Sunday, November 29, 2015

1976 Profile: Bob Gresham

Running Back
No. 36
West Virginia
"Gresham was the first of three running backs traded to the Jets in 1975, [joining the club] on July 7 from Houston in exchange for defensive tackle John Little. He gained 98 yards on 25 carries as a part-time starter and ran back seven kickoffs for 153 yards, a 21.9 average. Bob was bothered by injuries in the preseason and in the regular season, yet led the Jets in rushing in the preseason.
He started the opener against Buffalo, gaining 13 yards on five carries. He pulled a hamstring and missed four games beginning with the Viking game. Bob's best game of the season came against the Patriots at Shea, eight carries for 38 yards.
Bob played in 14 games for Houston in 1974, mainly as a reserve. He was the second leading rusher for the Oilers in '73 behind Fred Willis with 400 yards. Bob ranked sixth in the AFC in kickoff returns in '73 with a 26.8 average and had an NFL-longest return of 103 yards against the Bengals. Originally drafted by New Orleans in the eighth round in 1971, his only 100-yard game came as a Saint against Green Bay in 1971 (26 carries, 126 yards). Bob was named rookie of the year by the Saints and Sinners Club.
A hard runner with good balance, Bob fights for yardage and is a good receiver with 77 career catches. He was a durable back in college, rushing for 2,181 career yards. He averaged 6.2 yards per carry as a senior.
Bob gained 1,500 yards in high school. He makes his home in Charlotte, North Carolina. His hometown is Big Creek, West Virginia."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

1976 Profile: Tim George

Wide Receiver
No. 95
Carson-Newman
"Tim signed as a free agent after playing for the Charlotte Hornets of the WFL in 1975. Originally signed by Cincinnati in the third round in 1973, he was sold to Detroit in 1974. He signed as a free agent with Cleveland (1974) after being released by the Lions.
His career NFL stats include two catches for 28 yards in 1973 with no statistics for '74. Tim caught 11 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns in 1975, and in his first WFL appearance caught six passes for 121 yards. Scouts are impressed by his size and speed; though only an average blocker, he may be tried at tight end.
An NAIA All-America in 1972 and 1973, Tim led the nation in pass receiving: he caught 65 passes for 1,244 yards and nine touchdowns. He started at Carson-Newman when the Eagles (9-2-1) lost the NAIA title game to East Texas State, 21-18, in 1973.
Tim holds a B.S. in physical education from Carson-Newman and a Master's degree in education from Georgia, and his career goals include coaching. His hometown is Alcoa, Tennessee."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

Monday, November 23, 2015

1976 Profile: Carl Garrett

Running Back
No. 26
New Mexico Highlands
"Garrett was acquired from Chicago on September 9 [of 1975] in exchange for a fourth draft choice, Mike Adamle and the rights to Ron Rydalch. He finished second in [Jets] rushing behind John Riggins with 566 yards on 122 carries, a 4.6 average and five touchdowns. Carl caught 19 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown. He missed one regular season game with a hip injury.
He ran back kickoffs (3 for 77 yards) and played halfback in his first appearance against Buffalo. In his second appearance as a Jet, Carl had the best day of his career, rushing for 135 yards against the Chiefs and scoring a touchdown. He suffered a jaw injury in the third game, yet still gained 27 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown. Carl put together back-to-back versatile days at Minnesota and against Miami, rushing for 65 and 63 yards while catching two passes in each game for 12 and 26 yards respectively.
Carl broke into the AFL in 1969 as Rookie of the Year for Boston over fellow rookie O.J. Simpson. He spent four seasons in Boston (New England) before being traded to Chicago in exchange for a No. 1 pick in 1973. Before leaving the Patriots, he led the club in rushing in 1971, punt returns from 1969-72, kickoff returns in 1969, '71 and '72, and scoring in 1972. Carl was the key man in the negated trade with Dallas for Duane Thomas.
He has always played well against the Jets: in eight games, he's gained 311 yards on 70 carries and two touchdowns while catching 21 passes for 252 yards and a touchdown. Garrett has gained 3,802 career yards and scored 26 touchdowns, and has averaged 11.3 in career punt returns and 25.7 in kickoff returns. He led the NFC in kickoff returns in 1973 with 16 for a 30.4 average.
A three-time All-America pick, Garrett averaged 8.3 yards as a senior and led the nation in scoring as a sophomore with 26 touchdowns. He scored 418 points and rushed for 3,862 in his college career. Carl played in the 1969 College All-Star Game against the Jets.
Carl majored in history and his hobbies are tennis and horseback riding. He's a Cadillac salesman during the off-season. He resides in Chicago and his hometown is Denton, Texas."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

