He played college football at Southern Methodist University and was a member of the undefeated 1935 SMU team that was recognized as the national champion.
At the end of the 1935 season, Spain was selected by Grantland Rice for Collier's Weekly and by a board of coaches for Pathé News as a first-team player on the 1935 All-America college football team.
No mere man could use the correct expression, but a co-ed said: 'His large, black eyes burn into you and make you feel that something is going to happen.
'"[5][6] In late January 1936, the publicity drew an offer for Spain to enter the boxing game, which he turned down.
Spain said he was due a movie tryout, and "a bunged-up face wouldn't be any help in Hollywood, unless Truman wanted a gangster role.