Sunday, August 3, 2014

1965 Jets Offensive Line Profiles

MIKE HUDOCK
Center
No. 52
Miami
"Mike Hudock broke into pro football as a man without a future. He was Chuck Bednarik's understudy with the Philadelphia Eagles - and you know how indestructible Bednarik was. With the Jets, however, Mike has been the starting offensive center for five years, and in 1964 he was second-team All-AFL.
He's 6-2 and 245 pounds, and he played his college football at Miami (Florida).
Though he suffered a leg injury last year, he is expected to come back strong. With his experience, think how valuable he'll be working with expensive new quarterbacks Joe Namath and John Huarte."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965


SAM DELUCA
Guard
No. 65
South Carolina
"Sam's AFL career began with the San Diego Chargers in 1960. Sam retired in 1962 but returned to the gridiron in 1963. The quick guard was purchased by the New York Jets before the 1964 season began. The local boy missed the first three games of the campaign but came on strong and was the Jets' regular starter at right guard.
An important addition to the club, Sam is a top-notch pass protector.
Sam keeps in shape during the off-season by teaching physical education in a Queens, New York high school."

-1965 Topps No. 113


DAN FICCA
Guard
No. 61
USC
Following a 14-game rookie season with the Raiders in 1962, New York traded All-AFL guard and Titan icon Bob Mischak to Oakland for Dan, and have no reason to regret the transaction. He has become one of the most feared guards in the league while playing all 14 games in both of his Jet seasons.
New York scouts and coaches have highly regarded Dan since he was an outstanding tackle at the University of Southern California.


WINSTON HILL
Offensive Tackle
No. 75
Texas Southern
"The Jets believe that big Winston Hill could blossom into one of the top offensive tackles in the league.
In 1963, Hill, a 275-pounder, started out on the New York taxi squad after signing as a free agent. Last year, he was a starter and made the East All-Star team. That's rapid progress.
Winston can also play offensive center - and he did for three games last season."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"Winston was signed by the New York Jets as a free agent in 1963. Last season, the big, strong tackle opened the campaign on the taxi squad, but his solid performance during team drills convinced Weeb Ewbank to activate him. Winston played three games at center when injuries rocked the Jets at that spot.
The young offensive tackle has what it takes to develop into one of the best linemen in the league. Winston played in the AFL East-West All-Star Game.
Winston was his high school's tennis singles champ from 1957-1959."

-1965 Topps No. 116


SHERMAN PLUNKETT
Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Maryland State
"The only problem facing offensive tackle Sherman Plunkett is keeping his weight 'down' to 295 pounds. Last season Sherm stayed comparatively thin and he made second-team All-AFL.
He blocks on pass plays; the Jets coaches graded him at 91 percent on pass blocking, which is an almost unbelievable mark. He is also deceptively fast. How many 295-pounders do you know who can run 40 yards in 5.2 seconds? Sherman can.
In 1958 and '59, he played for Weeb Ewbank's NFL champion Colts. He came to the Jets from San Diego in 1963."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"The veteran offensive tackle showed a marked improvement last year and was named to the AFL's second All-League team. Sherman, an excellent pass protector, played in the 1964 All-Star contest for the East.
This is the second time that Sherman has played for a Weeb Ewbank team. Now beginning his third year with the New York Jets, Sherman originally played for the Baltimore Colts in the National Football League.
Sherman's big problem is keeping his weight down, yet he can run the 40-yard dash in 5.2 seconds."

-1965 Topps No. 125

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