Kick Returner-Running Back
No. 45
Utah State
"Louie is a hard-hitting little runner who played in all 14 games and started three last year. He wound up fourth on the club in rushing with 150 yards on 39 carries for a 3.8 average, and a touchdown, and was fifth in receiving with 15 receptions for 145 yards, a 9.7 average. Louie was second on kickoff returns with a 22.9 average on 23 returns and although his 12 punt returns didn't qualify for the AFC rankings, he recorded a 9.8 average.
'His lack of size hurts him,' says head coach Walt Michaels, 'but he is a good situation player, excels on special teams and gives an all-out effort. He has a great attitude and his blocking is adequate.'
Sharing halfback duties with Steve Davis, Giammona played with a sprained ankle and a broken wrist and was supposed be out three weeks but didn't miss a game. He had a key 35-yard run to set up the winning field goal for the Jets' first victory over Buffalo. His 146 yards on six kickoff returns against Cincinnati was the fourth best single-game effort in Jets history.
Giammona led the nation in 1974 with 1,534 yards on 329 carries with eight touchdowns, and in 1975 finished fifth in the nation in rushing with 1,454 yards on 303 carries. He topped the NCAA all-purpose running category in both 1974 (1,984 yards for a 198.4 average) and 1975 (2,045 yards for a 185.9 average). His career totals: 756 carries, 3,499 yards, a 4.6 average and 21 touchdowns. He averaged 116 yards rushing per game for three seasons, 11th best in NCAA history, and his career total in all-purpose running, 5,201 yards, ranks as fourth best in college history. Giammona holds virtually every Utah State rushing record, including the school record for most yards rushing in one game, 247 against Idaho State in 1974.
Louie is married to Kathy Bounsall. Kathy fixed Italian dinners for the offensive linemen every time Louie rushed for more than 100 yards at Utah State (17 times). As a prep athlete, Louie led his high school teams to 15 championships in five sports. Born and raised in the Napa Valley wine country, his birthplace his St. Helena, California, his hometown is Calistoga, CA and his name is pronounced GEE-a-MOAN-a.
A gregarious young man, Louis answers with a 'yes, sir,' 'no, sir' attitude, yet Shea Stadium police wouldn't let him use the players' exit after his first home game because they thought he was too small to be a player."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
1977 Profile: Clark Gaines
Running Back
No. 21
Wake Forest
"He led the team in rushing with a 4.6 average and in receptions with 41, so it was no surprise when he was named the team's offensive MVP. Signed as a free agent, he led all the NFL rookie runners with 724 yards. Clark is the first Jet to gain 100 or more yards four times in a season."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977
"Word around Gotham City is that Clark Gaines is really Clark Kent in disguise. He wasn't drafted by anybody but was the top rusher among NFL rookies. The scouts' mistake was going to Wake Forest to weigh and measure him instead of checking his football ability. Too small and slow to be an NFLer, but nobody told him. He agreed to sign with the Jets over the phone while a Dallas scout was sitting in the room with him.
Born in Elberton, Georgia, Gaines was the second leading rusher in the country as a sophomore in junior college and got over 900 yards at Wake his senior season. He was voted the Jets' MVP. A starter the second half of the season, Gaines led the team in rushing (724 yards) and receiving (41 catches).
He's a superb blocker, and worked with a track coach in the off-season to improve his speed."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"A most unexpected story was 1976 for Clark Gaines. He barely made the club as a free agent and then became a starter in the seventh game after Ed Marinaro suffered an injury. From then on Gaines recorded four 100-yard games (a Jet single-season record) and outrushed all NFL rookie runners with 724 yards on 157 carries, a 4.6 average and three touchdowns. He also led the club in receiving with 41 for 400 yards, a 9.8 average and two touchdowns.
Gaines was selected by teammates as club MVP, made all the NFL all-rookie teams and was selected by the NFL Players Association as AFC Rookie Offensive Player of the Year. By leading the team in rushing and receiving, he became only the second player in club annals to do so- the other was John Riggins. His five touchdowns placed him second on the club in scoring to Pat Leahy.
Until he became a starter, Clark led the special teams in 'RBI's.' 'He's a hard runner who breaks tackles, a good blocker, a fine receiver and a good special teams member,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'We're just hoping he'll take up where he left off. He's got the right attitude to do that, too.'
Gaines tied with Marinaro for the single-season rushing high last year with 119 yards at Buffalo. He also had 102 against Baltimore, 103 against Tampa Bay and 109 against Washington. His seven catches for 82 yards were club highs in both categories.
