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Sun Devil Legends Series: No. 95 Bob Kohrs

Though often overshadowed by All-American Al Harris, Bob Kohrs quietly became one of the best defensive players in Sun Devil history.

With Bob Kohrs at defensive end, the opponent's backfield was always "Sun Devil Country".
With Bob Kohrs at defensive end, the opponent's backfield was always "Sun Devil Country".
ASU Athletics

The Backstory: Though No. 95 represents just our fifth article in our "Sun Devil Legends" series, we've already reached our second Brophy Prep alumnus. After Shawn Swayda took home the honors at No. 99, local legend Bob Kohrs keeps the good times rolling at 95.

Traditionally, 95 has belonged to defensive linemen, so it's no surprise that we had plenty of qualified defensive candidates to choose from. Unlike certain numbers in the 90s, 95 has always been a popular choice among Sun Devil players.

Many Sun Devil fans remember the late 1970s as a time when All-American Al Harris took up residence in opposing backfields. However, Harris's dominance would not have been possible without the determined play of Bob Kohrs.

The Legend: No. 95 Bob Kohrs (1976-1979)

Few Sun Devils have enjoyed the prolific success that Kohrs did during his time in Tempe. The defensive end wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks his 22 career sacks rank sixth highest in Arizona State history.

In 1977, Kohrs started alongside Al Harris in what would become quite the defensive duo. The pair was so good at getting to the quarterback that in 1978, Arizona State decided to begin tracking the amount of sacks each defensive player recorded.

For Kohrs, this was a blessing as his greatness could be quantified to the tune of 14 sacks in 1978 and eight sacks during his All-Pac-10 1979 campaign.

However, Kohrs most impressive statistic is his tackles for loss total. Throughout his career, Kohrs racked up 58 tackles for loss, which places him second behind Terrell Suggs in the Arizona State record books.

Aside from his obvious on-field impact, Kohrs was also a great locker room guy and was named a team captain for the 1979 season. He played a key role in keeping the team focus amidst the Frank Kush controversy that ensued during the season.

While numbers and accolades certainly do Kohrs justice, the team here at House of Sparky has always believed that he's been one of the most underrated talents to come through the program.

Honorable Mentions

Bryan Hooks: Hooks was a three-year starter on a dominant defensive line from 1990 to 1992. Like Kohrs, Hooks played alongside incredible talent and despite being an Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 selection, was still underrated.

Mike Langridge: Langridge was named a team captain for the 1995 season despite not being a regular starter earlier in his career.

Who Wears 95 Now?

Gannon Conway: Though Conway won't challenge Kohrs, he will challenge for playing time this fall after a standout spring. In Junior Onyeali's absence, Conway practiced with the first-team defense and made a considerable impression on the coaching staff.

Other Famous 95s

Richard Dent: The Chicago Bears great was the MVP of Super Bowl 20 and a key contributor to the Bears' "Super Bowl Shuffle".

Greg Lloyd: The Pittsburgh Steelers' linebacker recorded 54.5 sacks and 11 interceptions during a career marked by five Pro Bowl appearances.