Longhorns Wire is continuing the series of jersey numbers to match the days until the Texas kicks off the season. On Thursday we find ourselves remembering number 78.
Blake Brockermeyer, Offensive Tackle (1992-94)
If the name Blake Brockermeyer sounds familiar, it is probably because that namesake has played for Texas over multiple generations. Kay Brockermeyer played offensive tackle for the Longhorns in 1959 before Blake. Blake’s son Luke is a linebacker on the current roster. His other two sons Tommy and James are highly touted recruits and current Texas targets. Playing for the Longhorns is a family tradition.
Blake joined the Longhorns in 1992 and played through 1994. He would forgo his senior season to enter into the 1995 NFL Draft. While at Texas he was two-time All-SWC offensive lineman and named All-American during his junior season. Blake would be selected in the first round by the newest NFL franchise, the Carolina Panthers.
Blake Brockermeyer would become the first offensive tackle starter in Panthers history. He played in the NFL for nine seasons before retiring. He started 103 of his 136 games played. He would appear in the first playoff win in Panthers history in 1996 when they defeated the defending Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys in the wild card round.
Brockermeyer is currently coaching his twin sons Tommy and James at All Saints Episcopal in Fort Worth, Texas. Blake has one other son, Jack who attended Rice University.
Accomplishments:
- Two-time All-SWC offensive lineman
- All-American in 1994
- Outland Trophy Finalist
- 16-game streak without allowing a sack
- 1995 NFL Draft first round selection
- Panthers’ first starter at offensive tackle in franchise history
- Texas Hall of Honor inductee in 2015
Currently Denzel Okafor is set to wear number 78 for the Texas Longhorns. The senior offensive lineman is in line to be a starter in 2020.