Sun Devil Science: All-Decade Team – 1990s

Following the departure of John Cooper to Ohio State after the 1987 season, the remainder of the ‘80s and the first half of the 1990s were quiet times for Sun Devil fans as Arizona State failed to win more than six games in a season from 1988-95 with four and three-win seasons in 1990 and ’94, respectively.

That sense of mediocrity evaporated in a hurry as the 1996 season saw Arizona State blast through all regular season competition as the Sun Devils claimed the Pac-10 title and a berth in the Rose Bowl with national championship hopes on the line. The Devils would follow with bowl appearances after the 1997 and ’99 seasons under head coach Bruce Snyder.

On an individual player scale, the ‘90s provided a mixed bag of talent that consists of a host of four-year legends as well as phenoms from the junior college level and an overall group of athletes that left lasting impressions both in ASU’s record books and in the hearts of Sun Devil fans.

Quarterback

Jake Plummer (1993-96)

One of the most recognizable presences in the history of Sun Devil football, Plummer helped resurrect ASU from a mediocre program in the early ‘90s to Rose Bowl prominence to conclude his career. Plummer was injected into the starting lineup during his true freshman season and became one of the league’s best quarterbacks as he was a First-Team All-Pac-10 and Honorable Mention All-America selection in 1995. The 1996 season remains one of the most memorable ever to be played by an Arizona State team and Plummer was the catalyst, sneaking and snaking into and out of harm’s way on numerous occasions to lead the Sun Devils to a perfect regular season record, the Pac-10 championship, and a Rose Bowl berth. As a result of his unforgettable senior season, Plummer was a First-Team All-American according to the Football Writers Association of America, the Pac-10 Conference Offensive Player of the Year and a First-Team All-Pac-10 pick and he finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting. Along with conference and national hardware, Plummer claimed a number of school records including career passing yards (8,827) and touchdown passes (65), surpassing Danny White in both categories. A second round pick (42nd overall) by the Arizona Cardinals in the 1997 NFL Draft, Plummer spent a decade at the pro level with the Cardinals and Broncos, earning one Pro Bowl selection. In 2007, Plummer was inducted into the ASU Sports Hall of Fame.

Honorable Mention: Ryan Kealy (1997-2000)

Running Back

Mario Bates (1991-93)

Though he put together a certainly above average career at ASU, a resonating sense of “what could have been” exists looking back at Bates’ college career. After rushing for 473 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman in 1991, Bates caught fire his sophomore year with 441 yards and four touchdowns in just three games before suffering a season-ending injury. Bates returned to form in 1993 and earned First-Team All-Pac-10 honors after rushing for 1,111 yards and eight touchdowns and posting the third-most carries in a single season by a Sun Devil (246). The Tucson native entered the NFL Draft after the 1993 season and was picked in the second round (44th overall) by New Orleans. Bates had a solid pro career with 3,048 rushing yards with 38 touchdowns in 98 games over seven years with the Saints, Cardinals, and Panthers.

Terry Battle (1994-96)

Used in a reserve role his freshman and sophomore years, Battle totaled 753 rushing yards with four total touchdowns between the 1994-95 seasons. However, just as the Sun Devil team exploded into prominence in 1996, so did Battle after he became the primary rusher in place of an injured Michael Martin. In all, Battle rushed for 1,077 yards with 20 total touchdowns on his way to First-Team All-America honors according to Sporting News as well as First-Team All-Pac-10 accolades as a junior in ‘96. Battle bypassed his senior season to enter the NFL Draft but his career was cut short due to an injury after being picked by the Detroit Lions.

Honorable Mention: Leonard Russell (1990), Michael Martin (1994-97), Jeff Paulk (FB) (1995-98), Terrelle Smith (FB) (1997-99)

Wide Receiver

Eric Guliford (1989-92)

ASU’s leading receiver three straight seasons from 1990-92, Guliford was a Second-Team All-Pac-10 honoree as a junior and a senior at wide receiver and an Honorable Mention pick his sophomore year. At the conclusion of his Sun Devil career, Guliford ranked second on ASU’s career receptions chart (164) and third in receiving yards (2,408) and was also a heavily praised returns specialist. Despite going undrafted after his college career, Guliford played four seasons in the NFL with Minnesota, Carolina, and New Orleans.

