46 Days Until Kickoff: Who Was The Best No. 46?

[Blake Munroe]

We’re now 46 days away from kickoff, and today’s countdown features one of the deeper jersey numbers in Texas football history.

Roosevelt Leaks | Running Back (1972–74)

Leaks is one of the greatest running backs ever to wear the Burnt Orange. A Consensus First-Team All-American in 1973, he finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting after rushing for 1,415 yards and 14 touchdowns that season. He was a two-time First-Team All-Southwest Conference selection, finished his career with 2,923 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, and set a Texas single-game record with 342 rushing yards against SMU in 1973. His legendary career was recognized with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005.

Joseph Ossai | EDGE/Linebacker (2018–20)

Ossai developed into one of the nation’s premier defenders during his time in Austin. A Consensus All-American and First-Team All-Big 12 selection in 2020, he led the conference in tackles for loss during the regular season. He closed his career with 165 tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries, cementing himself as one of the most disruptive defenders of the modern era.

Malik Jefferson | Linebacker (2015–17)

Jefferson was named Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-Big 12 in 2017 while earning Second-Team All-America honors. Jefferson started 29 of 33 career games, totaling 233 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, five forced fumbles, and four interceptions. He also earned Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors in 2015 and was a two-time Butkus Award semifinalist.

Current No. 46s: Smith Orogbo (EDGE) and Spencer Barnett (Kicker).

Who gets your vote as the greatest Longhorn to ever wear No. 46? 🤘

[Blake Munroe]

Sorry yall. I wrote this earlier and forgot to press “Submit” 🤦‍♂️

[Roysterr]

This guy

[Roysterr]

This guy is now 25 years old.

[Beldar]

I think most important was Leaks. All were really good players. Julius Whittier and Rosie were huge in getting us where we are today.

 

[Oldest Horn]

The order is perfect. 

[Alex Butler]

Leaks then Ossai!

[Here for the Wins]

Dusty Renfro some underappreciation.

[bourbasted]

It's gotta be Leaks.  Ossai was a beast, but the fact that Leaks' is in the CF HoF is really the bar set.  If I'm being honest, Malik never really lived up to the hype the way I thought he would, but I also think he was on an average team with an average coach.  In a different scenario, he may have met his potential (or at least my perception of it).  

Edited 2 hours ago by bourbasted

[marathon]

3 hours ago, Blake Munroe said:

Leaks is one of the greatest running backs ever to wear the Burnt Orange. A Consensus First-Team All-American in 1973, he finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting after rushing for 1,415 yards and 14 touchdowns that season. He was a two-time First-Team All-Southwest Conference selection, finished his career with 2,923 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, and set a Texas single-game record with 342 rushing yards against SMU in 1973.

Following the game The Dallas Times Herald (the other newspaper in Dallas at the time) went with the headline:

“Roosevelt Leaks All Over The Field”.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited 2 hours ago by marathon

[BornOrange]

Really missed Ossai until Collin Simmons showed up.

[Here for the Wins]

1 hour ago, bourbasted said:

It's gotta be Leaks.  Ossai was a beast, but the fact that Leaks' is in the CF HoF is really the bar set.  If I'm being honest, Malik never really lived up to the hype the way I thought he would, but I also think he was on an average team with an average coach.  In a different scenario, he may have met his potential (or at least my perception of it).  

He did leave a year early.  He compiled some stats too.  When he was a freshman we had too many freshman defenders playing.  I’m not sure he would ever been terribly instinctive, but he could run around and be active.