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Gaynell Tinsley

End

Inducted 1956

Date of Birth

2/1/1915

Birthplace

Ruple, LA

School

Louisiana State University (1934-1936)

Bio

End Gaynell Tinsley and halfback Abe Mickal provided Louisiana State with one of the best passing combos of the mid-1930s. Tinsley was a great receiver, latching on to record-breaking throws from his remarkable teammate and earning consensus All-America honors in1935 and unanimous selection in 1936. As a sophomore, Tinsley teamed with Mickal on a 65-yard pass play against Southern Methodist. This stood for several years a record for the longest pass in Southern football history. Tinsley was a magnificent athlete, standing 6-0, and weighing 196-pounds, size he used equally well in the defensive line. Tinsley was a three-year letterman in both football and baseball at LSU, serving as team captain in each sport. Following graduation, Gaynell played two seasons as a professional with the Chicago Bears before turning to Baton Rouge and LSU to serve as end coach for the Tigers from 1939-1942. He moved up to the head coaching duties in 1948 and directed Tiger fortunes for the next six campaigns.