Member Biography

End Gaynell Tinsley and halfback Abe Mickal provided Louisiana State with one of the stellar passing combos of the mid-1930s. Tinsley was a great receiver, latching on to record-breaking throws from his remarkable teammate and earning All-America honors in both 1935-1936. 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 athletic specimen, standing 6-0, and weighing 196-pounds, size he used equally well as a defensive stalwart who was a blocking master. Born on February 1, 1915, at Ruple, Louisiana; 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 returning 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.