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The Backstory: Our "Summer of Legends" series continues with No. 98. After Shawn Swayda took home the honors for No. 99, we had our choice of a slew of defensive players to pick from for 98.
While the high 90s did not become popular uniforms at Arizona State until the late 1970s, the number 98 has already had an impressive history. From All-Pac-10 nose guards, to a Playboy All-American at defensive end, 98 has been kind to the Sun Devils.
Though we had many options to choose from, one player is the clear selection as the greatest Sun Devil to wear No. 98.
The Legend: No. 98 Shante Carver (1989-1993)
Carver is one of only a handful of four-year starters in Sun Devil history. Fortunately for Arizona State, he was the model of consistency along the defensive line and his presence was a bright spot in the early 1990s.
Over four seasons, Carver accumulated 41 sacks which leaves him second in the all-time career ranks at Arizona State behind Terrell Suggs. Amazingly, Carver had three seasons of exactly 10 sacks and set his career high with 11 in 1991.
His disruptive nature gained some impressive recognition, as the future Dallas Cowboy earned All-America honors in 1992 and 1993.
In 1993, Carver achieved a difficult feat for a defensive end as he led Arizona State in tackles (79), tackles for loss (17), and sacks (10.0).
The 1993 team captain helped the Bruce Snyder era get off on the right foot as he was instrumental in the success of the beloved coach in his first two seasons (1992, 1993).
In 2012, Carver was inducted into the ASU Sports Hall of Fame where his legacy will live on among the Sun Devils' all-time greats.
In the Pros: In 1994, the Dallas Cowboys selected Shante Carver with the 24th overall pick in the 1st round of the NFL draft. Over a four-year career, Carver recorded 11.5 sacks and won a Super Bowl ring.
After competing in the NFL, Carver went on to play for the Memphis Maniax of the XFL before joining the Dallas Desperados of the AFL.
Honorable Mentions
Dan Saleaumua- Saleaumua was quite the force at nose guard for Arizona State as he picked up All-Pac-10 honors in 1984 and 1985. His play also garnered national attention as he was named an Honorable Mention All-American by the AP in 1985.
Mike Langston-Set the precedent for nose guards like Saleaumua to wear No. 98 and started on the 1982 team that finished the season with a 10-2 record.
Victor Amey-In 1997, Amey's work at the rush end position earned him an Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 honor.
Other Famous 98s
Tom Harmon -This Heisman trophy winner was a Michigan Wolverines great.
Tony Siragusa - You see him on Fox NFL broadcasts, but before his on-camera days, he was making plays for the Baltimore Ravens.
Jessie Armstead - Seven-time NFL Pro Bowler who made his name with the Giants and Redskins.
Casey Hampton - A five-time Pro Bowler for the Pittsburgh Steelers.