NCAA Football Team History

Arizona State Sun Devils - History

The Sun Devils

Sparky
It was the summer of 1946 when someone uttered those words for the first time. But who That's a question that has haunted Arizona State University historians for years. The nickname "Sun Devils" is the third in the school's 108-year history. When the second Tempe Normal football team opened play in 1889, the student body chose "Owls" for its moniker. And when Tempe Normal became Arizona State Teachers College, "Owls" became "Bulldogs."

The State Press, the student newspaper, ran frequent appeals during the fall of 1946, urging the Bulldog to be replaced by the new Sun Devil. And on November 8, 1946, the student body voted 819 to 196 to make the change. On November 20, says The Arizona Republic, the student council made it official. The following day, the first Arizona State team played as the Sun Devils.

The problem of drawing the Sun Devil was handed over to the late Bert Anthony, an artist for Walt Disney. Anthony, creator of the defunct Stanford Indian symbol, designed the current Sun Devil imp, "Sparky."

The Arizona State University Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1975 to honor the school's most distinguished student-athletes in all sports.

The Hall of Distinction, recognizing outstanding contributions from coaches and administrators, was inaugurated in 1982.

Plaques describing the athletic achievements of each inductee are displayed on the concourse level of the University Activity Center in four separate exhibit areas. It is open for public viewing during normal University hours and during all Activity Center events.

Athletes enshrined in the Hall of Fame are chosen by the Hall of Fame selection committee, composed of administrators, staff faculty, and lay people close to the University's athletic program.

Sports Hall of Fame selection is based on one or more of the following criteria: all-America recognition; NCAA champion; world record setter; Olympic medal; NCAA statistical leader; and significant contribution to sports and graduation.

Athletes become eligible for enshrinement 10 years after their senior class has graduated.

It has been said by many respected individuals in the world of sports that the Sports Hall of Fame at ASU is one of the best, if not THE best, in the nation in terms of the number of sports represented and the quality of athletes in the hall.

Some of the players inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame for Football include:

Junior Au You
Football / 1970-1971
Au You was named co-outstanding player in the Sun Devils' 1970 Peach Bowl victory over North Carolina and outstanding defensive player in the 1971 victory over Florida State in the Inaugural Fiesta Bowl. Ah You was a three-time All-Western Athletic Conference selection at defensive end. In 1971, he was selected to United Press International's second-team All-American. Following his Sun Devil playing days, he went on to a distinguished Canadian Football League career.

Ron Brown
Football, Track & Field / 1979-1982
As a two-sport letterman, Brown was a member of the United States 4x100 meter relay squad that won gold in the 1984 Olympic Games, and also took fourth individually in the 100 meters. He was a three-time-All-America and two-time-Pac-10 champion in track, and was a member of the 1980 and 1981 Pac-10 Conference 4x100 meter relay championship teams. On the gridiron, Brown grabbed 7 interceptions in 1980. In 1982, he caught 19 passes for 395 yards and scored 5 touchdowns, leading the Sun Devils to a 10-2 mark and a Fiesta Bowl victory. Brown was a second-round departure to the Cleveland Browns and later played for the Rams and the Raiders.

Bob Breunig
Football / 1971-1975
Picked as first-string All-America linebacker by Football Coaches, Sporting News, and Time in 1974, Breunig was also the second team All-America selection of AP and UPI that same year. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1975. He teamed with Larry Gordon (1974) to form the best line-backing corps in ASU history.

Leon Burton
Football / 1955-1958
Burton established an NCAA record for yards gained per carry with 9.62 as halfback for the 1957 unbeaten ASU team. He also led the nation in rushing and scoring that same season. He established a freshman and school record for rushing in one game in 1955. He was an All-Border conference selection in both 1957-1958. He had five runs of 75 or more yards for touchdowns. He was drafted and played with the New York Titans of the American Football League.

