Fred Dean, a 2009 College Football Hall of Fame inductee from Louisiana Tech University, passed away Oct. 14 following an illness. He was 68.

Well before the NCAA ever officially recognized sacks as a statistical category, Dean made it his mission to terrorize opposing quarterbacks during his legendary career.

Dean anchored a Bulldog defensive unit from 1971 through 1974, leading Louisiana Tech to an incredible mark of 44 wins and only 4 losses. The Bulldogs won Division II national titles in 1972, 1973 and 1974 with a star-studded cast led by their ball-hawking defensive linemen.

He was a four-time all-Southland Conference performer and was twice named the Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year. The three-time All-American accumulated 392 tackles during his career while leading Louisiana Tech to four conference titles.

Following his collegiate career, the San Diego Chargers selected Dean with the 33^rd overall pick in the second round of the 1975 NFL Draft. He played for the Chargers from 1975 through 1981 before ending his professional career with the San Francisco 49ers (1981-1985).

Dean became one of the league's most feared pass rushers during his 141-game career.  Although the sack did not become an official NFL statistic until 1982, if numbers tallied by the teams were included with his official sack count, Dean's career sack total would stand near 100. 

Dean played on five division winners, in three NFC championship games and in two of San Francisco's Super Bowl victories (Super Bowls XVI and XIX). He was named to four Pro Bowls (1980-1982, 1984) and selected All-Pro twice (1980-1981).   

Dean is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, State of Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Louisiana Tech Athletics Hall of Fame.

He was also a member of Louisiana Tech's 100 Year Anniversary Team and the 50 Greatest Players to Ever Play at Joe Aillet Stadium Team.

Louisiana Tech officials plan to honor Dean during Saturday's home football game against Marshall.