Most Intense Mustangs?

[mrydel]

ok.....right but wanted to give Putt some credo's as he NEVER has recieved proper credit for what he did when he was here.

Maybe you are too close. I hear him praised in any conversation of past players.

[Charleston Pony]

I think Putt hold the record for most tackles ina single game...or was it Champ Dickerson? Regardless, Putt will always be remembered as a great Mustang.

I through out Popelka because I remember how frequently he knocked people (including himself) out...and out of games

[larskjenstad]

No question ...Putt Choate. He has a career SMU record 649 tackles! He had to do that when SMU didn't have their best teams and he was all over the field and dominated at Linebacker.....the next closest is way behind that total....

as below from 90 Greatest Moments in SMU History:.....


When coaches are looking for players to put at linebacker there are certain characteristics they want in a player. First, they want someone who embodies true strength that can fight off even the biggest opponents. Second, they want a player who is blessed with good speed and quickness so that they can run all over the field. And probably most important of all, they seek someone who is smart, knowledgeable and loves to play the game with the desire to make every tackle. Thus, we have just described one of the greatest linebackers in the history of SMU, Putt Choate. Putt Choate finished his career as the leading tackler in Mustang history. By finishing his career with an astounding 649 tackles, Putt Choate takes his place on our list of the 90 Greatest Moments in SMU Football History.

From 1975 to 1978, Putt Choate was a force to be reckoned with on the Mustang defense. As a freshman, Choate was able to get used to playing at the college level and made 60 tackles in the process. In 1976, even though he was only a sophomore, first year head coach Ron Meyer asked Choate to be the backbone of the defense. Choate responded by leading the team in tackles with 150. In 1977, Choate once again led the team in tackles, this time racking up 186. However great he had been in his first three seasons, Choate saved his best for his final season on the Hilltop.

During his senior season, Choate spearheaded the Mustangs defense through one of the toughest schedules in school history with three consecutive road games at Florida, Penn State, and Ohio State. He was instrumental in helping SMU push Penn State to the limit. In the end, SMU fell to the Nittany Lions 26-21. Penn State finished the 1978 season No. 1 in the nation with a perfect 11-0 before falling to eventual national champion Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. The following week, he led the Mustangs to a 35-35 tie at Ohio State in front of 87,721 fans, the largest crowd to ever see an SMU game.

His senior season ended with a school record 253 tackles. In his four years, Choate amassed 649 tackles. The closest other Mustang to that total is Gary Moten, who comes in a distant second with 455. Choate has three of the top five seasons for tackles in school history as well as three of the top four single game tackles with a career high of 31 against A&M in 1976. He was honored following his junior and senior seasons as an All-SWC selection.

Putt Choate has gone on to find success after football on the Hilltop. He has become the President and CEO of Choate Irrigation USA, the largest residential and commercial irrigation contractor in the United States. SMU is proud of players like Putt Choate, and hope other players will find similar success. For his efforts as the anchor of the Mustang defense, Putt Choate takes his place on our list of the 90 Greatest Moments in SMU Football History

I know Putt personally, one of the most modest guys you ever want to meet, never would know these tackling stats from Putt's mouth, plus I think he holds the SMOO record for longest interception return, something like 98 yards....Putt, your the best !

[ponyscott]

No question ...Putt Choate. He has a career SMU record 649 tackles! He had to do that when SMU didn't have their best teams and he was all over the field and dominated at Linebacker.....the next closest is way behind that total....

as below from 90 Greatest Moments in SMU History:.....


When coaches are looking for players to put at linebacker there are certain characteristics they want in a player. First, they want someone who embodies true strength that can fight off even the biggest opponents. Second, they want a player who is blessed with good speed and quickness so that they can run all over the field. And probably most important of all, they seek someone who is smart, knowledgeable and loves to play the game with the desire to make every tackle. Thus, we have just described one of the greatest linebackers in the history of SMU, Putt Choate. Putt Choate finished his career as the leading tackler in Mustang history. By finishing his career with an astounding 649 tackles, Putt Choate takes his place on our list of the 90 Greatest Moments in SMU Football History.

