Sun Devil Science: All-Decade Team – 1950s

With a tip of the cap to a list recently released breaking down ASU’s top players since 2000, Devils Digest takes the same approach into the deeper history of Sun Devil football.

This trip down a Tempe memory lane begins with a definitive era for Arizona State on and off the field – the 1950s. Academically, during this decade Arizona State College made the dramatic leap to become Arizona State University, while on the gridiron one future Hall of Fame head coach would pave the way for another as Dan Devine was followed by program patriarch Frank Kush to guide the Sun Devils.

A unique distinction of this group is that due to the one-platoon nature of college football at the time and limited records available from Arizona State, only an offense team has been selected.

Quarterback

John Hangartner (1955-58)

The starting quarterback his final two seasons, Hangartner set a school single-season passing record as a junior (1,203 yards) which he topped his senior year (1,208). He helped guide Arizona State to an undefeated record in 1957 with a single-season record 14 touchdown throws that was only topped once by a Sun Devil until 1970.

Running Back

Wilford “Whizzer” White (1947-50)

Though the majority of his legendary career was played in the 1940s, his incredible senior season alone warrants mention on this list. In 1950, White absolutely exploded with a nation-leading 1,502 rushing yards as well as 22 total touchdowns. On three occasions in 1950, White rushed for more than 200 yards, including what at the time was a school record 236 yards on 30 carries at BYU on Sept. 23. A Second-Team Associated Press All-American and First-Team All-Border Conference pick in 1950, White’s single-season rushing effort in 1950 has since only once been topped and his 22 total touchdowns remains a school record. A charter inductee into ASU’s Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the program’s first class in 1975, White’s legacy also includes providing ASU arguably its best quarterback of all time in his son Danny (1971-73). White also had his No. 33 retired by ASU immediately following the conclusion of his collegiate career.

Leon Burton (1955-58)

One of the nation’s most dynamic players during his years in Tempe, Burton twice earned First-Team All-Border Conference honors. His career began explosively in 1955 with a 10.2-yard rushing average with 694 yards on 68 carries. Two years later, he became just the second player in school history to surpass the 1,000-yard rushing mark with 1,126 yards with 12 touchdowns. Burton finished his four-year career with 2,994 yards and 34 touchdowns, at the time placing him second on ASU’s all-time rushing list and nearly 60 years later he remains fifth on the program’s all-time rushing chart. Burton was inducted into ASU’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1978.

Wide Receiver

John Allen (1951-53, ’56)

From 1951-53, Allen was Arizona State’s leading receiver with a peak season in 1953 with 30 catches for 505 yards with eight touchdowns – receiving yardage and touchdown totals that at the time were school single-season records. For his memorable 1953 season, Allen earned First-Team All-Border Conference honors.

Charlie Mackey (1953-56)

Arizona State’s leading receiver in 1954 and ’55, Mackey set a school single-season record with 35 receptions in 1955, totaling 470 yards and five touchdowns as well. Mackey twice earned First-Team All-Border Conference accolades and was the lone team captain in 1956.

Tight End

Clancy Osborne (1954-57)

A team-captain and all-league selection in 1957, that year Osborne became the first listed tight end to lead the Sun Devils in receiving with his 20 catches for 351 yards with three scores.

All-Purpose

Bobby Mulgado (1954-57)

Perhaps the most legendary jack-of-all-trades in program history, Mulgado quite literally did it all during his years at Arizona State. At various points in his Sun Devil career, Mulgado was the team’s single-season leader in rushing, total offense, scoring, interceptions, punt returns and punting. Playing beside Burton, Mulgado still made his way into the record books for Arizona State as he finished his career third on the team’s all-time rushing list with 2,003 yards. For his efforts, his No. 27 was retired by Arizona State immediately after his career ended and in 1977 he was inducted into ASU’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Offensive Line

Dom Patrone (1949-51)

An All-Border Conference selection in 1951, Patrone was a stalwart at guard for the Sun Devils

John Jankans (1952-55)

The only football player in program history to earn First-Team All-Conference honors all four years he played, the versatile Jankans saw action at multiple line positions but primarily served as the team’s left tackle. Jankans also served as a team captain in 1955 and was inducted into ASU’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1981.

Bart Jankans (1954-57)

A multi-year starter at left tackle, Jankans earned All-Border Conference recognition as a senior.

Dave Fonner (1955-58)

An All-Border Conference pick at center in 1957, Fonner helped block for the likes of Burton, Jones, and Mulgado during his time in Tempe.

Ken Kerr (1956-58)

A three-year starter for the Sun Devils, Kerr earned All-Border Conference distinction at guard in 1957.