We’re now at 71 days until the Longhorns square off against Ohio State for the season opener. Who is your favorite No. 71?

Some options today include…

Ray Dowdy

 

Chris Hall

 

Leo Brooks

More on Dowdy…

Ray Dowdy was a defensive tackle for the Texas Longhorns from 1968 to 1970. Transferring from Texas Junior College, he played a key role on the 1969 and 1970 teams, which were part of Texas’ dominant run, including the 1969 National Championship and a 30-game winning streak. Dowdy earned All-Southwest Conference honors in 1970, showcasing his prowess on the defensive line. His contributions helped solidify Texas’ formidable defense during that era. After college, he pursued a career in high school football coaching and administration.

More on Brooks…

Leo Brooks had a standout collegiate career as a defensive tackle for the Texas Longhorns from 1968 to 1970, contributing significantly to one of the most dominant periods in the program’s history. 

1968 Season: Brooks emerged as a key player on the Longhorns’ defensive line. His performance helped Texas achieve an undefeated 9-1-1 record, culminating in a 36-13 victory over Tennessee in the Cotton Bowl against Oklahoma. For his efforts, Brooks earned All-Southwest Conference (SWC) honors, establishing himself as one of the top defensive players in the conference.

1969 Season: This was the pinnacle of Brooks’ collegiate career, as he played a crucial role in Texas’ 1969 National Championship season. Despite battling a knee injury that limited his play, Brooks remained a force on the defensive line, contributing to the Longhorns’ perfect 11-0 record. Texas defeated Notre Dame 21-17 in the Cotton Bowl to secure the national title. Brooks’ resilience earned him All-SWC honors again, underscoring his impact even while not at full strength. His defensive efforts were integral to Texas’ dominance during a 30-game winning streak that began in 1968.

1970 Season: Brooks continued to anchor the defensive line as Texas went 10-1, extending their winning streak before a loss to Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl. His consistent performance helped maintain the Longhorns’ defensive reputation, though specific individual accolades for 1970 are less documented compared to his earlier seasons.

Key Contributions and Legacy:

Brooks was part of a formidable defensive unit that included players like Bill Atessis and Greg Ploetz, which was critical to Texas’ success under coach Darrell Royal. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses was a cornerstone of the Longhorns’ defensive strategy.

Despite his knee injury in 1969, Brooks’ toughness and skill made him a standout, earning praise for his quiet leadership and team-first mentality.

His collegiate success translated to a professional career, as he played six seasons in the NFL with the Houston Oilers (1971-1974) and St. Louis Cardinals (1975-1976).

Post-Career Note: Brooks passed away in 2002, but his legacy endures among Texas Longhorns fans, particularly for his contributions to the 1969 championship team. His name often appears in discussions of the best players to wear number 71 for Texas. 

That D’line with Large Leo,  Bill Atessis,  and Greg Ploetz was for sure a main ingredient in the success of the ‘68-‘70 run capped by the ‘69 Championship.

And here’s Texas’ current no. 71, even though it shows no. 73.

This pic is from his Iowa official visit. It gives you a sense of just how big big really is.

 

4 minutes ago, Bobby Burton said:

And here’s Texas’ current no. 71, even though it shows no. 73.

This pic is from his Iowa official visit. It gives you a sense of just how big big really is.

 

The question is how much bigger has he gotten since this pic was taken👀

Thanks Blake 🤘