Who was the greatest defensive lineman in SMU history?

[mrydel]

Just because he didn't get enough support in this topic--Jerry Ball. All SWC, All American, a four year letterman, Pro Bowl 3 times, the key defensive lineman on the Vikings 11-1 team. Largely considered the best defensive lineman in the NFL, was always double or triple teamed.

And a guest star on Home Improvement

[geezerdonk]

Pound for pound, inch for inch - John LaGrone.

[Topper]

Kelcher, Carter, Choate, Armstrong.

Choate was also a LEADER. Watched him try to rally an outmanned SMU team versus TT at the goal line. We were getting drilled, but he would not quit.

Putt was a good athlete. Saw him return an interception made 9 yards deep in the end zone all the way for a touchdown against Tulane one night at the Cotton Bowl.

[Terry Webster]

Kelcher, Carter, Choate, Armstrong.

Choate was also a LEADER. Watched him try to rally an outmanned SMU team versus TT at the goal line. We were getting drilled, but he would not quit.

Putt was a good athlete. Saw him return an interception made 9 yards deep in the end zone all the way for a touchdown against Tulane one night at the Cotton Bowl.

I remember seeing that interception. If I recall he was barely breathing the last 30 yards.

[PonyTales]

Harvey Armstrong

[peruna81]

Kelcher, Carter, Choate, Armstrong.

Choate was also a LEADER. Watched him try to rally an outmanned SMU team versus TT at the goal line. We were getting drilled, but he would not quit.

Putt was a good athlete. Saw him return an interception made 9 yards deep in the end zone all the way for a touchdown against Tulane one night at the Cotton Bowl.

I remember seeing that interception. If I recall he was barely breathing the last 30 yards.

near death experience for him...the last 20 yards was WORK.

[well travelled pony]

Just because he didn't get enough support in this topic--Jerry Ball. All SWC, All American, a four year letterman, Pro Bowl 3 times, the key defensive lineman on the Vikings 11-1 team. Largely considered the best defensive lineman in the NFL, was always double or triple teamed.

As a classmate of J Ball, love this. Snd he was a great guy. He and T Mann were great guys and football players.

Go Ponies!

[PlanoStang]

Putt Choate was a LB and his records for tackles in a single season and career may never be broken because I doubt we will ever see the return of the wishbone offense. I thought Putt also held the single game record but had to look it up and his teammate Champ Dickerson had 32 tackles vs Ohio State compared to Putt's single game high of 31.

I think Putt Choate converted from fullback to Linebacker.

3 way tie Louie Kelcher, John Lagrone, and Michael Carter. I think all were All America.

Louie may have the edge with me because I was in school and saw the A$M game where he
personally beat the #4 Aggies