79 Days Until Kickoff — Who Is Your Favorite No. 79?

[Blake Munroe]

We are just 79 days away until the Horns head to Columbus to take on the Buckeyes. Who is your favorite No. 79 overall pick the years at Texas? 

Not a lot of 79s to choose from, but a couple of options are:

Tony Hills

 

Terry Tausch

 

Connor Stroh (current No  79)

[Blake Munroe]

More on Tausch:

Terry Tausch had a distinguished collegiate football career at the University of Texas at Austin from 1978 to 1981, playing as an offensive tackle for the Texas Longhorns. A native of New Braunfels, Texas, Tausch was a highly touted tight end prospect out of New Braunfels High School before transitioning to offensive tackle at Texas. Recruited by legendary coach Darrell Royal, he played under head coach Fred Akers after redshirting in 1977.

Key Highlights of Tausch’s Collegiate Career:

Four-Year Letterman (1978–81): Tausch was a consistent contributor over four seasons, earning letters each year.

All-America Honors: He was named a Football News All-American in 1980 as a junior and achieved consensus All-America status in 1981 as a senior, recognizing him as one of the nation’s top players.

All-Southwest Conference: Tausch earned All-Southwest Conference honors in both 1980 and 1981, highlighting his dominance in the region.

Team Success: During his tenure, the Longhorns achieved significant success, including victories in the 1978 Sun Bowl and the 1982 Cotton Bowl, where they upset No. 3 Alabama 14–12. In 1981, Texas was ranked No. 1 for one week and finished the season 10–1–1, ranked No. 2 by the Associated Press.

Notable Performance: A signature moment came in the 1979 Red River Showdown against Oklahoma, where Tausch’s blocking helped Texas secure a victory over the No. 3-ranked Sooners.

Work Ethic and Respect: Teammates and coaches, including offensive line coach Leon Manley, praised Tausch for his exceptional work ethic and leadership. He was known for earning the respect of peers and coaches alike, with teammate Lawrence Sampleton noting his gentle leadership and dedication.

Tausch’s speed, dependability, and skill as a right tackle made him a standout, playing alongside teammates like tight end Lawrence Sampleton. His collegiate achievements earned him induction into the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor in 2001. After his senior year, Tausch was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round (39th overall) of the 1982 NFL Draft, launching an eight-year professional career.

[Drunk randoke]

Tony!

[Blake Munroe]

3 minutes ago, Drunk randoke said:

Tony!

Oh crap. WTH was I thinking? Editing the OP. 

[Joe Zura]

24 minutes ago, Blake Munroe said:

Oh crap. WTH was I thinking? Editing the OP. 

[Blake Munroe]

3 minutes ago, Joe Zura said:

[Joe Zura]

2 minutes ago, Blake Munroe said:

[Burnt Orange Horn]

Thanks for filling us in on Terry Tausch.  He was quite the accomplished OT for Texas for many years.  Too often overlooked.

🤘🏻🤘🏼🤘🤘🏽🤘🏾🤘🏿

[cochamps]

Tausch was bad ass.

[DanielOnorato]

Tony is the man, my favorite 79 for sure. 

[Jeff Howe]

6 hours ago, Burnt Orange Horn said:

Thanks for filling us in on Terry Tausch.  He was quite the accomplished OT for Texas for many years.  Too often overlooked.

🤘🏻🤘🏼🤘🤘🏽🤘🏾🤘🏿

One reason he probably gets overlooked is that he played at Texas at a time when the offense wasn't exactly prolific. Texas produced some of the best defensive players in school history while Terry Tausch was a Longhorn.

[Jeff Howe]

Shoutout to the Big Cat, Alfio Randall.

[Jeff Howe]

Chuck Johnson was a starting offensive tackle on the other side of Stan Thomas for the 1990 "Shock the Nation Tour" team.

[SB21]

Jeff Howe!

79 in your roster book but #1 in our hearts! 
 

Shout out to ya even though you went down the road to San Marcos  🤣

[horns96]

He wasn't a Longhorn, but he was a Texan, there's only one #79 for me - 

Edited 19 hours ago by horns96

[Oldest Horn]

Tausch was actually a TE recruit in 77, got an injury redshirt so he still had 4 years in 78-81. Tremendous player.