South Carolina Football’s GOAT Series: Top-12 greatest defensive tackles of all-time
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina Football’s No. 5 Defensive Tackle of All-Time:
John LeHeup
Senior defensive tackle John LeHeup (pronounced "la-HOOP) from Temple Terrace, FL on the cover of the 1972 @GamecockFB media guide. Coach Paul Dietzel called LeHeup, "...the best tackle I've ever coached." #ForeverToThee pic.twitter.com/AC24Fwx1qr
— South by Southeast (@GamecockSxSE) September 18, 2022
A three-year starter in an era where players were not allowed on the team as freshmen, John LeHeup (1969-1972) was a force at defensive tackle for Head Coach Paul Dietzel. He racked up over 100 tackles in his 1971 junior season and was awarded with an All-American selection the following season for his strong play in the middle. Making him even more popular among the South Carolina faithful, LeHeup tallied more tackles against Clemson than any other opponent in his career.
LeHeup’s head coach Paul Dietzel referred to #67 as the “best tackle I’ve ever coached” during his almost thirty years of coaching. After spending a couple of years pursuing a career in the NFL and various other professional football leagues, he gave up the game of football to enter into pastoral ministry.