As we make our way through the 80's of our football kickoff countdown, most programs would see a litany of wide receivers getting honored, but most programs aren't Tight End U. Yesterday, we honored Zach Miller, and today we look at another tight end - the one who started the position's legacy in Tempe - Clancy Osborne.
Osborne came to Tempe in the mid-50's out of Lubbock, Texas. Predating the legendary Frank Kush, Osborne joined the roster of head coach Dan Devine, who had a phenomenal three-year run before leaving for the Missouri job. Osborne was a major part of Devine's success.
While legendary running back Bobby Mulgado was the star of the Sun Devils offense during that time, Osborne was the venerable second option. While not playing a ton of snaps his first two years, Osborne still became a go-to option in the passing game when Arizona State needed a first down. More often than not, he delivered.
Heading into 1957, Osborne had helped the Sun Devils go 8-2-1 and then 9-1 in the first two years under Devine's leadership. Osborne was named a team captain, alongside Mulgado, and he went on to lead the team in receptions and yards that year. Oh, and did I mention Arizona State finished 10-0?
That season marked the first time in program history the Sun Devils had ever finished the season ranked in the polls, coming in at No. 12. As mentioned, Devine left for another job after the year, and Arizona State promoted their defensive line coach - one Frank Joseph Kush - to head coach. The rest, as they say, is history.
Osborne wasn't around for those years, though, graduating after the 1957 season. Still, he was a pivotal part of the program's rise to national prominence, and in many ways helped usher in the era of dominance under Kush. Osborne also set the standard for tight ends in Tempe, laying the foundation for Tight End U.
With 85 days left until kickoff, Osborne deserves to be recognized for his contributions to the program's rich history, even though it involves digging deep into the archives to do so.