Cornerback
No. 23
Ball State
"NFL's only Shafer. He didn't dazzle'em as rookie but showed enough to justify his second-round draft status. He has to prove his physical toughness after a series of nagging injuries last year. He's a strong tackler, but can he take the punishment? He has all the speed, quickness and instincts needed to be a top cornerback but works under a severe handicap- the Jets have no pass rush.
Suggs was born in Elkhart, Indiana. He was a two-sport star at Ball State, starting three years in basketball and four in football, and was a history major. He might be better at safety, but the Jets need him more at cornerback."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
" 'He's got great potential,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'He has the physical equipment to play the corner or strong safety. He's aggressive, a good hitter and he can run, but he needs to gain experience and to stay healthy.'
In his rookie year, Suggs was beset with injury problems. He suffered a sprained ankle in the preseason and missed five games. He started the opener at strong safety after only one preseason game. Suggs had a standout game including a clean hard tackle that knocked Mike Phipps out of action.
He missed the next game at Denver with an injury suffered in practice. He then moved, in a musical chairs arrangement with other defenders, to left cornerback. Shafer was a regular there until a slew of injuries (ankle, ribs, elbow, shoulder) forced him to miss the New England and Baltimore games. For the season he had an interception, 42 solo tackles and 16 assists.
In college Suggs was named Mid-America Conference defensive player of the year as a senior and an AP second-team All-American. He set the school interception record of 14, including eight in 1974. Shafer was the first Ball State player in 17 years to earn four letters in football. His college coach compared him with Mike Sensibaugh and Jack Tatum. He had excellent postseason performances in the East-West and Senior Bowl games and played in the last College All-Star Game in Chicago.
Shafer was also a three-year basketball starter averaging 10.7 points and 7.9 rebounds. In high school, he was named all-state in football and basketball. Shafer's birthplace and hometown is Elkhart, Indiana."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
