So Cal's All-Time Roster: No. 63
No. 63:
Our pick:
==Mike McDonald Rams ('83-'84, '86-'91)
Every team needs a long snapper, right? The Burroughs of Burbank High standout was an inside linebacker for four seasons at USC ('76-'79, wearing No. 58), but surely, John Robinson needed him more as a guy who hikes it a greater distance than those who merely play center. McDonald played on a couple of Rose Bowl teams, so he must have been pretty good at it. In fact, that's why Robinson brought him back to the Rams when he was coaching there. It's a skill only the highly trained should attempt. In '83, Robinson called on McDonald to start at center in place of the injured Doug Barnett for a playoff game.
Besides, who else do we have to choose from at this number?
First runner-up:
==Brooker Brown, USC football ('72-'73)
SI.com's list of the greatest players associated with a single number has Brown linked as "worthy of consideration." The consensus All-American was part of the '72 national title team, and USC finished 20-1-1 in his career as an offensive tackle and guard. Two-time Rose Bowl participant. Out of Santa Barbara (with a connection to Sam "Bam" Cunningham)... How'd he end up here as the runnerup?
Other No. 63s:
==Jim Brown, UCLA football ('54-'55)
Note: Gene Upshaw, who wore No. 63 with the Raiders, never played in L.A. (1967-to-'81)
Sports Illustrated's pick for the all-time No. 63: Willie Lainer, over Lee Roy Selmon.
Did we miss anyone?
You've got our vote, now let's see yours: