Tempe, Ariz. - A legendary coach and eight former players were recognized at halftime of the ASU-UCLA game on Nov. 26 as the initial inductees of the newly-instituted Arizona State University Football Ring of Honor.

Hall of Fame Coach Frank Kush whose teams compiled a .764 winning record over 22 years (1958-79) was joined by players from Sun Devil teams that won 70 per cent of their games during a 50-year period going back to 1947.

Wilford "Whizzer" White (1947-50), the school's second all-time rusher, is the veteran of the group that includes halfback Bobby Mulgado (1954-57) Hall of Fame linebacker Ron Pritchard (1966-68), Hall of Fame quarterback-punter Danny White (1971-73), Hall of Fame cornerback Mike Haynes (1972-75), Hall of Fame wide receiver John Jefferson (1974-77), Hall of Fame offensive guard Randall McDaniel (1984-87) and 2010 Hall of Fame inductee, linebacker Pat Tillman (1994-97). Five of these players were team captains, and six plus Kush are in the College Football Hall of Fame.

The idea for the Football Ring of Honor originated with Ron Pritchard who felt that people should know more about the history of the Sun Devil football program, which is now in its 98th season, and the many standout players who were part of it.

"We owe these players more respect," he said. "The Ring of Honor recognizes those who were instrumental in building the program. Hopefully it will establish a greater tradition as we look forward to the centennial year of ASU football in 2012. Additionally, I'm sure the players we honor will develop a stronger bond with the University."

To be eligible for the Ring of Honor, which in the future will be limited to just four inductees a year, a player must be out of college for at least 20 years and broadly acknowledged to have had an outstanding playing career at ASU. (On the longevity issue, a one-time exception was made this year for Pat Tillman because of his 2010 induction into the College Hall of Fame.) Other criteria include post-season honors such as All-American, membership in the ASU Sports Hall of Fame, and having achieved success in later life.

The honorees received a Ring of Honor jacket and ring, and their names will be displayed on the wall of the Carson Student-Athlete Center that faces Frank Kush Field in the south end zone.

The Selection Committee includes Senior Associate Athletic Director Don Bocchi, Kush and former players Bob Breunig, Mike Haynes, Jim Kane, Kevin Miniefield, Pritchard, Jim Shaughnessy and Jeff Van Raaphorst.

Assisting Pritchard on the organizing committee were Chapter Board member Tracy Uffelman along with Bocchi and Miniefield from the ASU athletic staff.