As ASU began its first full decade as a member of the Pac-10 Conference, the Sun Devils faced a substantial transition after the release of Frank Kush from his coaching duties midway through the 1979 season. The players of Kush’s final recruiting classes, however, helped ultimately create memorable season as seniors in 1982 while coaches Darryl Rogers and John Cooper recruited and molded those who went on to capture ASU’s first and only Rose Bowl victory.
Quarterback
Jeff Van Raaphorst (1983-86)
One of the more recognizable names of Sun Devil football over the past 30 years, Van Raaphorst cemented his legacy at ASU as the Most Valuable Player of the 1987 Rose Bowl before becoming an analyst on Sun Devil football radio broadcasts. When his ASU career concluded, Van Raaphorst ranked second in school history behind only Danny White in career passing yards (6,610) and total offense (6,418), third in completion percentage (57.9%) and fourth in touchdown passes (44). An Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 selection in 1984 and a team captain in ’86, Van Raaphorst was inducted into ASU’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.
Running Back
Gerald Riggs (1979-81)
ASU’s leading rusher in 1981 with 891 yards, Riggs earned First-Team All-Pac-10 and Honorable Mention All-America accolades that season. When his career ended with the Sun Devils, Riggs was ASU’s seventh-leading all-time rusher with 2,097 yards despite earning fewer carries than backfield mate Robert Weathers (400 to Weathers’ 411). Riggs’ stock rose considerably after his college tenure as he was chosen ninth overall in the 1982 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. In all, Riggs statistically became the most accomplished running back at the pro level from ASU as he ran for 8,188 yards and 69 touchdowns through his 10-year career with the Falcons and Redskins and also earned three Pro Bowl nods and a Super Bowl XXVI ring. Riggs was inducted into ASU’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.
Darryl Harris (1984-87)
One of only two Sun Devils to surpass the 1,000-yard rushing mark in the ‘80s, Harris was a primary offensive threat on ASU’s Rose Bowl championship team. In 1986, Harris rushed for 1,042 yards on his way to Second-Team All-Pac-10 and Honorable Mention All-America accolades. He was a key component in ASU’s Rose Bowl victory as he rushed for 109 yards on 23 carries against Michigan. The next season he was a First-Team All-Pac-10 selection and an Honorable Mention All-American once again. At the time of his graduation, Harris ranked seventh on ASU’s career rushing chart with 2,617 yards.
Wide Receiver
John Mistler (1978-80)
Though most of his career was played in the ‘70s, the 1980 season was a special one for Mistler as he was named a First-Team All-American by Pro Football Weekly and a Second-Team All-Pac-10 selection. ASU’s leading receiver in 1980 with 53 catches for 573 yards and 11 touchdowns after leading the Devils in receiving the year before, Mistler was named the Offensive Most Valuable Player in ASU’s 1978 Garden State Bowl win over Rutgers. At the end of his career, Mistler ranked second on ASU’s all-time chart in career receptions (156) and career receiving yards (2,149) behind Hall of Famer John Jefferson. Mistler was inducted into ASU’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.
ASU’s leading receiver from 1985-87, Cox earned Honorable Mention All-America honors those three years as well. A First-Team All-Pac-10 pick in 1986 and ’87 and an Honorable Mention recipient in 1985, Cox finished his career second all-time at ASU in receiving yards (2,694) and third in receptions (136). The 20th overall pick in the 1988 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, Cox played six pro seasons with the Rams and Colts and was inducted into ASU’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.
Tight End
Ron Wetzel (1979-82)
The most productive tight end of the decade, Wetzel finished his career ranked third all-time at ASU in receptions by a tight end (67) and receiving yards by a tight end (861) while tying for second in career touchdown catches by a tight end (eight). An Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 pick in 1982, Wetzel was selected in the fourth round (92nd overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1983 NFL Draft.
All-Purpose
Darryl Clack (1982-85)
ASU’s fifth all-time leading rusher at the time he completed his career (2,737) – despite missing nine games as a senior – Clack was also a viable threat as a receiver with 70 career catches for 840 yards with three touchdowns. Also a kick returner throughout his career, Clack was a First-Team All-Pac-10 pick at running back in 1984 after earning Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 accolades the previous two seasons.
Offensive Line
Dan Mackie (1979-81)
A three-year starter at center snapping to ASU Sports Hall of Fame quarterbacks Mark Malone and Mike Pagel, Mackie is one of only three offensive linemen in the 1980s to earn First or Second-Team All-America honors, having earned Second-Team All-America recognition by Football News in 1981.
Mark Shupe (1982-84)
Shupe started three years at center to follow Mackie and maintained a high level of play as he was an Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 selection in 1983 and a First-Team All-Pac-10 pick and a team captain as a senior in 1984.
David Fonoti (1983-85)
A team captain as a senior in 1985, Fonoti started at both guard and tackle during his Sun Devil career. An Honorable Mention All-America selection in 1985, Fonoti also earned Second-Team All-Pac-10 accolades that season.
Danny Villa (1984-86)
The second-most decorated offensive lineman of the decade – and there’s no shame in the silver medal given the legendary name that tops the list of linemen of the ‘80s – Villa was a team captain and won the Morris Trophy in 1986 as the Pac-10 Conference’s top offensive lineman. An Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 pick in 1985, Villa was a First-Team All-Pac-10 member in ’86 as well as a Consensus All-American as a key figure among ASU’s Rose Bowl champion team. Villa was inducted into the ASU Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.
Randall McDaniel (1984-87)
One of the most talented athletes in any sport in Arizona State history, before etching a legendary NFL career McDaniel was one of the nation’s premier linemen as a Sun Devil. A four-year starter at guard, after earning First-Team All-America and First-Team All-Pac-10 honors as a junior for ASU’s Rose Bowl squad in 1986, McDaniel collected myriad accolades as a senior in 1987 including Consensus All-America recognition, First-Team All-Pac-10 distinction and the Morris Trophy as the league’s premier offensive lineman of the season. The 19th overall pick in the 1988 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, the Avondale Agua Fria graduate was a 12-time Pro Bowl selection and a nine-tine First-Team All-Pro pick during his 14-year career with the Vikings and Buccaneers. A 1999 inductee into ASU’s Sports Hall of Fame, McDaniel was selected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009, making him one of only two players in school history (joining Mike Haynes) to be elected to both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
Defensive Line
Jim Jeffcoat (1979-82)
One of the premier defensive linemen in school history, Jeffcoat was a driving force on ASU’s nationally prominent 1982 defense. A Third-Team All-American and First-Team All-Pac-10 pick in 1982, Jeffcoat also earned Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 distinction in ’81. The Defensive Most Valuable Player of the 1983 Fiesta Bowl, Jeffcoat completed his career ranked third all-time at ASU in sacks (20.0) and after his college tenure went on to become the 23rd overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Over a 14-year pro career, Jeffcoat appeared in 227 games with 102.5 career sacks with the Cowboys and Bills. Jeffcoat was inducted into ASU’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.
Dan Saleaumua (1983-86)
An Honorable Mention All-American in 1985 and a Second-Team All-Pac-10 selection in 1984 and ’85, the 315-pound Saleaumua anchored the defensive line from his nose guard position as a three-year starter. Though he was selected in the seventh round of the 1987 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, he went on to enjoy a 12-year pro career and was an All-Pro selection in 1990 with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Shawn Patterson (1984-87)
A three-year starter at defensive tackle, Patterson’s highest accolades came as a senior in 1987 when he totaled 108 tackles on his way to Third-Team All-America and First-Team All-Pac-10 recognition. A second round selection (34th overall) by Green Bay in the 1988 NFL Draft, Patterson played six seasons with the Packers.
Skip McClendon (1985-86)
Just a two-year player for Arizona State, McClendon made a sizeable impact as a starter both years at defensive end. A key lineman on ASU’s Rose Bowl championship team, McClendon was an Honorable Mention All-American and First-Team All-Pac-10 selection. One of only four defensive linemen in the ‘80s to receive some measure of All-America distinction, McClendon was a third-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1987 NFL Draft and also played for the Chargers, Vikings, and Colts during his seven-year pro career.
Linebacker
Vernon Maxwell (1979-82)
Perhaps the best pass rush linebacker ever to play for Arizona State, Maxwell graduated as ASU’s all-time leader in sacks (28.0) and third in tackles-for-loss (56.0). On ASU’s vaunted 1982 defense, Maxwell registered a team-highs of 12.0 sacks and 20.0 total tackles-for-loss as part of his 110 tackles on his way to First-Team All-America honors that year. An Honorable Mention All-American in both 1980 and ’81, Maxwell is one of only 13 Sun Devils to have on three occasions earned first-team all-conference accolades (1980-82). A second round pick (29th overall) by the Baltimore Colts in 1983 – coached then by Frank Kush – Maxwell was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after collecting 11.0 sacks for the Colts. In 1997, Maxwell was added to the ASU Sports Hall of Fame.