1976 Profile: Greg Gantt

Punter
No. 8
Alabama
"Gantt had a disappointing second year as the Jets regular punter, averaging 36.5 yards per kick, last in the AFC. He had a 35.9 average in 1974. Gantt faces the unenviable task of battling the winds of Shea Stadium on a regular basis. He had three blocked punts in 1975, most in the AFC.
He doubled as a place kicker in 1974 when Bobby Howfield was injured. Greg has the ability to place 'situation' type kicks not aimed for deep yardage. He had the longest punt of his pro career in '75, 71 yards, and the best day of his pro career came in the Jets' '74 upset of Miami, kicking seven times for a 45.7 average. Drafted eighth in 1974, Greg has had injury problems in training camp but has always been healthy for the regular season.
Greg would have been the nation's leader as a senior in college, booting 25 times for a 48.7 average; he was Alabama's 'long' situation punter while 1976 No. 1 pick Richard Todd was the 'short' situation kicker. Greg also did kickoff work.
He averaged 43.6 on 116 career punts with long boots of 85 and 70 yards. He was All-SEC three times. Greg set a Cotton Bowl record with a 50-yard field goal and played in bowl games all three years.
Greg majored in vocational education. He enjoys playing pool. His hometown is Birmingham, Alabama."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

Monday, November 16, 2015

1976 Profile: Ed Galigher

Defensive Tackle
No. 85
UCLA
"He's been called by new head coach Lou Holtz 'probably our best defensive lineman at the end of last season.' A very aggressive, active 'fiery' player, Galigher plays with intensity and hustle. He's rated better against the run.
Galigher started 11 games in 1975 as the right defensive tackle and missed one game with a hip injury. His great strength and speed earned a him starting berth in the second half of the Jets 30-24 win over the Chiefs. Ed notched four and one half sacks and recovered a fumble at Miami on November 9.
Coaches like his mean streak- Ed loves to hit people. He played 13 games in 1974 despite a painful rib cartilage injury suffered early in the season. Ed has started at left defensive end but seems to be more at home at tackle.
Ed revealed after 1973 that he secretly signed with the WFL and played out his option in 1974. His WFL contract breached, he returned to the Jets. Nagging injuries have marred his further development. Drafted fourth in 1972, Galigher played left and right defensive tackle and right end as a rookie.
Galigher played in the American Bowl where the Jets saw him. He transferred to UCLA from Chabot JC and was honorable mention All-Pacific Coast.
He majored in engineering. Ed won the California JC wrestling championship in the last two seconds of the match. His hometown is Hayward, California."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

Friday, November 13, 2015

1976 Profile: Joe Fields

Center
No. 65
Widener
"A hard working type of player, Joe played in every Jets preseason and regular season game in 1975. He's known for deep snaps on punts and place kicks and is rated by coaches as a solid pro prospect with the addition of weight and playing experience. Joe is willing to work and learn. Drafted 14th, he recovered a fumble in 1975.
Fields was a durable player in college and never missed a play. He played his entire senior season with a contused shoulder and a sprained ankle. Fields was all-conference as a senior and repeatedly graded highest on the squad. He called the blocking assignments for the offensive line.
Joe holds a B.S. in accounting. He's nicknamed 'W.C.' His hometown is Deptford, New Jersey."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