He might have been overlooked in the draft because of injuries. Clark gained 1,258 yards on 336 carries for a 3.7 average. All-Atlantic Coast Conference as a senior, he was named captain that year. He was an outstanding junior college runner at Lees-McRae (Banner Elk, NC). He rushed for 1,105 yards as a soph, second in the nation, and was named NJCAA All-America.
Clark majored in physical education and is nicknamed 'Super,' 'Nasty' and 'Killer' for his efforts. He worked in construction and as a watchman for 16 hours a day to help earn his degree. When Clark was in high school, his father died of lung disease from working in a quarry. Clark's birthplace and hometown is Elberton, Georgia."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 21
Wake Forest
"He led the team in rushing with a 4.6 average and in receptions with 41, so it was no surprise when he was named the team's offensive MVP. Signed as a free agent, he led all the NFL rookie runners with 724 yards. Clark is the first Jet to gain 100 or more yards four times in a season."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977
"Word around Gotham City is that Clark Gaines is really Clark Kent in disguise. He wasn't drafted by anybody but was the top rusher among NFL rookies. The scouts' mistake was going to Wake Forest to weigh and measure him instead of checking his football ability. Too small and slow to be an NFLer, but nobody told him. He agreed to sign with the Jets over the phone while a Dallas scout was sitting in the room with him.
Born in Elberton, Georgia, Gaines was the second leading rusher in the country as a sophomore in junior college and got over 900 yards at Wake his senior season. He was voted the Jets' MVP. A starter the second half of the season, Gaines led the team in rushing (724 yards) and receiving (41 catches).
He's a superb blocker, and worked with a track coach in the off-season to improve his speed."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"A most unexpected story was 1976 for Clark Gaines. He barely made the club as a free agent and then became a starter in the seventh game after Ed Marinaro suffered an injury. From then on Gaines recorded four 100-yard games (a Jet single-season record) and outrushed all NFL rookie runners with 724 yards on 157 carries, a 4.6 average and three touchdowns. He also led the club in receiving with 41 for 400 yards, a 9.8 average and two touchdowns.
Gaines was selected by teammates as club MVP, made all the NFL all-rookie teams and was selected by the NFL Players Association as AFC Rookie Offensive Player of the Year. By leading the team in rushing and receiving, he became only the second player in club annals to do so- the other was John Riggins. His five touchdowns placed him second on the club in scoring to Pat Leahy.
Until he became a starter, Clark led the special teams in 'RBI's.' 'He's a hard runner who breaks tackles, a good blocker, a fine receiver and a good special teams member,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'We're just hoping he'll take up where he left off. He's got the right attitude to do that, too.'
Gaines tied with Marinaro for the single-season rushing high last year with 119 yards at Buffalo. He also had 102 against Baltimore, 103 against Tampa Bay and 109 against Washington. His seven catches for 82 yards were club highs in both categories.
He might have been overlooked in the draft because of injuries. Clark gained 1,258 yards on 336 carries for a 3.7 average. All-Atlantic Coast Conference as a senior, he was named captain that year. He was an outstanding junior college runner at Lees-McRae (Banner Elk, NC). He rushed for 1,105 yards as a soph, second in the nation, and was named NJCAA All-America.
Clark majored in physical education and is nicknamed 'Super,' 'Nasty' and 'Killer' for his efforts. He worked in construction and as a watchman for 16 hours a day to help earn his degree. When Clark was in high school, his father died of lung disease from working in a quarry. Clark's birthplace and hometown is Elberton, Georgia."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
1977 Profile: Joe Fields
Center
No. 65
Widener
"A young, baby-faced 'sleeper' draft choice who wound up playing in all 14 games and starting the final 10 at center in his second year, Fields has good quickness and fine attitude. He's an excellent long snapper on punts and placements. Joe has a good future but could use more strength and weight. He played in all 14 games as a rookie while handling snaps and backup center duties.
He never missed a play at Widener College (Chester, PA) despite a contused shoulder and a sprained ankle as a senior. All-conference in 1974, Fields called the blocking assignments for the offensive line. He was a teammate of Billy 'Whiteshoes' Johnson.
