Andy Spiva, the SEC’s all-time leading tackler from his days as a Tennessee linebacker, was the 1972 AJC Class AAA Lineman of the Year in the highest classification and a high school All-American in three publications – College & Athlete, Senior Scholastic and Parade. As a senior, he averaged 14.7 tackles per game, intercepted three passes and recovered six fumbles on an 8-2 team that remains the only one in Chamblee history to attain a No. 1 ranking during the season. The Atlanta Constitution commonly referenced Spiva as Georgia’s No. 1 college prospect during his senior year. GACA Hall of Fame coach Dave Hunter, a Chamblee assistant at the time and former long-time Brookwood head coach, has called Spiva the best player that he coached in a 40-year career. Spiva signed with Tennessee and was a two-time first-team All-SEC linebacker (1975, 1976). Spiva went in the fifth round of the 1977 NFL Draft to the St. Louis Cardinals. He later signed with the Atlanta Falcons after impressing head coach Leeman Bennett during a preseason game against the Cardinals. Spiva won the Falcons’ starting middle linebacker job entering the 1978 season before suffering a season-ending injury. Spiva died the next offseason in an automobile accident at age 24. Spiva’s SEC record of 547 career tackles has stood nearly 50 years.
The Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame honors and celebrates the rich history, achievements, and contributions of high school football players, coaches, and supporters across the state.
.png){kind=small}