1976 Profile: John Ebersole

Linebacker
No. 55
Penn State
"John earned a starting position at middle linebacker late in 1975, starting seven games before thigh and neck injuries sidelined him for the finale against Dallas. He battled neck problems for most of the season after an injury against New England. John also played right linebacker where he was a regular in 1974. He recovered a fumble.
He finished the 1974 season tied for the club interception lead with three and came back in '75 to intercept two passes, one short of Burgess Owens' three. Ebersole earned the game ball for his play against the Patriots (December 7, 1975). He's valued by coaches for his ability to play all three linebacker positions and has good speed which helps his pass coverage.
1973 and 1974 were his only two seasons as a regular. He opened 1973 at right linebacker but Al Atkinson's injury caused his shift to the middle. A good special teams player, Ebersole has missed only two games in six years. He was drafted No. 4 in 1970.
A versatile player in college, Ebersole [played] two years on offense and two on defense and helped lead the Nittany Lions to second place in the national rankings in total defense. He played with a dislocated shoulder against Kansas State, earning the game ball. John played in the Gator Bowl and in the Orange Bowl twice.
John holds a degree in health and physical education. He owns Ebersole Beverages, Inc. and has also done public relations for a trucking firm. His hometown is Altoona, Pennsylvania."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

Monday, November 9, 2015

1976 Profile: Steve Davis

Running Back
No. 35
Delaware State
"Davis was acquired from the Steelers in August 1975 in exchange for a 1977 third-round draft choice and was the Jets third-leading rusher with 290 yards on 70 carries with a touchdown. He played both halfback and fullback, starting one game at halfback. This year, he comes to camp as the No. 1 fullback.
He played in all 14 regular season games and started the Monday night TV game at San Diego. Steve had his best game against New England, rushing 11 times for 61 yards. He gained 50 yards on 14 carries against his former teammates and also gained 51 yards against the Colts. Steve was also the second leading kick returner on the club with 20 for 483, an average of 24.2.
Steve started four games for the Steelers in 1974. He led the Steelers in kickoff returns for three consecutive seasons and averaged 26.9 per return in 1973 (fifth in the AFC). The fastest running back in the Steeler corps, he missed his entire rookie season with a viral infection after being drafted No. 3.
Davis was the first player ever drafted from Delaware State. He was the 13th leading collegiate rusher in 1970 with 980 yards. He rushed for 261 yards in one game en route to topping the CIAA in rushing.
Davis majored in physical education. His hometown is Lexington, Virginia."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

Saturday, November 7, 2015

1976 Profile: Richard Caster

Tight End
No. 88
Jackson State
"'The best pass-receiving tight end in pro football,' says Lou Holtz. But Holtz hints he would like to see better blocking from Caster. Right now he is tied for third as the Jets' all-time top receiver just behind Don Maynard and George Sauer."