Shane Collins
Football & Track / 1988-91
An All-Pac-10 selection in 1988-89 and 1991 and four-time letterman in football. Honorable mention 1988 Pac-10 All-Academic team. The 1988 ASU Freshman of the Year and Defensive Lineman of the year. Played in the East-West Shrine game in 1991 and was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the second round of the 1992 draft. Currently second place on ASU career shot put list (20.20/66-3.25). A 1990 national champion, Pac-10 champion and indoor and outdoor All-American in shot put. Awarded the high school track athlete of the year award his senior year at Bozeman High School. Graduated with a B.S. in marketing in December of 1991.

Curley Culp
Football & Wrestling / 1964-1968
First-team football All-America by Time Magazine and Sporting News, Culp was also the NCAA heavyweight wrestling champion in 1967. He also played professional football with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Oilers as an all-pro defensive tackle. Charter Inductee - 1975.

David Fulcher
Football / 1983-85
Fulcher was a two-time consensus All-American and three-time first-team All-Pac-10 selection at safety. He compiled 14 career interceptions, returning one for a touchdown in 1985 against Utah State. He ended with 286 career tackles in three seasons, 110 of which were in 1983. Fulcher picked off six passes in 1985, leading the Sun Devils to the Holiday Bowl. The Cincinnati Bengals drafted him in the third-round in 1986. Fulcher sparked the NFL by appearing as an All-Pro selection in 1989, '90 and '91, and playing in the Super Bowl XXIII.

Larry Gordon
Football / 1973-1975
Gordon was an outstanding linebacker on the 1975 football team which finished 12-0 and was ranked second nationally. He was also a Time Magazine All-America first team in 1975, as well as on the All-Western Athletic Conference first team, 1975. He was a first round draft choice and rookie starter for the Miami Dolphins in 1976. Gordon teamed with Hall of Fame Member Bob Breunig in 1974 to give ASU its best linebacker crew ever.

Dave Graybill
Football, Basketball, and Baseball / 1953-1957
Emphasizing his versatility , he was a starter and a winner in three major sports - football, basketball, and baseball - during his four-year stay. He led ASU in passing (1955-1956) and was the Border Conference's Most Valuable Player in 1955 in football. He set an ASU single game scoring record in basketball and won the national singles handball title.

Woody Green
Football / 1971-1973
He was the first consensus All-America in ASU history in both 1972 and 1973. He was named to the AP, UPI, NEA, and Gridiron in 1972, and to the Football Coaches, Sporting News, Time, and Walter Camp first teams, as well as the AP and UPI second teams in 1973. He was the first player in ASU history to rush for over 1,000 yards in three straight years, 1971-1973. Charter Inductee - 1975.

Charles Haigler
Football / 1898-1902
Haigler was the first Arizona State Football great. He reported for the school's first team in 1896 and was starting fullback in the first games played. He starred as ASU beat the University of Arizona, 11-2, in the first game between these rivals in 1899. After playing for seven years at ASU, he played for four more years at Southern California. He became the first ASU athlete to receive a lifetime pass after receiving one earlier from USC.

Al Harris
Football / 1975-1978
As a defensive end, he was the first ASU football player to gain unanimous All-America first-team honors, making AP, UPI, Coaches, Sporting News, Football Writers, and Walter Camp teams in 1978. He was a key figure in the 20-7 win over Southern California in 1978. Harris was a first round draft choice of the Chicago Bears in 1979.

John Harris
Football / 1975-1977
Harris was first-team all-Western Athletic Conference and honorable mention Associated Press all-America in 1976 and 1977, leading the Sun Devils in interceptions both years with 7 and 5, respectively. His 16 career interceptions for 130 yards ranks third on the all-time list. Harris was a member of the 1975 ASU team which defeated Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl, finishing the season with a 12-0 record and a second place national ranking as the country's only undefeated, untied major collegiate football team. He was an outstanding punt returner, averaging 11.6 yards per return in 1977, 12.6 yards in 1976 and 9.8 yards in 1975. He was selected twice to the WAC All-American team and was named the 1977 Sun Angel Male Athlete of the Year, honoring academic and athletic excellence. Harris was a member of the NFL all-rookie team while with the Seattle Seahawks. He also played for the Minnesota Vikings.

