Big, Bad No. 96

Leading into the Sept. 5 season opener against Syracuse, GoldAndBlack.com will count down the days 'til the 2004 lidlifter by highlighting the former Boilermakers who wore the jersey corresponding to the days remaining until kickoff.

Below is a list of all Boilermakers who donned the No. 96 jersey*:

Ian Allen (also 55) 1997, DT

Jack Beery 1983-86, TE

Kim Cripe 1974-76, DE

Bob Dressel (also 50) 1988, DL

Paul Hanna 1978-80, 1982, DL

Byron Huggins (also 71) 1932-33, G

Mike Krabbe 1991, LB

Red Mackey 1926-28, E

William Newell 1943, C

Ben Regoli 1964, G

Shane Ryan (also 18) 1996, K

Dan Toriello 1933-34, QB

*Source: Purdue Football Information Guide

Gold & Black.com's Top No. 96s:

There were no stars on the field in this group, especially if you take into consideration that Shane Ryan and Ian Allen enjoyed more success in other jersey numbers.

The most prominent members of to wear No. 96 were former athletic director Guy "Red" Mackey, who was an end under Coach Jimmy Phelen in the 1920s and later served for four decades as athletic director (1942-71). Mackey was an honorable mention All-American as a senior for teams that went 16-6-2 during his tenure.

William "Pinky" Newell was a center on Purdue's last undefeated team (9-0) in 1943 but made his mark as one of the pioneers of athletic training. Newell was Purdue's athletic trainer for 28 years before his retirement in 1977.

Paul Hanna was tops among defensive linemen in tackles with 81 in 1980 but his career was hampered by injuries. Tight end Jack Beery was used as a blocker, but there is one pass he wishes he would have been able to catch. In the 1985 season opener at Pittsburgh, with Purdue trailing 31-30 in the closing moments of the game, Coach Leon Burtnett opted to go for two points to win the game. Quarterback Jim Everett short-hopped a pass to a wide-open Beery that would have given the Boilermakers a dramatic road win to start the season. The loss kept Purdue and Burtnett from a second-straight bowl appearance as Purdue finished 5-6.

Kim Cripe was a two-year starter at defensive end for Alex Agase in 1975 and '76 notching 53 and 76 tackles in those two seasons, respectively.

Ryan managed a team-high four field goals in '96 before switching to jersey No. 18 in 1997 and nailing nine field goals and 45-of-47 PATs.

Our ranking of the best No. 96s:

1. Red Mackey

2. Pinky Newell

3t. Paul Hanna, Kim Cripe

5. Jack Beery

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