ASU Football: 'Summer of Legends' No. 68 Marvel Smith

The Backstory: We have come to No. 68 in our countdown of Sun Devil legends and our choice was an All-American lineman for Arizona State in the late 1990's. He came to Tempe from Oakland, California, where he was an All-City selection in high school. His name is Marvel Smith.

The Player: Marvel Smith (1996-1999)

Smith continued the great lineage of Sun Devil offensive lineman. He was a three-year starter at Arizona State and was named honorable mention All Pac-10 in 1998 and first team All Pac-10 in 1999. That season, he was named also given second team All-American status by the Associated Press.

Smith was a fixture at left tackle for head coach Bruce Snyder and was the primary protector of quarterback J.R. Redmond in 1998 and 1999. He played in two bowl games during his tenure in Maroon and Gold, helping ASU to a 9-3 record in 1997. Smith started all 11 games in 1998.

In October of 2011, Smith returned to Tempe for the first time since his playing days to be inducted into the Arizona State Hall of Fame.

In The Pros

Smith was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played nine seasons for the Steelers, winning two Super Bowls and being named to the Pro Bowl in 2004.

Smith started 108 games in his NFL career and had a staggering one fumble recovery in nine seasons. In 2009, Smith left the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent to sign with the San Francisco 49ers. However, he retired before that season began.

After retirement, Smith opened up an Elite Performance Factory in the Los Angeles area to train young kids. Smith also works with youth offensive and defensive linemen at football camps.

Who Wears It Now

The number 68 is not currently worn by any Sun Devil.

Honorable Mention

Tim Peterson (1974-1977)

Peterson was a defensive and linebacker for the Sun Devils in the mid-1970's. He was named an honorable mention All-American in 1977 and he was a featured player on Arizona State's 1975 Fiesta Bowl championship team that finished the season 12-0.

Other Notable 68s

NHL RW Jaromir Jagr: Jagr is still chugging along as one of the best players of all time but his best days are obviously behind him. The two-time MVP lead the NHL in scoring five times and is also a member of the Triple Gold Club.

NFL OG Russ Grimm: Grimm made the NFL 1980s All-Decade team as a member of the Redskins' famed "Hogs" offensive line but most Arizona sports fans remember him from his time as the Cardinals assistant head coach.