From 1975 to 1978, Putt Choate was a force to be reckoned with on the Mustang defense. As a freshman, Choate was able to get used to playing at the college level and made 60 tackles in the process. In 1976, even though he was only a sophomore, first year head coach Ron Meyer asked Choate to be the backbone of the defense. Choate responded by leading the team in tackles with 150. In 1977, Choate once again led the team in tackles, this time racking up 186. However great he had been in his first three seasons, Choate saved his best for his final season on the Hilltop.

During his senior season, Choate spearheaded the Mustangs defense through one of the toughest schedules in school history with three consecutive road games at Florida, Penn State, and Ohio State. He was instrumental in helping SMU push Penn State to the limit. In the end, SMU fell to the Nittany Lions 26-21. Penn State finished the 1978 season No. 1 in the nation with a perfect 11-0 before falling to eventual national champion Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. The following week, he led the Mustangs to a 35-35 tie at Ohio State in front of 87,721 fans, the largest crowd to ever see an SMU game.

His senior season ended with a school record 253 tackles. In his four years, Choate amassed 649 tackles. The closest other Mustang to that total is Gary Moten, who comes in a distant second with 455. Choate has three of the top five seasons for tackles in school history as well as three of the top four single game tackles with a career high of 31 against A&M in 1976. He was honored following his junior and senior seasons as an All-SWC selection.

Putt Choate has gone on to find success after football on the Hilltop. He has become the President and CEO of Choate Irrigation USA, the largest residential and commercial irrigation contractor in the United States. SMU is proud of players like Putt Choate, and hope other players will find similar success. For his efforts as the anchor of the Mustang defense, Putt Choate takes his place on our list of the 90 Greatest Moments in SMU Football History

I know Putt personally, one of the most modest guys you ever want to meet, never would know these tackling stats from Putt's mouth, plus I think he holds the SMOO record for longest interception return, something like 98 yards....Putt, your the best !

Thanks lasr for doing that ! I know Putt as well and he IS the greatest and he was a warrior to the extent of all of SMU Football..a bad dude.

[mrydel]

I think Putt hold the record for most tackles ina single game...or was it Champ Dickerson? Regardless, Putt will always be remembered as a great Mustang.

I through out Popelka because I remember how frequently he knocked people (including himself) out...and out of games

Popelka was a lanky running back, very thin, pencil necked, and kind of timid when he first came to SMU. He could not break into the line up at RB and was eventually moved to safety. He was standing on the sidelines during a scrimmage when the safety on the field got a minor injury and they put Popelka in. A pass route was run over the middle and Robert just lit the receiver up. Everyone went crazy with the hit when it occured. It was like a light went off in his head and he never looked back. One of the best defensive players we have ever had. However, he remained a kind of quiet guy off the field and pregame thus the reason I would not rank him as a most intense pre game player. Last time I saw him (after his pro career) he was still wearing his Clark Kent glasses but his neck was about as big as my waist, pre-diet.

[ponyscott]

I think Putt hold the record for most tackles ina single game...or was it Champ Dickerson? Regardless, Putt will always be remembered as a great Mustang.

I through out Popelka because I remember how frequently he knocked people (including himself) out...and out of games

Popelka was a lanky running back, very thin, pencil necked, and kind of timid when he first came to SMU. He could not break into the line up at RB and was eventually moved to safety. He was standing on the sidelines during a scrimmage when the safety on the field got a minor injury and they put Popelka in. A pass route was run over the middle and Robert just lit the receiver up. Everyone went crazy with the hit when it occured. It was like a light went off in his head and he never looked back. One of the best defensive players we have ever had. However, he remained a kind of quiet guy off the field and pregame thus the reason I would not rank him as a most intense pre game player. Last time I saw him (after his pro career) he was still wearing his Clark Kent glasses but his neck was about as big as my waist, pre-diet.

Don't know him and never saw him on or off the field ....but my hat is off to a warrior from the SMU mold! Thanks for sharing!

[larskjenstad]

No question ...Putt Choate. He has a career SMU record 649 tackles! He had to do that when SMU didn't have their best teams and he was all over the field and dominated at Linebacker.....the next closest is way behind that total....

as below from 90 Greatest Moments in SMU History:.....


When coaches are looking for players to put at linebacker there are certain characteristics they want in a player. First, they want someone who embodies true strength that can fight off even the biggest opponents. Second, they want a player who is blessed with good speed and quickness so that they can run all over the field. And probably most important of all, they seek someone who is smart, knowledgeable and loves to play the game with the desire to make every tackle. Thus, we have just described one of the greatest linebackers in the history of SMU, Putt Choate. Putt Choate finished his career as the leading tackler in Mustang history. By finishing his career with an astounding 649 tackles, Putt Choate takes his place on our list of the 90 Greatest Moments in SMU Football History.

From 1975 to 1978, Putt Choate was a force to be reckoned with on the Mustang defense. As a freshman, Choate was able to get used to playing at the college level and made 60 tackles in the process. In 1976, even though he was only a sophomore, first year head coach Ron Meyer asked Choate to be the backbone of the defense. Choate responded by leading the team in tackles with 150. In 1977, Choate once again led the team in tackles, this time racking up 186. However great he had been in his first three seasons, Choate saved his best for his final season on the Hilltop.

During his senior season, Choate spearheaded the Mustangs defense through one of the toughest schedules in school history with three consecutive road games at Florida, Penn State, and Ohio State. He was instrumental in helping SMU push Penn State to the limit. In the end, SMU fell to the Nittany Lions 26-21. Penn State finished the 1978 season No. 1 in the nation with a perfect 11-0 before falling to eventual national champion Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. The following week, he led the Mustangs to a 35-35 tie at Ohio State in front of 87,721 fans, the largest crowd to ever see an SMU game.

His senior season ended with a school record 253 tackles. In his four years, Choate amassed 649 tackles. The closest other Mustang to that total is Gary Moten, who comes in a distant second with 455. Choate has three of the top five seasons for tackles in school history as well as three of the top four single game tackles with a career high of 31 against A&M in 1976. He was honored following his junior and senior seasons as an All-SWC selection.

Putt Choate has gone on to find success after football on the Hilltop. He has become the President and CEO of Choate Irrigation USA, the largest residential and commercial irrigation contractor in the United States. SMU is proud of players like Putt Choate, and hope other players will find similar success. For his efforts as the anchor of the Mustang defense, Putt Choate takes his place on our list of the 90 Greatest Moments in SMU Football History

I know Putt personally, one of the most modest guys you ever want to meet, never would know these tackling stats from Putt's mouth, plus I think he holds the SMOO record for longest interception return, something like 98 yards....Putt, your the best !

Thanks lasr for doing that ! I know Putt as well and he IS the greatest and he was a warrior to the extent of all of SMU Football..a bad dude.

Ponyscott,

Putt came in to SMOO from a small West Texas town wide-eyed and amazed at the big city surroundings of SMOO, everytime I walk under his hanging banner at Gerald Ford, I kneel and salute this dude, he is a heckava guy, and I have known him for 20 years, and believe it or not , didnt even know he played football in college for about a year after I met him....if you remember, he also played for San Antonio Gunslingers in old WFL....JJ knew him from his WFL days...

[ponyscott]

That is so COOL! I haven't seen him in years but he and I tried to do some work together and didn't connect...I just remember his name mentioned at every game as he was a warrior! So if there is a time to mention him and recognize him for his exploits I would be honored! Very cool that you are on board!