Who was the greatest defensive lineman in SMU history?

[EastStang]

My nomination is Michael Carter.

[mrydel]

I will take Louis Kelcher

[digman52]

Both were great, but I vote Louis. I sat next to him in a couple of Business School classes, and his hands were the size of dinner plates. He was a gentle giant, and a nice guy I wouldn't want to face across the line.

[EastStang]

Louie was amazing, especially in that Aggie game which goes as the most dominating single game performance I've ever seen. Carter was on those great 80's teams and won a ring in SF and for that he got my nod.

[AusTxPony]

In the context of a single game, I would have to nominate Marcus Hunt and his performance against Fresno in the Hawaii Bowl. He almost singled handedly won that game... Poor QB Derek Carr was running for his life on most plays.

[Charleston Pony]

Both were great, but I vote Louis. I sat next to him in a couple of Business School classes, and his hands were the size of dinner plates. He was a gentle giant, and a nice guy I wouldn't want to face across the line.

I vote Kelcher as well. Can remember sitting close to him in Business Law class and thinking the same thing about how big his hands and feet were. Large human, for sure who went on to have an impressive NFL career. I love the story about Louie having a big game against Texas and Darrel Royal obviously being upset that he wasn't a Longhorn, yelling at his assistants "who recruited Beaumont area?" One of the bright spots during our years at SMU. Still holds the record with 22 TFL in a single season. Pretty impressive for a guy who played inside.

[Charleston Pony]

Louie was amazing, especially in that Aggie game which goes as the most dominating single game performance I've ever seen. Carter was on those great 80's teams and won a ring in SF and for that he got my nod.

Even though Kelcher played almost his entire career with the Chargers in San Diego, it's just a little ironic that he helped the 49ers win the Super Bowl in his final NFL season in 1984 which I think was just one year before Carter was drafted by SF.

[EastStang]

I just looked at the record books, and Put Choate holds the record for tackles for a career and a season. Totally forgot about him. Of course he was next to Louie.

[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.

[HubbaHubba]

Have to at least give honorable mention to Jerry Ball. Always double and triple teamed and still made the plays.

[Ikus]

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.

Wasn't Putt Choate a linebacker?

Imagine blocking a line with Michael Carter, Louie Kelcher, Jerry Ball and Harvey Armstrong. I know, they didn't play on the same line (I don't think). But those were all BIG dudes who could really run, amazing athletes for guys that size.

The best of the best, in my opinion, was Carter.

[Charleston Pony]

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.

[Topper]

Louie and Michael were the best. Hard to compare because Michael was surrounded by more talent. Their pro careers were similar. Kelcher had 4 pro bowls Carter 3.

[ponyte]

Harvey Armstrong was an All-American on the DL in the Pony Express days

Louie Kelcher was awe inspiring

But my vote is John LaGrone. All American in 1966. Played during the era of power football in the SWC and was 5' 10" , 235# Now he was one tough and athletic D lineman!

[Mexmustang]

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.