John Heisman - Growing Reputation: Auburn And Clemson

Although Heisman's first year at Auburn was fairly unspectacular, winning two of three games, it was during the first game of the 1895 season that he first employed his innovative trick hidden-ball play. Down 9-0 to Vanderbilt University in the second half, Auburn's quarterback, under the protection of the offensive wedge, discreetly tucked the ball under his shirt. As the other Auburn players dispersed widely on the field, successfully spreading out the defense, the quarterback pretended to be out of the play, crouching down to tie his shoe. He then nonchalantly sauntered in for a touchdown. Before being deemed illegal, the play worked once again that season in a game against Georgia.

From 1895 to 1899, Heisman led Auburn to a record of 12-4-2. Considering that his teams were often outmatched in size and talent, the record earned Heisman increasing respect, with many regarding him as one of the best coaches in the country. Enticed perhaps by an increase in salary, in 1900 Heisman accepted a coaching position at Clemson University near Greenville, South Carolina, where he quickly turned the football program into a notable success. During his first year of coaching there, Clemson went undefeated, without even a tie to blemish their perfect record. The team's win over league-dominating Georgia was icing on the cake for Clemson fans.