Top 15 Sun Devils in the NFL in 2008, Part I
The headline says it all. With a thrilling Super Bowl behind us, we’re counting down the top 15 Sun Devils in the NFL in 2008. Disagree with one of our choices? Let us know in the comments!
Terrelle Smith is not crying and being showered with confetti because he made the list.
15. Andrew Walter, QB, Raiders
ASU’s all-time leading passer has had a tough go with the dysfunctional Raiders. He started just one game in 2008, but being a No. 2 quarterback in the NFL earns him more recognition than most Sun Devil alums. Look for him to get a fresh start with a new franchise in 2010.
14. Kyle Kosier, G, Cowboys
In years past, the often overlooked Kosier would easily have ranked in the top 10. He’s been a bona fide starter for one of the league’s most storied teams, but injuries limited him to just three starts in 2008.
13. Jamar Williams, LB, Bears
Williams played in all 16 games for the Bears almost exclusively on special teams. He totaled 14 tackles, but none in the final seven games.
12. Derek Smith, LB, Chargers
The 12-year vet started four games for the Chargers before finishing the season in Miami. Smith would make this list any other year of his career, as he’s started no less than 12 games each of the previous 11 seasons for the 49ers and Redskins.
11. Josh Barrett, S, Broncos
This rookie started the year on Denver’s practice squad, but the Broncos gave him a chance late in the year and he took advantage. Barrett played in six games, totaling at least six tackles in three of them.
10. Grey Ruegamer, G, Giants
The journeyman former ASU Rose Bowl tackle turned NFL guard played in all 16 games for the third straight season for defending champion New York. While not a starter, his longevity in a young man’s league earns him a spot in the Top 10.
9. Terrelle Smith, FB, Cardinals
This blocking back played in 15 games and started six for the Super Bowl runner up Cardinals. While he didn’t take a handoff, he played a significant role in one of the league’s best offenses.
8. Marvel Smith, OT, Steelers
The nine-year NFL vet would normally make the top five of this list, but injuries limited him to just five starts in 2008. He has been a regular starter for the Super Bowl champions since 2001.
***Don’t miss the Sun Devils ranked No. 7 to No. 1!***
What’s Your Take, Sun Devils?
Let us know who we mis-ranked, or share a memory of a favorite NFL Sun Devil in the comments below!
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Derek Smith’s inclusion is bittersweet for me. It reminds me how few of the ’96 team stars are no longer in the league. Jake Plummer, Derrick Rodgers, Keith Poole, JR Redmond and (or course) Pat Tillman all had fruitful NFL careers that are now over. Some of those guys were legit stars.
It’s kind of sad to think how few NFL stars the Dirk Koetter era produced. Terrell Suggs (a Bruce Snyder recruit) and Zach Miller. That’s it so far, right?
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