After highlighting Victor Leyva yesterday, with 74 days until kickoff we stay in the 1990's and on the offensive line, shining the spotlight on Juan Roque.
A highly recruited product from Ontario (CA) High School, Roque was on the radar of Washington State and USC in addition to Arizona State, initially verbally committing to USC. However when OL coach John Matsko left USC to join the NFL ranks, Roque looked elsewhere. In came Rod Marinelli to sway his decision, and Roque signed with Arizona State to play under incoming head coach Bruce Snyder.
Despite being recruited as a defensive lineman, Roque moved to the offensive side of the ball at the left guard position, becoming a starter in his sophomore season in 1994. In 1995 as a junior, Roque shifted to left tackle, and was named an honorable mention preseason All-American by Street & Smith's. He was named to the first-team All-Pac-10 team, and named a second-team All-American by The Sporting News.
There was speculation that Juan might declare for the NFL Draft early in 1996 after completing his degree early, however he kept his commitment to the team, returning for his senior season. That decision paid off well, as Roque was a contender for the Outland Trophy for best interior lineman entering the season. Juan was unbeatable in 1996, quite literally. Starting all 12 games, Juan never let his man beat him to get a sack of quarterback Jake Plummer.
Even though the season ended in heartbreak with the 20-17 loss in the Rose Bowl, Roque was showered with accolades. He was a runner-up for the Lombardi Award, a finalist for the Outland Trophy, a second consecutive first-team All-Pac-10 honor, and a consensus All-American.
After college, Juan was drafted in the second round (No. 35 overall) by the Detroit Lions. Roque appeared in 13 games with one start in his rookie season, but suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day that would hold him out for the entire 1998 season.
Roque would return to the Lions lineup in 1999, starting the first two games of the season but being benched for most of the rest of the season. His final game in the NFL came during the Wild Card game against the Washington Redskins, wrapping up a short 17 game career.
Roque would also see time in the Canadian Football League, playing in seven games as a defensive lineman for the Toronto Argonauts.
In 2009, Juan was inducted into the ASU Sports Hall of Fame. He resides in the Phoenix area and remains very ingrained in the football program, being recognized as a member of the Devils 100 Society by the Sun Devil Club.
Roque's performance on and off the field have made him a Sun Devil for Life, and with 74 days until the season starts, we honor his contributions today.