So Cal's All-Time Roster: No. 86
No. 86:
Our pick:
==Marlin McKeever, USC football (1958-'60), Rams ('61-'66, '71-'72)
Half of the famous twin brothers who starred at USC in the late '50s, Marlin was a two-time All-American end, fullback and punter who ended up playing 13 years in the NFL.
At USC, he won Lineman of the Year and Player of the Game against UCLA Awards in 1960, and played in the 1960 East-West Shrine Game and 1961 College All-Star Game and Hula Bowl. He ended up as USC's leading receiver in '59 and '60, and its top punter in '58 and '60. On top of that, he lettered twice in track, competing in the shot put and discus.
With the Rams, Marlin stuck a linebacker, which is also the position the San Diego Chargers of the AFL wanted him to play when they drafted him in 1961. Still, Marlin saw time as a tight end for the Rams, then with Minnesota, Washington and Philadelphia before returning to the Rams for his final two seasons.
Time magazine ran a short piece on the McKeevers in a 1959 story, at this link. Mike's our choice for No. 68.
Marlin died of head injuries a year ago in Long Beach after a fall at his home. He was 66.
Other No. 86s:
==Jack Bighead, L.A. Dons football ('55, also played at Pepperdine wearing No. 11)
C'mon, how do you pass up a name like that?
Sports Illustrated's pick for the all-time No. 86: Buck Buchanan
Did we miss anyone?
You've got our vote, now let's see yours: