1977 Free Agent Profile: Tom Newton

Fullback
Free Agent
California
"Signed as a free agent, Newton gained 1,108 yards on 253 carries (4.7 average) and 10 touchdowns in two years as a fullback and a tailback at California. He played in the same backfield as Chuck Muncie in 1975 and rushed for 544 yards. He led the North in rushing in the North-South Game.
Tom had a brilliant junior college career at San Jose City College where he gained 982 yards and scored 15 touchdowns as a sophomore, including 287 yards in one game. A physical education major, scouts label him as 'tough and durable with good hands but lacks speed and elusiveness.'
A three-sport star at Overfelt High in his hometown of San Jose, Tom's birthplace is Carmel, California."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Free Agent Profile: Robert Moss

Defensive End
Free Agent (1976)
Jackson State
"Moss signed as a free agent with the Jets last year but was injured in the preseason and failed to make the club. He came to camp as a linebacker last summer but has added close to 15 pounds and will be tried at defensive end this season.
An aggressive, reckless player, Robert was second team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference in 1975 and was a three-year letterman. He majored in physical education and health and was nicknamed 'Crazy Horse.'
His birthplace and hometown is Miami, Florida, where he is involved in the Big Brother program."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Free Agent Profile: George Mills

Defensive End
Free Agent
Nebraska
"A free agent, George signed with Calgary of the Canadian Football League but left the team. He has added nearly 20 pounds since his senior year at Nebraska.
George was a two-year letterman as a defensive tackle for the Cornhuskers. He played on the Big Eight co-championship team in 1975. He played on three bowl teams: Cotton, Sugar and Fiesta.
George has a B.S. in education. He was a classmate of the Jets' standout linebacker Bob Martin. Nicknamed 'Chalk,' George's birthplace and hometown is Omaha, Nebraska."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Rookie Profile: Tank Marshall

Defensive End
3rd Round
Texas A & M
"The Jets chose Marshall after obtaining a third-round pick from San Francisco in exchange for veteran defensive tackle Ed Galigher. 'A player of first-round caliber,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'We feel his best football is ahead of him.' Scouts like his quickness (5.0 in the 40) and aggressiveness.
Marshall earned four varsity letters and was named first-team All-Southwest Conference. He won the only football award given at Texas A & M, the Aggie Heart Award, for effort, determination and competitiveness. Tank earned AP honorable mention All-America last season when he made 61 tackles (39 solo) and four quarterback sacks.
He played in the Liberty Bowl as a junior. He played alongside Edgar Fields and Jimmy Dean, who were picked in the third and fourth rounds of the 1977 draft.
Tank was a physical education major. He was an all-state defensive end at F.D. Roosevelt High in Dallas, Texas, his birthplace and hometown."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Rookie Profile: Kevin Long

Running Back
7th Round
South Carolina
"A powerful running back, Long became the first 1,000-yard rusher in South Carolina history in 1975 when he gained 1,133 yards on 190 carries (6.0 average). He joined Clarence Williams (who later in 1975 topped the 1,000-yard mark) as the seventh tandem from the same school in NCAA history to rush for 1,000 yards in one season.
Kevin gained over 100 yards in five games that year, including his top effort of 160 against North Carolina State. He finished third all-time among Gamecocks rushing leaders with 2,372 yards. He was an honorable mention All-American, first-team All-South Independent and All-South Carolina in 1975 and played in the Tangerine Bowl as a junior. The Jets obtained the draft pick used for Long in the trade that sent Carl Garrett to Oakland.
An extremely durable runner who was never hurt, scouts like his quick feet, balance, strength and ability to break tackles. He runs the 40 in 4.65.
Kevin majored in health and physical education and has worked with retarded children. He was an offensive guard as a senior at Clinton High in his birthplace and hometown, Clinton, South Carolina."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Free Agent Profile: Mark Law

Guard
Free Agent
Hillside
"Mark signed as a free agent with the Jets last summer but left camp voluntarily. A small-college All-American at Hillside College in Michigan, he was also an All-American in track (hammer) and wrestling.
Mark once wrestled and pinned a bear in an exhibition match. His birthplace and hometown is Roanoke, Indiana."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Free Agent Profile: Lewis Lamar

