Cornerback
No. 43
Harvard
Taking over as a starting cornerback five games into the 1969 season, John proved a pleasant surprise for an injury-riddled Jet defensive secondary. Capable of running stride for stride with any receiver, his five interceptions tied for ninth in the AFL.
Signed as a free agent out of Harvard (Boston, Mass), John is a graduate of Brooklyn Preparatory High School where he lettered in football, baseball and basketball.
STEVE TANNEN
Cornerback
1st Round
Florida
Although Steve has the potential to achieve stardom anywhere in the defensive secondary, the first-rounder will likely be stationed at one of the cornerback posts. His arrival gives new hope to a Jet defense hit with injuries last year.
Steve was first-team All-SEC in 1968 and a first-team All-American in 1969. In the '69 Gator Bowl, he blocked a punt that was returned for a touchdown that would be the margin of victory in Florida's 14-13 upset win over Tennessee. In three seasons with the Gators, Steve registered 11 interceptions and as a senior led the squad in punt return average.
JIM HUDSON
Strong Safety
No. 22
Texas
Jim's gritty leadership was sorely missed last year when his season was shortened by injury after only four games. Yet no opposing tight end can doubt that this strong safety can return to the form that made him second-team All-AFL in the storybook season of 1968.
As a collegian, future Jet Jim threw a 69-yard touchdown pass to future Jet George Sauer to lead Texas to victory in the 1965 Orange Bowl over an Alabama squad led by future Jet Joe Namath.
W.K. HICKS
Free Safety
No. 33
Texas Southern
"W.K. Hicks is one of those ballplayers you never hear about in college- and never stop hearing about in the pros. Hicks was signed out of Texas Southern in 1964, as a free agent. Houston didn't even waste a draft pick on him. Now he's one of the top cornerbacks in the league.
Last year, he led the AFL with nine interceptions and returned them for a 17.3-yard average. He's quick and hard-nosed, and should improve with another year's experience."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
"One of the speediest defensive backs in football, W.K. led the American Football League with nine interceptions in 1965. He returned these passes for a total of 156 yards."
-1967 Topps No. 50
"Possessing all of the ingredients of a top notch pass-defender, W.K. has more than excelled for the Houston Oilers. In 1965, he led the AFL with nine interceptions [and also led the league] returning intercepted passes for 156 yards."
-1969 Topps No. 152
MIKE BATTLE
Kick Returner/Safety
No. 40
USC
Mike's fine rookie season in 1969 gave the Jets assurance that their kick and punt return duties will be in good hands for years to come. His 31 kick returns were third in the AFL, his 750 kick return yards were fourth and his 24.2 average placed ninth. His 34 punt returns were second in the league, his 235 punt return yards were good for fourth and his 6.9 average ranked ninth.
Mike also provides New York depth at safety.
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