:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/14805007/jesse_bradford.0.png)
The Backstory: By No. 76, we're in a full-fledged assault on the Arizona State history guide as we scout out the best linemen to come through the football program.
Like the numbers that preceded it, No. 76 features plenty of qualified candidates who could easily earn the distinction of a "Sun Devil Legend." From all-conference performers to team captains, No. 76 had much to offer in terms of Sun Devil greats.
However, as always, we could only choose one Sun Devil to earn our distinction as today's legend. With so many linemen to choose from, we decided to go all the way back to the late 1950s to find our selection at No. 76.
The Player: Jesse Bradford (1958-1961)
Like yesterday's selection, Curley Culp, Jesse Bradford wore two different Sun Devil uniforms. Not only was he an All-Conference player along the Arizona State offensive line, he was a Conference Champion hurdler as well.
Jesse Bradford earned our selection over other nominees such as Mike Pollak because of his versatility and value to highly successful Sun Devil teams.
In 1959, Bradford started at left tackle and was one of just three Sun Devils to be recognized as First Team All-Border Conference. The following season, Bradford made the switch to guard, and he didn't miss a beat as he repeated as a First Team All-Conference selection.
During Bradford's two seasons as a starter, Arizona State compiled a record of 17-4, including a 10-1 mark in 1959. Bradford's athleticism was apparent from the beginning of his football career, but it was most evident in track and field.
While many offensive linemen participate in events such as discus and shot put, Bradford bucked the trend and ran the 220-yard hurdles. In 1959, Bradford was the Border Conference Champion in the event.
After Arizona State: While this section is typically devoted to summarizing our legend's NFL career, Bradford did not play professionally. Instead, he decided to join the United States Army. After his career in service, he attended Bakersfield College and earned a masters degree.
Honorable Mentions
Mike Pollak: As a three-year starter along the offensive line, Pollak was a valuable asset to the Sun Devil program. Aside from starting at center and being a First Team All-Pac-10 selection in 2007, but he was also a team captain.
Ray Shirey: Like Pollak, Shirey was also a team captain and he was a Second Team All-Western Conference selection in 1966.
Bob Pfister: Pfister started for two seasons for Arizona State and was an Honorable Mention All-Western Conference performer in 1977.