Former BYU All-American, and BYU’s first ever All-American in football, Eldon Fortie passed away on Wednesday in Mesa, Arizona. He was 79.
Before the days of LaVell Edwards, BYU was not nearly the prominent brand of college football they became under the legendary coach. One thing that pre-head coach LaVell era of BYU football had was The Phantom. Eldon Fortie was the starting tailback for the Cougars in 1961, running the ball 132 times for 437 yards and two touchdowns. Given the nature of the single-wing offense of the period, he also threw 82 passes for 451 yards an five touchdowns through the air.