RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. —
There is a new all-time leading tackler at Valdosta State.
Blazer linebacker Larry Dean recorded eight tackles on Saturday against Arkansas Tech. Dean only needed two tackles to break Jessie Tuggle’s career mark of 340.
“It means a lot,” Dean said. “It’s been a lot of sweat and a lot of work throughout the years to get to it, and be in this position to have the opportunity to do it. I just want to give thanks to everybody, especially Coach C (Joe Cauthen) for putting me in position, along with God and athletic ability and teammates.”
Dean now has 347 tackles in his VSU career.
The record-breaking tackle came with two minutes remaining in the first quarter. Dean tackled Cassius Washington for a 4-yard loss on second-and-5 at the VSU 19.
Dean said he didn’t know that was the play he broke the record on. He said he would recognize it on film later.
“If I live to be 80, that’s a guy I’ll sit around and say I was proud to coach,” Blazers head coach David Dean said. “Every time you start talking about him, you get tears in your eyes, because of what he is and what he stands for and what he means to the football team, and what he’s meant to this football team from the day he walked on campus. From his freshman to his senior year, he’s been a positive person and a guy you never have to worry about. When you sit back and think about all the guys in your career you coach, he’s always going to be one of those guys on the top.
“He broke a guy’s record who is an outstanding football player, not only at Valdosta State, but in the professional league. For him to be able to break that record, that says a lot, and it says a lot for his teammates and what they’re doing.”
Tuggle texted Dean during the game, but Dean didn’t check his phone until after speaking with reporters.
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Dean breaks tackle record
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