#85 Jeron Mastrud (TE) 2006-2009 (Others Considered: Shad Meier)

Why?: One of the true recruiting gems Ron Prince brought in his first season, Mastrud immediately became a favorite target of Josh Freeman. Mastrud would go on to start every game but one in his career, including the final 26. His touchdown numbers certainly were limited by the ability of Jordy Nelson & Yamon Figurs to get open and burn defenses, but as a big target he could certainly move the chains. His receiving numbers improved every season until his senior year, when, without a pure passer to throw to him, he saw a decline, but he still managed to finish as one of the best TEs to ever play for the Wildcats, earning first team all-conference honors his senior year. Today, his numbers are still impressive: 2nd All-Time in yardage for TEs & 24th overall, 1st All-Time in receptions by a TE, & was 13th overall. Following his senior season, Mastrud played 5 seasons in the NFL for a handful of teams, spending the most time with the Miami Dolphins.

Career Numbers:

Catches: 106

Yards: 1,219

YPC: 11.5

TDs: 3

Most Memorable Play: For a player who didn’t light up the scoreboard with points, Mastrud did provide a brief spark in a game that was an absolute offensive explosion in the first half. Trailing OU by 14 early in the 2nd quarter in 2008, Josh Freeman took the snap on first and 10 from the OU 29 & hit Mastrud on a seam route for a walk-in TD after the OU safety failed to time his jump correctly.

Current Player on the Roster Wearing #85: None yet though the official fall roster is not available.

Odds to Replace Mastrud on This List: No odds until player wearing jersey number is confirmed.