Rod Shoate

Rod Shoate was born in Spiro, Oklahoma, and played at Spiro High School. At Oklahoma he was first-team All-Big Eight in 1972, 1973 and 1974 and the Big Eight Defensive Player of the Year in 1974. He was a consensus All-American in 1973 and a unanimous All-American on the 1974 national title team. Wikipedia credits him with three All-America seasons. New England drafted him in the second round, 41st overall, in 1975. He played seven seasons at linebacker for the Patriots, with 22.5 sacks and five interceptions, then played in the USFL for New Jersey and Memphis. Former coaches and teammates credited his speed and relentless pursuit. He died after a long illness on October 4, 1999, and was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013. The Daily Oklahoman wrote on January 29, 1975 (NewsBank page 41): "It had been rumored that Shoate might be a first-round choice of Dallas, but the two-time All-American did not go until the 15th pick of the second round." The same article says: "Horne also said New England coach Chuck Fairbanks, who coached last year at OU, is looking forward to getting back together with Shoate."