Ben Hawkins
Football / 1963-1965
Hawkins started as both wide receiver and defensive end at ASU. He was the first Sun Devil ever to be named to a major first team All-America squad when picked by Time Magazine in 1965. He was an All-Western Athletic Conference selection in 1965. He was a big play man on both offense and defense. Hawkins was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1966, and he was a top NFL wide receiver until injuries shortened his career.

Mike Haynes
Football / 1972-1976
Haynes was a first team All-America defensive back selection of Kodak, Sporting News, Time, AP, NEA, and Football News in 1975. He was also a second team All-America selection of UPI in 1975. He led the nation in pass interceptions in 1974, and was an ASU career record-holder for the most interceptions and a four-year starter. Haynes was a first round draft pick, starter, Rookie-of-the-year, All-America Football Conference and second team All-National Football League in 1976 for the New England Patriots. He is the second man in ASU history to run back a punt, kickoff and pass interceptions for touchdowns. He set a school record for the long jump in 1975 as well.

Hascall Henshaw
Football / 1938-1940
Henshaw was a halfback on the 1939 and 1940 Border Conference championship teams that played in the Sun Bowl Games. In the January 1, 1941 contest, he carried 29 times and had a 94-yard touchdown run which stood for 26 seasons as the longest in ASU history. He earned first team honors on the 1941 All-American Bowl Team and was named a member of the Sun Bowl's all-time one-platoon football team.

J.D. Hill
Football, Basketball, Track / 1967-1968, 1970
Hill was Sporting News and Time Magazine's first-team All-America, and Associated Press's third-team selection in 1970 as a wide receiver for the unbeaten 11-0 WAC and Peach Bowl Championship ASU team. He was also a track and basketball star at ASU. As a first round draft pick by the NFL's Buffalo Bills, he is now a wide receiver for the Detroit Lions.

Steve Holden
Football / 1969-1972
A three-time All-Western Athletic Conference choice at wingback, he set five Sun Devil pass reception and punt return records, and led the nation in punt returns in 1970. Named to the American Football Writers and Time Magazine All-America teams following his senior season, he played in the East-West Shrine Game, Senior Bowl, Coached All-American Game, and College All-Star Game. He was named the Sun Devils' most valuable player following the 1971 and 1972 seasons.

Jim Jeffcoat
Football / 1979-1982
One of the best defensive linemen to wear a Sun Devil uniform, Jeffcoat was named Football News third team, Associated Press honorable mention, and Sporting News honorable mention All-America in 1982. He garnered first team All-Pac-10 honors and played in the 1983 East-West Shrine and Senior Bowl games. He earned 1981 honorable mention All-Pac-10 accolades, and was the catalyst of the Sun Devils' No. 1 ranked Division 1-A defense (228.9 yards/game) in 1982. He finished with 20 career quarterback sacks. He collected 95 tackles, four QB sacks, four pass deflections, and forced two fumbles during his senior season. Jeffcoat was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round, 23rd overall, in the 1983 NFL Draft. He was a member of the 1983 and '94 Dallas Cowboy Super Bowl Championship teams.

John Jefferson
Football / 1974-1977
As a wide receiver, he became the second ASU consensus All-America in 1977 when picked by the Coaches and the Associated Press. All-Western Athletic Conference in both 1975 and 1977, he made "the Catch" in the 24-21 win over Arizona in 1975. He holds virtually all ASU career pass-receiving records. A first round draft pick and starter for the San Diego Chargers in 1978, he made that year's NFL All-Rookie team.

John Jankans
Football / 1952-1955
Jankans played both tackle and guard and was a standout in offense and defense during the one-platoon era. He is the only athlete in ASU history to win all-conference honors for four straight years when he was so honored by the Border Conference.