Keith Poole (1993-96)

Jake Plummer’s favorite target and a fan favorite during his days in Tempe, Poole is one of the most productive pass-catchers in ASU history as he finished his career as the co-record holder in career touchdown catches (25), while also ranking third all-time in receiving yards (2,691) and fourth in receptions (140). ASU’s leading receiver in 1995 and ’96, Poole was a Second-Team All-American according to the Associated Press as a senior and a First-Team All-Pac-10 selection in both 1995 and ’96. A fourth round selection of the New Orleans Saints in the 1997 NFL Draft, Poole played five pro seasons and totaled 96 catches for 1,734 yards with 11 touchdowns.

Honorable Mention: Lenzie Jackson (1995-98)

Tight End

Todd Heap (1998-2000)

Perhaps the most talented tight end in school history, Heap makes the list for the 1990s since two of his three seasons were played in the decade including his most productive season in 1999. A recruit of massive importance out of nearby Mesa Mountain View High School, Heap was a top contributor from day one as his first season resulted in Freshman All-America honors. ASU’s leading receiver in 1999 and 2000, Heap’s best year was as a sophomore in ’99 when he caught 55 passes for 832 yards with three touchdowns and at the conclusion of his career, he rewrote the Sun Devil career record books for a tight end. Heap was a First-Team All-Pac-10 selection in 1999 and 2000, a Third-Team All-American in 1999 and a First-Team All-American and Mackey Award finalist as a junior in 2000. After bypassing his senior season to enter the NFL Draft, Heap was selected in the first round (31st overall) by the Baltimore Ravens. Through his 12-year pro career with the Ravens and Cardinals, Heap became one of the NFL’s top receiving tight ends as he caught 499 passes for 5,689 yards with 42 touchdowns and was a Pro Bowl selection on two occasions. Heap was added to ASU’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.

Honorable Mention: Steve Bush (1992-93; 1995-96), Kendrick Bates (1996-99)

All-Purpose

J.R. Redmond (1996-1999)

One of the most sensationally impressive players in Arizona State football history, Redmond’s inclusion at this spot and not running back is absolutely by no means a slight to his running prowess – Redmond ranks third all-time at ASU in rushing—but his value to the program was far from limited to a just tailback’s role. ASU’s leading rusher in 1998 and ’99 and part of an incredible backfield with the likes of Michael Martin and Terry Battle before that, Redmond graduated with 3,299 rushing yards on 633 carries with 32 rushing touchdowns. ASU’s punt returner all four years and a kickoff returner at times, Redmond also caught 61 career passes for 677 yards and four touchdowns and saw time on defense as well. A Second-Team All-American at tailback in 1998, Redmond earned First-Team All-Pac-10 honors after each of his final three seasons at ASU. In all, Redmond ranks second all-time at ASU with 5,617 all-purpose yards and he was inducted into ASU’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.

Offensive Line

Toby Mills (1990-93)

A four-year starter at center and a team captain as a senior, Mills is one of only four offensive linemen for ASU in the ‘90s to earn multiple first or second-team all-conference honors as he earned Second-Team All-Pac-10 selection accolades in 1992 and ‘93. Mills was also a three-time Pac-10 All-Academic selection and the 1993 National Football Foundation Hall Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Juan Roque (1993-96)

One of the most dominant offensive linemen and arguably the most talented offensive tackle in Arizona State history, Roque was a First-Team All-Pac-10 selection as a junior and a senior and a Playboy All-American prior to his senior season. A Second-Team All-American by Sporting News as a junior, Roque was a Consensus All-American as a senior in 1996 as a senior leader and driving force for ASU’s Pac-10 Champion team. Following his spectacular senior season, Roque was picked in the second round (35th overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions and in 2009 he was inducted into the ASU Sports Hall of Fame.

Kyle Murphy (1994-97)

A highly decorated lineman for the Devils, Murphy was a three-year starter at left guard and was a Second-Team All-American by Sporting News as a senior in 1997. Also a First-Team All-Pac-10 pick and a team captain in ’97, Murphy was a second-team all-league selection the year before as a starter for ASU’s legendary 1996 team.

Grey Ruegamer (1995-98)

One of the most unique personalities in Sun Devil history, Ruegamer began as a starting right tackle in 1996 before moving to center for his junior and senior seasons. A Third-Team All-American in 1997 and a Second-Team All-American in ’98, Ruegamer was a semifinalist for the Rotary Lombardi Award as a senior. Ruegamer also was a First-Team All-Pac-10 pick in 1997 and ’98 and an Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 selection in 1996 as well as a Playboy Magazine All-American prior to his senior season. Chosen in the third round (72nd overall) by Miami in the 1999 NFL Draft, Ruegamer spent more than a decade at the pro level and claimed a pair of Super Bowl rings. Ruegamer was inducted into ASU’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.