Joe has a B.S. in accounting. He's nicknamed 'W.C.' His birthplace is Woodbury, New Jersey, and his hometown is Deptford, New Jersey."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 65
Widener
"A young, baby-faced 'sleeper' draft choice who wound up playing in all 14 games and starting the final 10 at center in his second year, Fields has good quickness and fine attitude. He's an excellent long snapper on punts and placements. Joe has a good future but could use more strength and weight. He played in all 14 games as a rookie while handling snaps and backup center duties.
He never missed a play at Widener College (Chester, PA) despite a contused shoulder and a sprained ankle as a senior. All-conference in 1974, Fields called the blocking assignments for the offensive line. He was a teammate of Billy 'Whiteshoes' Johnson.
Joe has a B.S. in accounting. He's nicknamed 'W.C.' His birthplace is Woodbury, New Jersey, and his hometown is Deptford, New Jersey."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Thursday, November 9, 2017
1977 Profile: John Ebersole
Linebacker
No. 55
Penn State
"'Had his finest year in the pros,' says Walt Michaels. 'The extra responsibility of playing with the three rookies brought out a better quality in Ebersole.' Michaels labels Ebersole not as a killer but as an intelligent player who is equally effective against the run and the pass.
John took over at middle linebacker in the fourth game against the 49ers and started until a sprained ankle forced him to miss the season finale. He finished third on the club in total tackles behind linebacker mates Greg Buttle and Bob Martin, with 56 solos and 93 assists. John recovered three fumbles, knocked down four passes, had a quarterback sack and made an interception which set up a touchdown against Buffalo.
He has become a regular over the last four seasons. A tough player who will play hurt, he has missed only three games in seven years. In 1974 he tied for the club lead with three interceptions. He has good hands.
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 earned the game ball against Kansas State when he played with a dislocated shoulder. 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. His birthplace hometown is Altoona, Pennsylvania."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 55
Penn State
"'Had his finest year in the pros,' says Walt Michaels. 'The extra responsibility of playing with the three rookies brought out a better quality in Ebersole.' Michaels labels Ebersole not as a killer but as an intelligent player who is equally effective against the run and the pass.
John took over at middle linebacker in the fourth game against the 49ers and started until a sprained ankle forced him to miss the season finale. He finished third on the club in total tackles behind linebacker mates Greg Buttle and Bob Martin, with 56 solos and 93 assists. John recovered three fumbles, knocked down four passes, had a quarterback sack and made an interception which set up a touchdown against Buffalo.
He has become a regular over the last four seasons. A tough player who will play hurt, he has missed only three games in seven years. In 1974 he tied for the club lead with three interceptions. He has good hands.
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 earned the game ball against Kansas State when he played with a dislocated shoulder. 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. His birthplace hometown is Altoona, Pennsylvania."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Friday, November 3, 2017
1977 Profile: Leonard Dunlap
Cornerback
No. 26
North Texas State
"A free agent signed by the Jets, Leonard was drafted in the first round by Baltimore in 1971. He played one season with the Colts, highlighted by a 57-yard punt return, and was traded the following year to San Diego for a draft choice. He intercepted five passes for the Chargers in 1972 and also averaged 22.6 yards on 12 kickoff returns and 9.4 yards on 19 punt returns.
Dunlap played two more years with the Chargers before being acquired by the Giants, who traded him to Detroit in 1975 for a draft choice. He missed the entire 1976 season with a knee injury and has suffered several injuries during his career which have hampered his progress.
He starred at Kilgore College in Texas before transferring to North Texas State, where he was the MVP of the Missouri Valley Conference. Leonard played in the North-South Game, the Senior Bowl and College All-Star Game.
Leonard has a degree in physical education. His birthplace is Monroe, Louisiana and his hometown is Houston, Texas."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 26
North Texas State
"A free agent signed by the Jets, Leonard was drafted in the first round by Baltimore in 1971. He played one season with the Colts, highlighted by a 57-yard punt return, and was traded the following year to San Diego for a draft choice. He intercepted five passes for the Chargers in 1972 and also averaged 22.6 yards on 12 kickoff returns and 9.4 yards on 19 punt returns.
Dunlap played two more years with the Chargers before being acquired by the Giants, who traded him to Detroit in 1975 for a draft choice. He missed the entire 1976 season with a knee injury and has suffered several injuries during his career which have hampered his progress.
He starred at Kilgore College in Texas before transferring to North Texas State, where he was the MVP of the Missouri Valley Conference. Leonard played in the North-South Game, the Senior Bowl and College All-Star Game.
Leonard has a degree in physical education. His birthplace is Monroe, Louisiana and his hometown is Houston, Texas."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
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