significant contributor to Vanderbilt, serving on the Board of Trust from 1954 until his death in 1992.