Carl Hinkle was a defensive genius and the captain of Vanderbilt’s famed “Iron Men” of 1937, a team which missed a Rose Bowl invitation by inches. The Commodores were playing Alabama in the final game of the season, and a victory would bring the bowl bid. But a Crimson Tide field goal produced a 9-7 Alabama victory, and Vandy’s dream faded. Hinkle was the most decorated lineman in the South in 1937, winning the Southeastern Conference Most Valuable Player honors as well as All-American recognition. He would later be named to an all-time SEC team. Hinkle led Vandy in tackles and was among team leaders in pass interceptions. In 1937 he played continuously for sixty minutes in seven of Vanderbilt’s games. Following graduation, Hinkle obtained an appointment to West Point. He was not eligible to play on the Army team, but he helped with coaching and took part in scrimmages. During World War II, Carl served as a pilot and won the Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Medal of Commendation, the Croix de Guerre, and a Presidential Unit Citation with oak leaf clusters. Carl Hinkle, who was born in 1917 at Nashville, the son of Methodist minister Rev. Carl C. Hinkle Sr., died November 15, 1992, in Little Rock, Arkansas.
