Tuesday, August 12, 2014

1965 Profiles: Dainard Paulson and Ray Abruzzese

DAINARD PAULSON
Safety
No. 40
Oregon State
"Let's play a guessing game. What safety made the All-League team last year and led the AFL in interceptions with a record-tying 12? The answer is Dainard Paulson, named MVP in '64 by his Jet teammates.
Though not exceptionally fast, Paulson is a fine tackler and an aggressive and intelligent defender who makes few mental blunders.
The greybeard of the New York secondary, he's beginning his fifth season with the club. He weighs 190 pounds and played tailback at Oregon State."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"Last season this all-league safety led the AFL in interceptions and tied the league record with his 12 swipes. Dainard, who holds the Jets record with interceptions in one game, played tailback in college.
An outstanding tackler, Dainard is the acknowledged team leader of the Jets. He was voted the club's Most Valuable Player by his teammates."

-1965 Topps No. 123


RAY ABRUZZESE
Safety
No. 25
Alabama
Ray's arrival provides a steadying veteran presence in the developing Jet defensive secondary. He and Dainard Paulson should be a reliable safety tandem. As a punt returner in 1963, Ray was fourth in the league with 17 returns and also fourth with 152 punt return yards.
In his college days with the Crimson Tide, Ray registered a 4.1 rushing average and a 7.4 receiving average.

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