Scott Stephen (1983-86)
The team leader in sacks three straight years from 1984-86, Stephen was an Honorable Mention All-American and a First-Team All-Pac-10 choice for ASU’s 1986 Rose Bowl champion team. A three-year starter, Stephen graduated second on ASU’s all-time sacks list (26) and fourth all-time in tackles-for-loss (46.0) and was the lone defensive captain on Arizona State’s legendary team in 1986.
Greg Clark (1984-87)
ASU’s leading tackler in 1986 (136) and ’87 (141), Clark was recognized as an Honorable Mention All-American and First-Team All-Pac-10 member as a senior after earning Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 distinction as a junior on ASU’s Rose Bowl champion squad. The defensive team captain in 1987, Clark was a pivotal defender for a memorable era of Sun Devil football.
Defensive Back
Mike Richardson (1979-82)
ASU’s all-time leader in interceptions (18), Richardson was a Consensus All-American both in 1981 and ’82. An Honorable Mention All-American in 1980, Richardson earned First-Team All-Pac-10 honors in both 1981 and ’82, Second-Team recognition in ’80 and Honorable Mention accolades in ’79. A four-year starter at safety, Richardson was a Playboy Magazine All-American in 1981 and ’82 and a team captain as a senior. A second-round pick (33rd overall) of the Chicago Bears in the 1983 NFL Draft, Richardson was a key member of the Bears’ famed 1985 defense. Richardson was inducted into ASU’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1988.
David Fulcher (1983-85)
Likely the most intimidating defensive back in ASU history, the 6-3, 236-pound Fulcher was an absolute force for the Sun Devil defense in the ‘80s. A three-year starter at safety, Fulcher was a Consensus All-American in 1984 and ’85 and a Second-Team All-American in ’83. A First-Team All-Pac-10 selection all three years he played at ASU, Fulcher was also a Playboy Magazine All-American in 1985. Fulcher bypassed his senior season to enter the NFL Draft and was chosen in the third round (78th overall) by the Cincinnati Bengals. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Fulcher was inducted into the ASU Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.
Eric Allen (1984-87)
One of the premier cornerbacks in Sun Devil history, Allen was an integral member of ASU’s 1986 Rose Bowl champion team. A three-year starter at cornerback, Allen’s team-leading eight interceptions in 1987 has not since been bested by a Sun Devil in a single season. In 1987, Allen was named an Honorable Mention All-American and a First-Team All-Pac-10 selection after earning Honorable Mention recognition the year before. A second-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1988 NFL Draft, Allen played 14 pro seasons and was a six-time Pro Bowl pick. In 2008, Allen was added to the ASU Sports Hall of Fame.
Nathan LaDuke (1987-90)
A ball-hawking fan favorite, the Phoenix Alhambra High School product started three years at free safety and was ASU’s interceptions leader from 1988-90 while also leading the team in tackles (122) as a senior. ASU’s fifth all-time leading tackler in program history (360) and the school’s all-time leader in interception return yards (324 yards on 14 career interceptions), LaDuke was a Jim Thorpe Award finalist and a Second-Team All-American after both his junior and senior seasons. A First-Team All-Pac-10 honoree in 1989 and ’90 and an Honorable Mention pick in ’88, LaDuke was inducted into ASU’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.
Kicker
Luis Zendejas (1981-84)
A no-brainer for this or any decade of Sun Devil football, Zendejas is without a doubt the top kicker in Arizona State history. A Consensus All-American in 1983 and an Honorable Mention All-American in 1981 and ’82, Zendejas is the only kicker in school history to earn First-Team All-America honors. Zendejas also took home First-Team All-Pac-10 distinction in 1983 and Second-Team accolades in 1981-82 and ’84. The only true kicker inducted into ASU’s Sports Hall of Fame, Zendejas was enshrined in 1995.
Punter
Mike Black (1979-82)
The most decorated punter in ASU history, Black was an Honorable Mention All-American in 1981 and ’82 and is the only player at his position in school history to have been a three-time First-Team All-Pac-10 selection (1980-82). Black graduated as ASU’s all-time leader in punts (235), punting yards (9,902) and second in career punting average (42.2).
Returns Specialist
Anthony Parker (1984-87)
A highly talented starting cornerback and a stellar returner, in 1986 Parker had the third-best single-season punt return average in school history (19.8) – an average that would have been the nation’s best if he had registered enough returns. Parker ended his career second all-time at ASU in career punt return yards (829) and earned Second-Team All-Pac-10 honors as a returns specialist in 1985.