John Henry Johnson
Football / 1952
Johnson starred for the 1952 Border Conference champs as offensive and defensive back in his only season at ASU. He played professionally in Canada after leaving ASU, then starred for the San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Pittsburg Steelers and Houston Oilers. He rushed for over 1,000 yards for the Steelers in both 1962 and 1964.

Bob Kohrs
Football / 1976-1979
As a three-year starter for the Sun Devils, Kohrs led the team in defensive statistics during his junior year and was named the team's most valuable lineman his senior year. His career stats include 214 tackles and 30 QB sacks. In 1987, he was named Sports Illustrated player of the week vs. USC with six tackles, one QB sack, three fumble recoveries, and three pass deflections. Kohrs recorded 15 tackles against Arizona in 1978 and scored the game-winning touchdown vs. Washington in Frank Kush's last game as head coach for ASU. He made first team all-Pac-10 in 1979 and was taken in the second round of the 1980 NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Art Malone
Football / 1967-1969
From fullback post, he rushed for 1,439 yards in 1969, the second best single season total in ASU history. He finished fifth best in career rushing in 1967-69. He made All-Western Athletic Conference first team in both 1968 and 1969 and NEA second team All-America in 1969. He played seven seasons in the National Football League, first with the Atlanta Falcons, who drafted him in 1970, and later with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Ben Malone
Football / 1971-1973
One of only 7 backs in ASU history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season, he set Sun Devil single-game records for yards rushing (250) and touchdowns (5) in his senior year. Originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins, he finished his professional career with the Washington Redskins.

Mark Malone
Football / 1977-79
Malone finished his three-year ASU tenure in 1979 by notching the longest run in NCAA history by a quarterback (98 yards vs. Utah State) and earning team MVP honors. He was drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1980 after earning Sporting News honorable mention All-America honors. In 1978 he gained 705 yards on 143 carries and was voted by his teammates to receive the Sun Angel Award for his leadership, team spirit and athletic ability.

Randall McDaniel
Football / 1984-1987
ASU's most improved award winner, Randall helped the Sun Devils lead the Pac-10 in total offense (406.1 yards per game). He was a key winner of the Pac-10 championship squad in 1986. He was named first-team All-American and All-Conference in 1986 and 1987. He was a member of the West team in the 1987 East-West Shrine Game. Randall also played in the 1987 Senior Bowl and Japan Bowl. He won the 1987 Mike Bartholomew Award and the 1987 Morris Award given to the outstanding offensive lineman in the Pac-10 conference. He was the first-round draft choice of the Minnesota Vikings in 1987.

John Mistler
Football / 1977-1980
Mistler earned All-America and All Pac-10 honors in 1980 after leading the Sun Devils with 53 receptions for 573 yards and 11 touchdowns. He ranks second in Arizona State history with 156 career catches and 21 touchdowns, as well as third in career receiving yardage (2, 149). He was named the most valuable player at the 1978 Garden State Bowl, as the Sun Devils defeated Rutgers, 34-18. Following his collegiate career, Mistler played for the NFL's New York Giants for four seasons.

Jim Montgomery
Football / 1946-1947
Montgomery starred on the 1946-47 Sun Devil football teams and in 1947, was team captain playing under Hall of Fame coach Ed Doherty. Monty, as he was known to his teammates, led the NCAA in pass receiving in 1946 with 32 catches for 399 yards, while ranking among the nation's leaders in punting, his longest that year was a 90-yard kick against the New Mexico Aggies. Montgomery was an All-Border Conference first-team selection in 1946 and 1947, and was voted the outstanding lineman in the conference in '46. He was the first post-World War II player to be drafted into professional football.

Bobby Mulgado
Football / 1954-1958
Mulgado was a versatile player of the one platoon era who could play defense as well as run, pass, punt, and kick score. He led the nation in punt returns in 1957 when ASU went 10-0. He was also second to teammate Leon Burton in scoring nationally and led ASU in kick scoring that season. He led ASU in total offense, rushing, and overall scoring in 1956. His football jersey, number 27, was retired after his senior season.

Mike Pagel
Football, Baseball / 1978-1982
Pagel is among the most prolific passers to play at ASU. He earned Associated Press and Sporting News honorable mention honors in 1981. He was also named to the All-Pac-10 first team that year. He had the best game of his college career against Stanford in 1981 when he connected on 26 of 34 passes (.765) for 446 yards and seven touchdowns. His seven touchdowns that game, along with 29 in the season, were still ASU records at the time of his induction. He was voted team captain and MVP for the 1981 season. He played in the East-West Shrine Hula Bowl and Olympic Gold Bowl games in 1981. Pagel also played baseball while at ASU. He sported a .320 batting average and had 44 RBI's while scoring 49 runs during the 1982 season. He was drafted by the NFL's Baltimore Colts in the fourth round, 84th player overall, in the 1982 draft.

Wayne "Ripper" Pitts
Football / 1938-1940
Three-year starter, Pitts was a mainstay of the offence at fullback on the 1939 and 1940 Border Conference championship teams. He was a triple threat who could run, pass, and receive. He was an All-Border Conference and Little All-America selection after the 1939 season. In 1938, as a sophomore, he returned a kick-off for 99 yards, the second longest in ASU history.

Paul Ray Powell
Football, Baseball / 1967-1969
As a defensive back and place kicker on the 1967-68 football teams, Powell was the NCAA kick-scoring champion in 1968 with 77 points. In baseball, he was a first-team All-America pick and the Sporting News Player of the Year in 1969. He set an NCAA record for hits in a season in 1969. Powell was a first round draft choice and the first collegiate player to be picked in 1969. He played with the Minnesota Twins and later with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Ron Pritchard
Football / 1966-1968
As a linebacker, he became the first ASU football player to make three All-American first teams - Time, Sporting News, and Newspaper Enterprises - in 1968. The same year, he also made AP and UPI second teams. He is among a select group of three-time-All-Western Athletic Conference first team picks. He was drafted and played with the Houston Oilers before being traded to the Cincinatti Bengals.

Lenny Randle
Football - Baseball /1968-1970
Randle was a second baseman on the 1969 NCAA championship team and third team AA-American at that position in 1970. He was drafted by the Washington Senators and played with the Texas Rangers, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs. He was a football return specialist and holder of several school records for kickoff and punt returns. Randle scored six touchdowns on kickoff and punt returns.

Mike Richardson
Football / 1979-1982
Richardson was a four-year starter at defensive back. He was named first-team All-America and All Pac-10 in 1981-82. He is first on the all-time ASU career list in interceptions (18). In 1982, he led the team in both total tackles (124) and solo tackles (79). Richardson was the recipient of the Bill Kajikawa Outstanding Freshman Award (1979) and the Sun Angel Award (1981). He was the first round pick of the Chicago Bears and a member of the 1985 Super Bowl Championship team.

Gerald Riggs
Football / 1978-81
Riggs (1978-81) used an outstanding senior season to propel himself to honorable mention All-America distinction by the Associated Press and Sporting News. In addition, he became the first first-team All-Pac-10 running back in ASU history in 1981 when he led Arizona State in rushing with 891 yards on 148 carries (6.0 average) and six touchdowns. A true student-athlete, Riggs earned the Sun Angel Award in 1981 and the Clyde B. Smith Academic Award in 1980. Riggs is one of 15 Sun Devils to rush for more than 2,000 career yards as he garnered 2,097 on 400 carries in his Sun Devil career, ranking 12th on the all-time list. He had 17 career rushing touchdowns. He went on to a prosperous NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins, making three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances from 1986 to 1988.

Jerry Smith
Football / 1963-1964
Smith was the single-season pass receiving leader for an ASU tight-end with 42 catches on an 8-2 club in 1964. He went to the Washington Redskins, and despite his size (6'2", 200 lbs.), he has been a fixture at tight-end for the past 11 years. His career totals with the Redskins are 413 receptions for 5,415 yard and 58 touchdowns.