Marvel Smith (1997-99)

A three-year starter at left tackle following the All-America play at the position by Roque, Smith became a major standout as well as he was an Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 pick as a sophomore and then a First-Team All-Pac-10 and First-Team All-America honors recipient as a junior in 1999. Smith bypassed his senior season to enter the 2000 NFL Draft and was chosen in the second round (38th overall) by Pittsburgh. Smith went on to play 111 career NFL games with 108 starts with one Pro Bowl appearance and two Super Bowl victories. In 2011, Smith was inducted into ASU’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Honorable Mention: “Taco” Togiai (1992-93), Jeff Kysar (1991-94), Victor Leyva (1997-2000)

Defensive Line

Shane Collins (1988-91)

A three-year starter at defensive tackle, Collins was a First-Team All-Pac-10 selection in 1991 after earning Honorable Mention recognition in 1988 and ’89. After his college career, Collins was chosen in the second round (47th overall) by the Washington Redskins. A dual-sport athlete at ASU, Collins was the 1990 national and conference champion in shot put and for his overall contributions to Sun Devil athletics, he was inducted into ASU’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.

Shante Carver (1990-93)

One of the top pass rushers in ASU history, Carver is the only player in school history to post four seasons with 10.0 or more sacks and also to lead the Sun Devils in sacks all four years he played. A First-Team All-America selection both in 1992 and ’93, Carver was a Second-Team All-Pac-10 honoree in 1993, a first-team member in ’92 and an honorable mention pick in ’91. When his career concluded, Carver was ASU’s all-time career leader in sacks (41.0) and currently ranks second behind Terrell Suggs (44.0) while he also presently ranks third all-time at ASU in career tackles-for-loss (57.0). A first-round pick (23rd overall) in the 1994 NFL Draft, Carver was inducted into ASU’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.

Derrick Rodgers (1996)

Perhaps the most illustrious one-year wonder in Sun Devil history, Rodgers came to ASU from the JUCO ranks and submitted an incredible junior season for the 1996 Pac-10 Champion squad. In his lone season with the Sun Devils, Rodgers totaled 12.0 sacks and 24.0 total tackles-for-loss on his way to multiple First-Team All-America honors as well as First-Team All-Pac-10 distinction. A finalist for the 1996 Bronko Nagurski Award, Rodgers bypassed his senior season to enter the NFL Draft. A third-round selection (92nd overall) by Miami, Rodgers played eight pro seasons with the Dolphins and Saints.

Jeremy Staat (1996-97)

Another high caliber junior college transfer, after spending the 1996 season as a key reserve behind a highly experienced starting defensive line Staat then emerged as one of the nation’s premier linemen. A First-Team All-America selection by the Football Writers Association of America and the Morris Trophy winner as the Pac-10 Conference’s top defensive lineman, Staat was also a second-team all-conference honoree after totaling 12.5 sacks and 23.0 total tackles-for-loss in 1997. A second-round selection (41st overall) in the 1998 NFL Draft by Pittsburgh, Staat played four pro seasons with the Steelers and Rams before later enlisting for service with the United States Marine Corps.

Honorable Mention: Brent Burnstein (1993-96), Shawn Swayda (1993-96), Albrey Battle (1995-98), Vince Amey (1994-97), Erik Flowers (1998-99)

Linebacker

Darren Woodson (1989-91)

Woodson came to ASU under the limitations of “Prop 48” but by the time he exited Tempe he was prepared to embark on a spectacular career in the NFL. A three-year starter at outside linebacker, Woodson tallied 122 tackles in his debut season with the Sun Devils and earned Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 accolades all three seasons he played for Arizona State. A second round pick (37th overall) by Dallas in the 1992 NFL Draft, Woodson transitioned to safety and through his 13-year Cowboy career he earned five Pro Bowl selections, three All-Pro nods, and three Super Bowl rings. A member of the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor, Woodson was inducted into ASU’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.

Brett Wallerstedt (1989-92)

A three-year starter at inside linebacker and a team captain as a senior, Wallerstedt surpassed the 100-tackle mark in each of his final three seasons and as a senior registered 119 tackles – including 22.0 for loss – on his way to Third-Team All-America and First-Team All-Pac-10 honors. Wallerstedt currently ranks fourth all-time at ASU in career tackles (362) and no Sun Devil has since surpassed such a lofty career tackles total.

Pat Tillman (1994-97)

What more can be said? The most iconic figure in the history of Arizona State athletics, Tillman’s inclusion in the College Football Hall of Fame is warranted not only but the sacrifice he made during his military service but his play on the field for the Sun Devils. A Second-Team All-Pac-10 choice as an all-purpose specialist as a sophomore in 1995, Tillman earned Second-Team All-Pac-10 recognition at linebacker as a junior in 1996 before being named the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year – an award that now has Tillman’s name as the title – and a First-Team All-Pac-10 selection in 1997. A two-time Academic All-American and three-time Pac-10 All-Academic choice, Tillman was a team captain in ’97 and earned First-Team All-American recognition on the gridiron by Sporting News that year as well. Following a four-year NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals, Tillman retired from football to join the U.S. Army and was killed in action on April 22, 2004. Later that year his No. 42 was retired by ASU and in 2008 he was inducted into the ASU Sports Hall of Fame. Two years later, Tillman was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Honorable Mention: Justin Dragoo (1991-93, ’95), Jason Kyle (1993-94), Derek Smith (1995-96), Scott Von der Ahe (1995-96)

Defensive Back

Phillippi Sparks (1990-91)

Though these days many know him as Jordin’s father, ASU fans fondly remember Phillippi roaming the secondary for his hometown Sun Devils in the early ‘90s. Sparks came to ASU by way of Glendale Community College and Phoenix’s Maryvale High School and made his two years in maroon and gold count at a high level. A Second-Team All-Pac-10 selection his debut season at ASU, as a senior Sparks was a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist and a First-Team All-Pac-10 pick. A second round selection (41st overall) by the New York Giants in 1992, Sparks played nine pro seasons with the Giants and Cowboys and was inducted into ASU’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.

Craig Newsome (1993-94)

A community college transfer like Sparks before him, Newsome came to ASU from San Bernardino Valley College and was a smash hit with the Devils in his debut season by earning First-Team All-Pac-10 honors. A Playboy Magazine All-American prior to the 1994 season, he went on to receive Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 accolades that year. A first-round pick (32nd overall) in the 1995 draft by Green Bay, Newsome played five pro seasons with the Packers and 49ers and was a member of Green Bay’s Super Bowl XXXI championship team.

Jason Simmons (1994-97)

A solid leader in the secondary for ASU’s Pac-10 Champion team in 1996, Simmons was a three-year starter at cornerback and a team captain as a senior. An Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 recipient in 1995 and ’96, Simmons capped his career with Second-Team All-Pac-10 accolades as a senior in ’97. After being drafted in the fifth round by Pittsburgh in the 1998 NFL Draft, Simmons played 10 pro seasons with the Steelers and Texans.

Mitchell Freedman (1995-98)

Though his personal life derailed after his playing career ended, his time on the field at ASU was primarily positive as he was one of the most decorated defensive backs for the Sun Devils in the 1990s. A four-year starter at free safety, Freedman was a Second-Team All-Pac-10 selection as a freshman in 1995, a First-Team All-Pac-10 pick as a junior in ’97 and an Honorable Mention recipient in ’98.

Honorable Mention: Adam Brass (1989-92), Kevin Miniefield (1989-92), Lenny McGill (1990-93), Damien Richardson (1994-97), Courtney Jackson (1996-99)

Kicker

Robert Nycz (1995-97)

A three-year kicker for the Sun Devils, Nycz provided a reliable presence to ASU’s 1996 Pac-10 Champion team and as a senior, he was a Lou Groza Award semifinalist. A Second-Team All-Pac-10 honoree in 1997 and an Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 pick in 1995 and ’96, Nycz finished his career second all-time at ASU in career points by kicking (243) and tied for second in career field goals made (39).

Honorable Mention: Mike Richey (1989-92), Jon Baker (1993-94)

Punter

Lance Anderson (1993-96)

ASU’s all-time leader in total punts (243), Anderson had a career punting average of 40.3 yards as a Sun Devil. A four-year punter for the Sun Devils, Anderson’s best season came as a senior for ASU’s Rose Bowl squad in 1996 as he averaged 42.6 yards on 75 punts.

Honorable Mention: Marcus Williams (1994-97), Stephen Baker (1998-99)

Returns Specialist

J.R. Redmond

Aside from his all-purpose prowess on offense, Redmond was a dynamic returns threat as he was ASU’s top punt returner all four years and returned kickoffs as well. A First-Team All-Pac-10 selection in 1997 and ’98 as a returns specialist, Redmond graduated as ASU’s all-time leader in total punt returns (108) and ranked second in punt return yards (986).

Honorable Mention: Eric Guliford (1989-92), Chris Hopkins (1992-95)