1964 Jets Rookie Profiles

MATT SNELL
Fullback
First Round
Ohio State
"Matt Snell hails from Locust Valley, Long Island and could become the local hero of the New York Jets, who have plans along these lines as they play their first season at Shea Stadium, about 15 miles from Snell's home. Matt is a 6-1, 225-pound versatile young man who was all-everything as a schoolboy and who played wherever he was needed at Ohio State.
He was the starting right halfback as a Buckeye soph. He was moved to end and excelled on defense as a junior. He was also a linebacker and a fullback and was the Jets' No. 1 draftee. Coincidentally, he was the Giants' No.3 choice, and the hometown tug-o-war was a beaut until Snell threw his lot with the Jets.
Weeb Ewbank drafted him with the idea of using him as a linebacker. But recent studies of film have Weeb convinced that Matt may fill the bill as the fast running back the Jets needed last year."

-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964

"Touted as a $100,000 rookie, fullback Matt Snell is on the spot to make good in a big way. Drafted No. 1 out of Ohio State, the Jets outbid the rival NFL Giants, who made him their fourth choice.
In college, he was a star on both offense and defense, where he played defensive end and linebacker, but the Jets went to training camp with the idea of giving him a long look on offense first. Matt was a high school star in Carle Place, New York, not too far from the Jets' new Stadium, before he enrolled at Ohio State."

Dave Anderson, Pro Football 1964

"Matt was quite a catch for the New York Jets. A number one draft pick, the fullback was one of college football's top stars for the past two years.
A highly versatile performer, Matt can also do a top job as a linebacker and as a defensive end. Still growing and getting stronger, he is the kind of runner that can smash into the opposition and drag'em with them [sic]."

-1964 Topps No. 125


GERRY PHILBIN
Defensive End
Third Round
Buffalo
"Gerry is one rookie who will be giving his all to win a regular job with the New York Jets this season. Able to play defensive end or as a linebacker, he should be around Shea Stadium for many years to come.
A number three draft choice of the Jets, he played in the Senior Bowl last year. Gerry was on the dean's list in college and made the All-America academic team."

-1964 Topps No. 123


JEFF WARE
Linebacker
13th Round
Pittsburgh
"Jeff is the big boy from Pittsburgh that the New York Jets have been touting. The Jets' front office think that he's going to grow into one of the league's top linebackers. A hard hitter with quick reflexes, Jeff figures to win a regular job with New York in his rookie season.
Jeff makes his home in Rocky River, Ohio."

-1964 Topps No. 128


PETE LISKE
Quarterback
15th Round (1963)
Penn State
"The New York Jets wanted to be certain they didn't miss out on acquiring the services of Pete Liske. The rookie quarterback was a future draft choice of the Jets in 1963. Head Coach Weeb Ewbank is very high on the lad from Plainfield, New Jersey.
At Penn State, Pete established six school records. A good ball handler, Pete will be given lots of opportunities to play in 1964."

-1964 Topps No. 117


MIKE TALIAFERRO
Quarterback
28th Round (1963)
Illinois
"The New York Jets chose Mike in 1963 as a future draft pick. He'll be sharing the work with New York's quarterback Dick Wood.
A top battling passer with a strong arm, Mike pitched Illinois into the Big 10 [championship] in 1963. The native of Dallas, Texas was a real standout in the Rose Bowl last year.
Always in there battling, Mike is a fine runner and a threat at any time to call for a quarterback sneak."

-1964 Topps No. 126


JIM TURNER
Place Kicker-Quarterback
Free Agent
Utah State
Although a three-year starter as a quarterback at Utah State, Jim comes to the Jets as a place kicker. Coach Ewbank has determined the that a place-kicking specialist is needed to add more scoring to the developing Jet offense.
Jim's hobbies are fishing and hunting.