-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1976

"Caster earned his third Pro Bowl selection in (two years in a row) with another consistent year in 1975. He topped all NFL tight ends in receiving yardage with 820 and led AFC tight ends with 47 catches and an average of 17.4. Seventh in the AFC in receiving, Caster was named to most all-AFC teams behind Denver's Riley Odoms. He caught the longest pass in Jets history, 91 yards from Namath against the Colts on October 26; he also holds the club record for longest scoring pass, 89 yards against Miami (October 7, 1974).
He started every game as a tight end in 1975 after missing the opening preseason game with a toe injury. Richard's biggest games in '75 included six catches for 103 yards on opening day at Buffalo and six for 110 in the home opener against New England.
Richard is viewed by most opponents as the most dangerous tight end in the game because of his size, quickness and speed. He has an uncanny ability to get deep from the line of scrimmage. Richard has been timed at 4.5, fastest among Jet receivers. He has the great size to elude any bumping maneuvers.
After only six seasons, Caster ranks third behind Don Maynard and George Sauer in most career yards receiving with 3,838 and ranks second in career touchdown passes with 34 (Maynard has 88). He has produced 100 or more yards receiving 10 times and has caught four or more passes in a game 22 times. Richard once caught nine passes against Cincinnati, his most in one game. His longest catches aside from the record grabs include an 80 yard TD pass, 79, 72, 60 and 57. Richard has caught 20 of his 34 career touchdown passes against AFC opponents.
Richard finished first among all tight ends in yardage in 1974 with 745 on 38 catches, a 19.6 average, topped only by wide receivers Isaac Curtis and Mel Gray. He caught seven touchdown passes in '74 to lead all tight ends and finish fourth in the NFL. Caster had two particularly outstanding games in '74 with three catches for 117 yards and a touchdown at Miami and seven catches for 137 yards against San Diego.
Caster began as a wide receiver, but switched to tight end in 1972 and did so well he earned a Pro Bowl appearance. [That year] he recorded one of the most dramatic games ever by a receiver, catching three touchdown passes against the Colts (10, 79 and 80 yards), all on first down, and was the only NFL receiver to go over 200 yards in a game in 1972 (six catches for 204 yards). Drafted No. 2 in 1970, Caster won the Heede Award in 1972 as the most improved and dedicated offensive player.
He was a wide receiver and tight end at Jackson State where he was a teammate of the Jets' Jerome Barkum. He caught 160 passes for 3,638 yards and 28 touchdowns. A Pittsburgh Courier second team All-America, Richard was a member of the College All-Star squad. He also lettered three times in track and field.
Caster played on the Alabama state championship grid team at Williamson High in Mobile, Alabama. He likes to swim and is a good tennis player. He spends a great deal of off-season time making personal appearances for the Jets and helping young people. Richard served as New York City Chairman of the March of Dimes Walk-A-Thon in April 1976. He makes his off-season home in Hempstead, New York. His hometown is Mobile, Alabama."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

1976 Profile: Carl Capria

Free Safety
No. 29
Purdue
"Carl was picked up as a free agent on December 8 after being released by Detroit earlier in the season and played in one regular season game. He is known for his work on special teams and has some experience at free safety and wide receiver. Originally drafted in the fifth round by Detroit in 1974, he missed the 1974 preseason because of knee surgery but played in 12 regular season games.
A punter and defensive back in college, Capria has exceptional speed (9.5 in the 100-yard dash). He holds the Purdue record for touchdown saves (15) and averaged 19 yards on punt returns. Capria logged more playing at Purdue than any other man. He played in the 1973 East-West Shrine and Hula Bowls.
Carl holds a B.A. in business and would like a pro career and a career in office and personnel management. He won eight letters at Carey High in Franklin Square, New York. Born in the Bronx, his hometown is Franklin Square."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

Monday, November 2, 2015

1976 Profile: Bob Burns

Running Back
No. 33
Georgia
"Burns missed the entire 1975 season with a back injury. He played the Jets' first three preseason games before the injury against Atlanta.
He gave the club added depth as a backup fullback in 1974. He started two games- Giants and Houston- and responded well. He carried 21 times against the Giants, gaining 101 yards, and caught two passes, and against Houston he gained 11 yards and caught four passes for 18 yards. He picked up 26 yards and caught an 11-yard touchdown pass in a game against the Patriots that same year. Bob finished as the club's third best rusher with 158 yards and caught 11 passes for 83 yards.
Drafted No. 9 in 1974, Bob is a rangy type of back with good speed and good blocking. He's an excellent pass receiver with moves at the line of scrimmage.
He played running back, wide receiver and wing back in college and played fullback only as a senior. Bob rushed for 374 yards on 82 career carries and caught 36 passes for 550 yards and two touchdowns. In 1971 he played in the Gator Bowl and the All-American Bowl. He captained the Bulldogs as a senior.
Burns is nicknamed 'Bazooka Bob' or 'Bullet Bob' and is working toward a degree in management. His brother coached the freshman team at Florida and now coaches at Texas. Bob works with the FCA and with young people in the off-season. His hometown is Tampa, Florida."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide