The greatest Offensive Linemen

Originally published 8/17/10

The offensive line on my All-time ASU team comprises three "Home Boys", one of the most visible former players, plus the most recent Sun Devil to be represented on this team. Each of these players was a member of a Pac-10 Championship team.

The tackles are Juan Roque and Danny Villa. Roque anchored the offensive line that protected Jake Plummer during ASU's unbeaten 1996 regular season. During his senior season, Roque did not give up a single sack. After an injury-abbreviated NFL career, Roque is now the color analyst for Fox Sports Arizona's coverage of the Sun Devils and a frequent blogger. Villa was a member of the 1987 Rose Bowl winning team that featured a starting offensive line of native Arizonans named the "Home Boys". Unfortunately, his accomplishments at ASU and in a 12 season NFL career were overshadowed by a serious conviction.

Both guards were also members of the "Home Boys" line: Randall McDaniel and Todd Kalis. McDaniel is, along with Mike Haynes, one of two Sun Devils in both the College and Pro Halls of Fame. Arguably the greatest guard in football history, McDaniel was a four-year starter at ASU and a force on the 1987 Rose Bowl team. He started 202 consecutive games for the Minnesota Vikings and was selected to 12 straight Pro Bowls. McDaniel now works in education in Minnesota. Kalis was a three-year starter and, together with McDaniel, led the Sun Devils to bowl games in each of those three seasons.

The center is Mike Pollak. A member of the 2003 recruiting class, Pollak is the youngest person on this team. A starter in 2006-07, Pollak led the Devils to a 10-3 record and a Pac-10 Co-Championship in 2007. A second round draft pick, Pollack is now a member of the Indianapolis Colts.