Editor's note: In anticipation of the 121st college football season in Utah, DeseretNews.com writer Jay Yeomans is ranking the 50 greatest Division I college football players of all time from the state of Utah. We're counting down the 50 days until Sept. 1 when Southern Utah at Utah and Weber State at Utah State kick off at 6 p.m. Rankings are based on what the player did during his college career.
42. Nick Eyre, BYU, offensive tackle (1976-80)
While offensive linemen don't always get the most publicity, they are a huge part of the success to any offense, and Eyre was one of the best that the Cougars have ever had. He helped anchor the line on four WAC championship teams as a three-year starter and team captain.
His best year came as a senior in 1980, when he finished third in the Outland Trophy voting and was the first lineman from BYU to earn consensus All-American status after helping to lead the team to a 12-1 record, protecting Jim McMahon.
For his tremendous play, Eyre earned plenty of other honors. He was a two-time All-WAC selection who was named to the WAC 25-year anniversary team, and Street and Smith's 50-Year All-Rockies team.
Jay Yeomans is a sports writer for Deseretnews.com. Contact him at jmoney34@hotmail.com. Twitter: @jmoney3334