Yesterday's countdown spotlight took a look at the patriarch of Arizona State football's First Family. Today, we look at a different program legend in fullback Ben Malone.
Born in Texas but raised in Eloy, Arizona, Malone was a bit of a legacy recruit for the Sun Devils. His older brother, Art Malone, had just graduated from Arizona State with a decorated career, capped off by being selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.
Hoping for a similar career path, Ben Malone followed his brothers footsteps to Tempe. There, he was part of a sensational backfield that was highlighted by Woody Green, who still holds the record for most career rushing yards at Arizona State.
Head coach Frank Kush sought to add an extra element to Green's elite running, and that came in the form of Malone. A stronger presence, Malone saw the field plenty as Green's lead blocker, but the Sun Devils also used Malone as a ballcarrier to catch defenses - who, by then, were keying heavily on Green - off guard.
The tactic proved to be highly effective, as Malone racked up 857 rushing yards his first year. He saw less work the next year, but turned into a valuable goal line weapon with six touchdowns. Then, in his final season, Malone put up a whopping 1,186 rushing yards with 15 touchdowns, all while Green added 1,313 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.
To this day, that 1973 season remains Arizona State's best rushing team ever.
Malone, unfortunately, never got the love he deserved from national media. He never made an All-WAC team or even got an honorable mention, largely due to Green getting more attention, but Sun Devil fans knew how special he was. Not only was Malone putting up insane rushing numbers, but he was leading the way for Green on many of his runs.
Thankfully, the NFL took notice. Just like his brother before him, Malone heard his name called in the second round of the NFL Draft, though eight picks later than where brother Art had been taken.
Drafted by the Miami Dolphins, Malone found himself in a very similar role as he had in college. Malone ran for 2,129 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in five seasons with the Dolphins, reaching the playoffs four times. He was traded to Washington, where he played two more seasons before retiring.
Malone was always short on recognition during his playing days, but there's no question where he ranks in the annals of history. For a long time, his 250 rushing yards in a game against Oregon State was the most single-game rushing yards of any Sun Devil running back. It's since been eclipsed by both Eno Benjamin and Cam Skattebo, but Malone remains in third place.
Malone was inducted into the Sun Devil Sports Hall of Fame in 1983, recognizing one of the most integral parts of those early 1970's Sun Devil teams. Malone sadly passed away in 2020 from complications due to diabetes, but his legacy remains unimpeachable.