1972 Profile: Rich Caster

Tight End
No. 88
Jackson State
"Bursting with potential and just itching to get in a full season with Joe Namath, Caster is a long threat whose catches averaged 20.7 yards in 1970 and 17.5 last season. He caught 19 passes as a rookie and 26 last year after getting an eyesight problem straightened out, and caught six touchdown passes last season to tie Emerson Boozer for the team lead.
Caster was drafted to become Don Maynard's successor but got to start six games because of injuries to his teammates. Then with George Sauer's retirement, he got to pair with Maynard. This year his role may become one of tight end if rookie Jerome Barkum (also a wide receiver) can't handle the position. Caster has good size and might be the fastest tight end in football (4.5 for 40) if he's put there.
Married, his wife's name is America. Rich was a brilliant college player with a 27.5-yard average for receptions and scored 28 touchdowns.
He's from Mobile, Alabama."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

"Richard showed promise as a Jet rookie in 1970, leading the team in average per catch with 20.7, the best ever by a Jet rookie. Possessed with great speed and the ability to play off the bump-and-run technique, he broke off a 72-yard touchdown against Buffalo.

Richard was a wide receiver and a tight end at Jackson State."

-1972 Topps No. 68

"A member of the College All-Star team, Caster was the Jets' second draft choice in 1970 from Jackson State. That year he finished sixth among Jet receivers with 19 for 393 yards and three touchdowns. He led the team in average per catch with 20.7, the best ever by a Jet rookie and second only to Don Maynard's 22.8 in 1968, the club record.

Last year, Caster finished second on the club, receiving 26 times for 454 yards and six touchdowns."

-1972 Coca-Cola

"Caster began to come into his own in 1971, starting every game at left wide receiver after George Sauer retired. He showed his ability to put points on the board with six touchdowns, including two against San Francisco. Paired with Don Maynard, Caster gives the Jets two deep threats for Joe Namath's passes. He may be tried at tight end this year to take advantage of his great size, blocking ability and speed.
Rich was second on the Jets last year with 26 grabs for 454 yards. He made one of the biggest catches of the year, a twisting 26-yard gain to set up a touchdown in a victory over Miami. Rich had his best day as a pro, catching five for 126 yards, including a 56-yard touchdown bomb, against the 49ers. He won the Heede Award as the most improved and dedicated player in 1971.
Caster broke a 72-yarder against Buffalo in 1970, and his 20.7 yards per catch as a rookie was the best ever by a Jet yearling. He handles the bump-and-run techniques well with his size and strength.
The No. 2 draft choice in 1970, Rich competed in track and field, lettering three times in college. He played on the Alabama State Championship grid squad at Williamson High in Mobile, his hometown. He likes to swim and play tennis."

-The New York Jets Official 1972 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos