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The Backstory: Up next in our series of Sun Devil legends, is No. 81. The number has been worn by Arizona State pass catchers throughout the years. However, one stands out. He is a local product, attending Shadow Mountain High School in Phoenix. HIs name is Shaun McDonald.
The Player: Shaun McDonald (2000-2002)
McDonald will go down as one of the most prolific pass catchers in Arizona State history. He came to Arizona State in 2000 after a standout prep career in Phoenix. McDonald broke out in 2001 after a quiet freshman season, catching 47 passes for 1,104 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning him All Pac-10 honors.
McDonald followed up his impressive 2001 with an even better 2002, when he caught caught 87 passes for 1,405 yards and 13 touchdowns. McDonald ranked 6th nationally in receiving yards in 2002 and he was tied for third nationally in receiving touchdowns.
McDonald was a Biletnikoff Award (best receiver) finalist in 2002 and a third team All-American selection in his junior season. He currently holds Sun Devil single-season records in receptions and receiving yards.
In the Pros
McDonald left Arizona State after his junior season and was drafted in the 4th round by the St. Louis Rams. McDonald only started three games in four seasons with the Rams. In 2005, he caught 46 passes with 527 yards with the Rams.
McDonald was signed by the Detroit Lions in 2007 and had the most productive season of his career his first season in the Motor City. McDonald caught 79 passes for 943 yards and six touchdowns. He spent two seasons in Detroit and McDonald last played in the NFL in 2009.
Who wears it today
Redshirt-sophomore receiver Gary Chambers currently wears No. 81. Chambers, like McDonald, is a local product, hailing from Glendale, Arizona. Chambers redshirted in 2011, and saw action in five games last season.
Famous No. 81's
Torry Holt (1999-2010)
A member of the greatest show on turf, Holt compiled 13,382 career receiving yards and 74 receiving touchdowns in his 11 year pro career. Holt was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and won Super Bowl 34 with the Rams. Interestingly, Holt was a teammate of Shaun McDonald's in St. Louis.
Tim Brown (1988-2004)
Brown will go down as one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. Brown amassed 14,934 receiving yards, over 1,000 receptions and 105 receiving touchdowns in his NFL career.