Sunday, August 24, 2014

1966 Profiles: Gerry Philbin and Verlon Biggs

GERRY PHILBIN
Defensive End
No. 81
Buffalo
"A defensive end is supposed to be tall, so that quarterbacks will find it hard to throw over his outstretched hands. Gerry Philbin is not that tall - he stands only 6-2. But at 242 pounds, he is still a powerful pass rusher who is fast approaching all-star stature.
Gerry, who played college ball at Buffalo, is now entering his third year in the AFL, but actually only his second competitive season. He missed most of his rookie campaign because of a shoulder separation that has since been surgically corrected.
Philbin compensates for his lack of height with a fierce drive and desire. He has enough speed to be an outstanding middle linebacker, too."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966

"A member of the Jets' 'Awesome Foursome,' Gerry was recognized as the club's most consistent defensive lineman in 1965. He's a sure tackler with fine range and speed.
At the University of Buffalo, Gerry was Little All-America. He made the Dean's List as a college student."

-1966 Topps No. 98


VERLON BIGGS
Defensive End
No. 86
Jackson State
"Walt Michaels, the Jets' defensive line coach, expects Verlon Biggs to be the next dominant pass rushing end in the league.
Biggs is a magnificent physical specimen - he's 6-4 and 250 pounds - and he runs with frightening speed (4.6 seconds for 40 yards). As a rookie last year, he showed great promise - and occasional crudeness. That's understandable since he had to make the transition from tackle (his position in college at Jackson State) to defensive end.
Though he played for a small Negro school, Verlon was the Jets' third-round draft choice, and they came away with a winner."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966

"The big defensive end has unlimited potential. Verlon has the speed and the strength to make him one of the great ends in the AFL this coming year.
Verlon was a third-round draft choice of the Jets last year. As a college senior, he played in the College All-Star Game."

-1966 Topps No. 90

No comments:

Post a Comment