Countdown to Texas football: Best to wear No. 63-64

With 63 days remaining until Texas kicks off the season, we remember two of the best Longhorns in Casey Hampton and Justin Blalock.

Number 63

Justin Blalock, Offensive Guard (2003-06)

AP Photo/Ric Francis

Offensive guard Justin Blalock was a member of one of the greatest teams in Texas Longhorns history. The 2005-06 BCS National Championship team, where he was tasked with blocking for Vince Young. The North Texas native started all four years for the Longhorns. During his collegiate career, Blalock set the school record for consecutive starts with 51. The team had a 44-7 record when he played.

He helped pave the way to allow VY to set the schools all-time leading rushing record for a quarterback. Not to mention the offense in that 2005 season broke a single-season record for most points scored. The old record of 624 points was set by the 1983 Nebraska Cornhuskers, the Longhorns set the new standard with 652 points.

Blalock received the inaugural Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year award in 2006. He was also a four-time All-Big 12 First-Team member, and a two-time All-American for the Longhorns. Blalock was selected 39th overall in the second round by the Atlanta Falcons during the 2007 NFL Draft. He played for the team until 2014. He was released in February following the season and retired from football a few months later.

Accomplishments:

  • 2001 USA Today High School All-American
  • Two-time All-American
  • Four-time first-team All-Big 12
  • 2006 Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year
  • Finalist for the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy
  • Second-round selection in the 2007 NFL Draft
  • Eight-year NFL veteran
  • Plano ISD Hall of Fame Inductee
  • 2018 Texas Hall of Honor Inductee

Currently sophomore defensive lineman Troy Torress is assigned the number 63 jersey.