Adrian Van de Graaff

Adrian Van Vinceler Van de Graaff (September 6, 1891 – March 14, 1936) was a college football player and coach. He played halfback for the Alabama Crimson Tide football of the University of Alabama. After football he practiced law.

Early years

Adrian was born on September 6, 1891 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to Adrian Sebastian "Bass" Van de Graaff and Minnie Cherokee Jemison. Adrian, Sr. was a circuit judge who had been a sub on Yale's football team of 1880. Adrian attended Tuscaloosa High School.

University of Alabama

Following in his father's footsteps, Adrian joined the Alabama football team, becoming a prominent member of its 1911 and 1912 teams. At Alabama he was a member of Phi Delta Theta. Adrian's younger brothers Hargrove and William were also prominent football players for Alabama, William being the program's first All-American. Younger still was Adrian's brother Robert J. Van de Graaff, the inventor of the Van de Graaff Generator which produces high voltages.

1912

Adrian was selected All-Southern in 1912 by Nathan Stauffer of Collier's Weekly.

1917

In 1917, Camp Gordon, the second military opponent Alabama faced as the country mobilized for World War I, beat the Tide 19–6. Camp Gordon had several players with college experience, including Adrian.

Law

Adrian was "one of the most brilliant member of the Alabama bar, having an unusual aptitude for legal research."