Tuesday, August 30, 2016

1976 Rookie Profile: Mark McCluskey

Strong Safety
Free Agent
Brigham Young
"Signed as a free agent, Mark was a two-year letterman at cornerback after transferring from the University of Washington. He was credited with 20 solo tackles and 40 assists as a two-year starter, intercepted two passes and scored two touchdowns.
His size is an asset, but he needs speed work to play in the defensive backfield. Mark played in the 1974 Fiesta Bowl when BYU won the Western Athletic Conference title.
Mark is a recreation major who plans a career in some type of recreational field. His hometown is Redlands, California."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

Thursday, August 25, 2016

1976 Rookie Profile: Bob Martin

Linebacker
6th Round
Nebraska
"Drafted sixth, Martin is a hitter. He's an intense, aggressive player with outstanding 4.6-4.7 speed for a linebacker, a fierce competitor with no injury problems. Super on specialty teams, scouts were impressed with Martin's pursuit and eagerness, great quickness and excellent lateral movement. He sheds blockers with strength and is good on the blitz. Lou Holtz says, 'I love players who possess intensity and desire like Bob's.'
Bob produced 137 solo tackles as a four-year starter, with 160 assisted tackles for 297 total. He tackled opponents for losses 33 times for 172 yards in his career, recovered six fumbles and blocked a punt. His 37 solo tackles in 1975 led defensive linemen.
His honors include first-team Football News All-America, second-team AP and UPI All-America, and All-Big Eight AP and UPI. He played in the Japan, Cotton, Sugar and Fiesta Bowls.
Bob majored in business, and his biggest thrill was being named defensive captain in 1975. Named Nebraska's prep Athlete of the Year in 1972, he earned three letters in football and four in basketball and track. His hometown in David City, Nebraska."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

Friday, August 19, 2016

1976 Rookie Profile: Steve King

Offensive Tackle
5th Round
Michigan
"Drafted fifth, Lou Holtz calls King 'a steal.' He was a possible first round selection except for knee surgery in September of 1975.
Scouts say King is a solid in-line blocker with quickness off the ball and a 'pop' on initial contact. His strongest ratings came in balance, pulling, tenacity and the ability to move off the ball. Steve ran a 5.1 40. He needs work on pass blocking.
Holtz believes 'Steve is one of the top offensive linemen in the country with the potential to start and be a 10-year NFL citizen.' Bo Schembechler says Steve 'has all the tools including attitude and willingness to work and could be a great pro player.' His honors include second team All-Big 10 in 1974, and he was a member of the Big 10 champs in 1972, 1973 and 1974.
Steve majored in business. Born in Hudson, New York, his hometown is Tiffin, Ohio."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

Friday, August 12, 2016

1976 Rookie Profile: Ray King

Linebacker
Free Agent
Iowa State
"Signed as a free agent after the recommendations of scouts, King was a three-year letterman and co-captain in 1975. He was originally tried at running back before settling at linebacker and defensive end. He averaged 10 tackles per game in 1974 and 1975, and his speed makes him an outstanding linebacking prospect. Ray also participated in track, throwing the javelin.
Ray majored in physical education. He was an all-state high school football player at Sac City Community High, with three letters in football, three in basketball and two in track. He was second in the state in the low hurdles.
His hometown is Sac City, Iowa."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

Saturday, August 6, 2016

1976 Rookie Profile: Leroy Hughes

Safety
Free Agent
Maryland
"Signed as a free agent, Hughes was a four-year letterman. A versatile performer, he earned a freshman letter as a tailback and three other letters as a defensive end despite his size. Hughes was credited with 126 tackles in his last two years at end, 70 solos and 56 assists. He had 19 tackles for 86 yards in opponent losses, nine quarterback sacks and six fumble recoveries. As a tailback, he rushed 47 times, averaging 4.1 yards, caught five passes, scored a touchdown and scored a two-point conversion.
Hughes played in the Peach, Liberty and Gator Bowls. He runs a 4.8 40 and bench presses 255. A driver education major, he was All-ACC in 1975.
He was a standout running back and punter at Central Dauphin in Harrisburg, PA. An All-Big 33 selection, Hughes did not enroll in college until 1972. Nicknamed 'Mini-tank,' his hometown is Harrisburg."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide