Hall of Fame
Bob Rose was a defensive end on undefeated teams in 1970 and 1971 that ranked number-one in total defense in both seasons. After playing his sophomore season as an offensive guard in 1969, Rose switched to defensive end as a junior, combining with his more famous line-mate, All-American Mel Long, to become a potent defensive-end duo on the greatest defense in UT history. As a junior, Rose had 101 tackles, including 16 tackle for loss, three fumble recoveries and one interception, earning first-team All-MAC honors. As a senior, Rose made first-team All-MAC once again, helping the Rockets go undefeated for the third straight season, culminating with their third consecutive Tangerine Bowl victory. In Rose's two seasons at defensive end, the Rockets led the nation in total defense, holding opponents to just 185 yards of offense in 1970 and 164 yards in 1971.
