(Memphis Tigers Athletics News Release) The University of Memphis is mourning the passing of M-Club Hall of Fame (2007) linebacker Danton Barto, who passed away Monday at 50 years old.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of Danton Barto,” Memphis head football coach Ryan Silverfield said. “He was a Memphis Tiger legend, on and off the field. He was beloved by so many. Our thoughts and prayers from our entire community are with his family and his loved ones as we remember him today. Obviously, he was a fantastic football player, but those who had the opportunity to get to know Danton knew that he was an incredible human being.”

Barto is the school record holder for career solo tackles (273) and career total tackles (473) and ranks second all-time with 200 assisted career tackles.

An All-South Independent first team honoree in 1991, 1992 and 1993, Barto was named the All-South Independent Defensive Player of the Year in 1992 after leading Memphis with four interceptions. In 1993, Barto recorded 63 assisted tackles, which still ranks as the fourth-best single-season mark in school history. His 144 total tackles that same season were good enough to remain fifth in Tiger history.

Barto earned All-Independent Football Alliance (IFA) Conference first-team honors in both 1992 and 1993 and was the All-IFA Defensive Player of the Year in 1992.