Oklahoma Sooners Numbers Game: 51-60
Many will see the 50s numbers and think, a boring group of support players. Fans shouldn’t be fooled, great players can be seen in any group at Oklahoma. Many All-Americans will be included in this group. With this in mind, we present this talented group in the Oklahoma Sooners numbers game.
#51 Jerry Tubbs
Tubbs was a three-year starter at Oklahoma. The Sooners won all 31 games in that period. In 1954, when running back Billy Pricer was injured Tubbs had to replace him in the Texas game. It was the first time he had ever played in the backfield. In the remaining games of that season, he averaged 6.1 yards per carry. Head coach Bud Wilkinson moved him to center in 1955. This became his signature position. He also played linebacker. In a victory over Texas in 1955, he intercepted three passes. In 1956, he was a unanimous All-America center and was named national Lineman of the Year.
#52 Vince La Rosa
La Rosa was not a flashy player. However, was a solid offensive lineman in 1969/1970 for the Sooners. Clearly number 52 was not a stellar number at Oklahoma.
#53 Kurt Burris
We add another All-America center at number 53. In 1954 Burris was a consensus All-America selection and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting. In 2000, Burris was inducted into the College Football hall of fame.
#54 Jimbo Elrod
There is definitely an argument here. Some might say Tom Brahaney deserves consideration as an All-America center in 1971. Elrod was a two-time All-America defensive end in 1974/1975. He also played on the Sooners back to back national championship teams.
#55 Jammal Brown
As a dominant offensive tackle Brown was named a unanimous All-American in 2004. The Lawton, Oklahoma native was also an All-American in 2003. Additionally, he was a three-time All-Big 12 Conference standout for the Sooners. Brown won the 2004 Outland Trophy. He became the fifth Outland winner from Oklahoma. And, he was one of the most dominant offensive linemen in Sooner history.
#56 Aubrey Beavers
Beavers was one of the most physically talented defensive players in Oklahoma history. But, he was plagued by NCAA bureaucratic inadequacies. Beavers lost two years of eligibility due to a questioned, not proven academic scholastic test. When Beavers got back on the field, he was impressive. The only year he played a full season he recorded 71 tackles and a school-record 11 ½ sacks.
#57 Cedric Jones
A solid four-year starter at Oklahoma at defensive end. Jones, continually improved all four years as a Sooner. Jones earned All-America honors. Additionally, he was the number five player selected in the 1996 NFL draft
#58 Reggie Mathis
Another solid linebacker at Oklahoma. Mathis had a good career at Oklahoma as a four-year defensive player. Additionally, he was a second-round NFL draft pick by New Orleans.
#59 Mark Driscoll
Another standout linebacker and two-year starter. In 1971 Driscoll led the Sooners in tackles with 134.
#60 Don Key
Key was a three-year starter for the Sooners. He was also an All-Big 8 guard, and potential All-American. However, cancer surgery ended his football career in 1981. Barry Switzer established the Don Key Award in 1982. Oklahoma coaches describe the award as the highest honor a Sooner football player can receive while playing for the Sooners. It goes to the player who best exemplifies the many superior qualities of Key, both on and off the field.