Norris Steverson
Football / 1929-1931
Steverson was a first time All-Southwest halfback in 1931, the highest award ever won by an ASU athlete at that time. He led ASU to the Border Conference championship that year and also to a 19-7 win over Arizona, only the second in ASU history. He was the first ASU player to be drafted by a professional team, picked by the Chicago Bears in 1934. He was a long-time gymnastics team coach for his alma mater. Charter Inductee - 1975.

Charley Taylor
Football / 1960-1963
Standout halfback, he was drafted by the Washington Redskins and named the NFL Rookie of the Year in 1964. He was named outstanding player for the College All-Stars game against NFL Champions the Chicago Bears in 1964. Taylor became a wide receiver where he amassed 582 catches going into the 1975 season and will become the all-time NFL pass reception leader. He was all-pro many times. Charter Inductee-1975.

Jeff Van Raaphorst
Football / 1983-1987
In his first year at ASU, he set eight school records and two Pac-10 marks. He was number eight on the all-time NCAA Division 1 passing yards list in 1984. He passed for 2, 062 yards as a sophomore and 2,200 yards as a junior. He was also a member of the first Sun Devil team to beat UCLA and USC in the same season (1986). He led ASU to the Rose Bowl in 1987, securing the MVP title with 193 yards and two touchdowns. While at ASU, he broke 21 school records and was awarded the Amateur Athlete of the Year award in 1987.

Danny Villa
Football / 1983-1986)
Villa was team captain and anchor of the 1986 ASU offensive line that propelled Arizona State to their first Pac-10 Conference title and the 1987 Rose Bowl crown. Villa was a 1986 consensus All-America pick by the Associated Press and the Football Writers Association, the first offensive lineman at Arizona State to achieve this status and won the 1986 Morris Trophy as the Pac-10 Offensive Lineman of the Year as voted by the conference's defensive linemen.

Danny White
Football / 1971-1973
White held seven NCAA records, five career and two season. He was a first team All-America pick by Football Writers, Time, NEA and second team AP and UPI, 1973. He played for over three years as the starting quarterback, and ASU amassed a 32-4 record and won three straight Fiesta Bowl games. Charter Inductee - 1975.

Wilford "Whizzer" White
Football / 1947-1950
Named to the 1950 AP second team, White was the first ASU athlete to gain AA mention nationally. He led the nation in rushing and all-purpose running in 1950, and was the first ASU athlete to win NCAA statistical championships. His football jersey, # 33, was retired at the end of his senior season. He was drafted and played for the Chicago Bears. Charter Inductee - 1975.

Freddie Williams
Football / 1973-1976)
Williams earned Associated Press Honorable Mention All-America status in 1975 and AP and UPI Honorable Mention All-America in 1974. Williams was an All-Western Athletic Conference selection in 1974 and 1975 and helped the 1975 team post an undefeated 12-0 record, as it won the Fiesta Bowl and finished the year ranked second in the country. He currently is the second all-time leading rusher in Arizona State history with 3,424 yards and second all-time in Arizona State history with 17 100-yard rushing games.

Joe Zuger
Football / 1959-1961
Zuger quarterbacked Arizona State University from 1959-61, compiling a 24-7 record in three years as a starter. He is a prominent member of the ASU football record book, placing near the top in total offense records. In addition to his signal-calling duties, he also played defensive back and punter during the era of one-platoon football. During his senior season in 1961, Zuger completed 67 of 133 passes (50.4 percent) for 879 yards and eight touchdowns, led the team and ranked among the nation's leaders with 10 interceptions (the third best single-season mark in ASU history), and ranked nationally with a 42.1-yard punting average. Zuger went on to play for the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the Canadian Football League and set a then-CFL record, throwing eight touchdown passes in his first game, leading Hamilton to a 67-21 victory over Regina. In the inaugural CFL-game, he passed for 572 yards to establish another league record.