1976 Rookie Profile: Steve Poole

Linebacker
Free Agent
Tennessee
"Steve was signed as a free agent. He notched 111 total tackles as a senior (74 solos), averaged 17 solos per game in 1974 and racked up more tackles than any middle linebacker in Tennessee history (182- 111 solos, 71 assists). Poole played both the middle and outside as a three-year starter. He played a key role in the Vols upset of Maryland in the 1974 Liberty Bowl.
He has size and fair speed. A hard hitter, Steve is extremely aggressive in third-down situations. He particularly enjoys blitzing from the middle linebacker position.
Steve majored in business administration. His hometown is Oglethorpe, Georgia."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Rookie Profile: Lawrence Pillers

Defensive End
11th Round
Alcorn State
"Drafted 11th, Pillers played defensive end and may be tried as both a linebacker and a defensive end in the pro ranks. He boasts both speed (4.9) and size [6-3, 244], consistent tackling and the knack for rushing the passer. Scouts like his ability to handler blockers with authority, his tenacity and his desire to play on special teams.
In 1975, Lawrence tied for the [Alcorn State] team lead in tackles with 104 (66 solo, 38 assists), four quarterback sacks, 15 fumble recoveries, four pass interceptions and five blocked punts, his specialty (with 12 blocked punts in the previous two seasons). A first team AP small college All-American, he was named All-Conference three times. The Alcorn defensive unit led the nation in fewest yards rushing, 15.9 per game (159 total yards allowed in 10 games).
Lawrence majored in physical education, and his career goals include pro ball and then coaching. His hometown is Hazelhurst, Mississippi."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Free Agent Profile: Rick Pawlewicz

Tight End
Free Agent
William & Mary
"Signed as a free agent, Rick was drafted 12th by the Eagles in 1975. He was a late cut after missing most of the preseason with a leg problem.
He has the size to play running back or tight end and has surprising speed, 4.7-4.8 in the 40. His hands are excellent.
Pawlewicz ranked fourth in the nation in kick returns as a senior. He once returned a kickoff 102 yards. He was named first team All-East, All-Southern Conference twice and third team AP All-America. He played in the Blue-Gray Game and in the American Bowl. Rick captained the 1974 team.
Rick holds a B.A. in psychology and works in the University of Pennsylvania athletic department in the off-season. His hobby is painting and his ambition is to stay in athletics and earn an M.A. in business. He pronounces his name Paul-a-witz. His hometown is Lansing, Kansas."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

R.I.P. Dennis Byrd

One of football's good guys.

1976 Rookie Profile: Mike Owens

Center
Free Agent
Missouri
"Owens was signed as a free agent and is a versatile lineman, playing tackle, center and guard during his three-year career. With good size, durability and speed for his position, he was an intense player who made assignment calls at the line.
His father, Don Owens, played for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1957-64. An accounting major, Mike received his B.A. in May 1976. He works as an accountant and hopes for a career as a partner in a CPA firm. Born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Mike's hometown is St. Louis."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

1976 Free Agent Profile: Robert Moss

Linebacker
Free Agent
Jackson State
"Signed as a free agent, Moss is an aggressive, reckless player as either a linebacker or a defensive end. His size dictates a try at linebacker where his speed, range and intense style of play makes him a candidate for outside linebacker.
Robert was second team All-Conference in 1975 and was a three-year letterman. He majored in physical education and health.
Nicknamed 'Crazy Horse' for his reckless style of play, Robert played basketball, track and volleyball in high school. His hometown is Miami."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide