Sun Devil Sweet 16 Tournament Round 1: Mike Haynes Vs. J.R. Redmond

The Sun Devil Sweet 16 Tournament continues. We're nearing the end of the first round, with three regions open. We now start the Gold Region.

Gold Region - First Round

#1 seed Mike Haynes vs. #4 seed J.R. Redmond

The Case for Haynes

Not only is Mike Haynes a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame, he also has his number retired by both ASU and the New England Patriots.

While a Sun Devil, Haynes was a three-time All-WAC selection from 1973-1975. He was a dominant performer whose ball-hawking skills netted him 11 interceptions in 1974, a total that led the nation. Lou Holtz referred to Haynes as "the best defensive back I've ever seen."

Haynes was also a two-time All-American selection, with a consensus pick in 1975, the same season ASU finished 12-0 and ranked second in the country.

The Case for Redmond

If there was ever a Sun Devil who was a threat to score every time he touched the ball, it was J.R. Redmond.

Blessed with a great combination of speed, size and skill, Redmond was a dynamic threat in the rushing, receiving and return games for ASU. From 1996-1999, he racked up 3,544 yards from scrimmage and scored 29 touchdowns. He added another touchdown on a punt return, and held a very good 9.5 yard per return average over his career.

So there you have it. The cases have been laid out, so now it's time to vote on who advances to the next round (and the other action before the polls close).

Coming Friday evening, the final first round match: Adam Archuleta vs. Juan Roque.