"Sun Devil Legends Series" No. 78 Levi Jones

The Backstory: After honoring our first offensive lineman in yesterday's "Sun Devil Legends" article, we are right back at it with No. 78. Arizona State has a long history of talented linemen, and many of these players donned numbers in the high 70s.

With that being said, our selection as today's "Sun Devil Legend" was an obvious one because of the consistent recognition Levi Jones received. While many players who wore No. 78 received all conference honors, no player who wore the jersey had as decorated a career as Jones did.

The Player: Levi Jones (1998-2001)

While Jones didn't come into his own until his junior and senior seasons, there's no doubt that he had a profound impact throughout his career at Arizona State.

In fact, the Eloy, Arizona native was a picture of versatility as he began his playing days as a defensive lineman before shifting over to the offensive side of the ball. In 1998, Jones recorded five tackles, one sack and a pass deflection while being named an Honorable Mention Pac-10 All-Academic selection.

The following season, Jones switched to left guard where he started all 12 games and was the "Hog of the Week" against the Arizona Wildcats.

After gaining a feel for the guard position, Jones made the move to left tackle in his junior season and thrived as a second team All-Pac-10 selection. When given the chance to play the same position again during his senior season, Jones simply continued to improve.

In 2001, the 6-foot-6 mammoth of a tackle was named the Pac-10 Offensive Lineman of the Year and was recognized as a second team All-American. Jones is the last Sun Devil offensive lineman to receive the Pac-10's highest honor for his position.

In the Pros: Jones was the 10^th overall selection by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2002 NFL Draft. Jones played with the Bengals until 2009 when he was released and signed by the Washington Redskins.

Honorable Mentions

Steve Gunther: A two-year starter at offensive tackle, Gunther was named an All-Western Athletic Conference performer in 1973.

Tony Loia: Like Jones, Loia was a three-year starter on the offensive line and was also an Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 selection in 1981.