Offensive Tackle
Free Agent
Bethune-Cookman
"Lewis is a free agent who played with Hamilton of the Canadian Football League for eight games before being waived. He also played briefly with the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League.
His birthplace and hometown is Atlanta, Georgia. Nicknamed 'Honey Hart,' Lewis works for the Atlanta Boys Club."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Free Agent Profile: Tom Kowalczyk

Guard
Free Agent
Missouri
"Tom was a three-year letterman and two-year starter at guard. Scouts like his toughness and size [6-2, 250]. His team upset Southern California and Ohio State last season.
Tom majored in physical education and health and works at a Chrysler dealership in the off-season. He was a weight man on the track team at Southwest High in St. Louis, Mo., his birthplace and hometown. Nicknamed the 'Polish Prince,' his name is pronounced Co-WALL-sick."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Rookie Profile: Joe Klecko

Defensive Tackle
6th Round
Temple
" 'They tell me this kid's a street fighter and wants to play football really bad,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'He played middle guard at Temple and should fit well in our odd-man line defense. He's very quick and played his best against the toughest opponents. I was very impressed when I saw him against Penn State.'
Joe is known for his outstanding pass rush. He was a two-time All-East selection and twice an AP honorable mention All-American. The key to the Owls' defense, for four years, he made 105 tackles (58 solo) last season. Joe runs the 40 in 5.0 and can dunk a basketball.
Joe passed up college for two years to drive a truck after graduating from St. James High in Chester, Pa., where he played football only as a senior. Chester is his birthplace and hometown. His nickname is 'Little Joe' and his name is pronounced CLECK-o."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

"I really identified with Rocky. It was my movie. I was in the aisles."

-Joe Klecko, two-time club heavyweight boxing champion at Temple in Philadelphia who once jumped into the ring with Joe Frazier

1977 Rookie Profile: Steve King

Offensive Tackle
5th Round (1976)
Michigan
"Steve was drafted 5th by the Jets last year but missed the entire season because of knee surgery. He had knee trouble at Michigan that required an operation.
He made second-team All-Big Ten as a junior. His strongest ratings from scouts came in balance, pulling, tenacity and quickness off the ball.
Steve has a B.A. in business. His birthplace is Hudson, New York and his hometown is Tiffin, Ohio."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Free Agent Profile: Ron Kecman

Center
Free Agent
Maryland
"Kecman is a free agent who played center for the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League at the same time (1974-75) Jets' special teams coach Joe Gardi was an aide there. He had tryouts with the Eagles and Rams last year but failed to make the squad.
A three-year letterman at Maryland, Ron was captain as a senior. He has a B.S. in business administration. His birthplace is McKeesport, Pennsylvania, his hometown is West Mifflin, PA and his name is pronounced KECK-mun."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Free Agent Profile: Danny Johnson

Offensive Tackle
Free Agent
Rice
"A free agent, Danny was the key blocker for Rice quarterback Tony Kramer, the nation's leading passer (3,317 yards), last fall. He was a four-year starter and played offensive and defensive tackle, tight end and guard during his career; the Jets may also give him a look on defense. He was second team All-Southwest Conference and played in the Blue-Gray Game.
Danny earned a degree in commerce. He enjoys motorcycle riding. He was a football and basketball captain at Cleveland High in his birthplace and hometown, Cleveland, Texas."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Rookie Profile: John Hennessey

Defensive End
10th Round
Michigan
"Hennessey is a tough defensive lineman with strong arms and the frame to carry much more weight. Scouts say he is an aggressive tackler with excellent pursuit.
He started at tackle for Michigan's Big Ten championship team that played in the Rose Bowl last season; the Jets will try him at defensive end. He played in the Orange Bowl as a junior.
John made 85 tackles (58 solo) last fall. He was voted the Wolverines' top defensive player in wins over Ohio State and Minnesota in 1976.
He majored in business administration. He has helped with March of Dimes projects and worked at the Ypsilanti State Mental Hospital. John was an all-city standout at Gordon Tech in Chicago, his birthplace and hometown."

-1977 New York Jets Media  Guide

R.I.P. George Atkinson III

1977 Free Agent Profile: Bruce Harper

Running Back-Kick Returner
Free Agent
Kutztown State
"A free agent, Harper was an honorable mention AP Little All-America last year when he was the first back in Kutztown (Pa.) State history to gain over 1,000 yards. He rushed for 1,132 yards in 10 games and gained 216 yards in one contest. Harper was twice All-Conference and rushed for 2,169 yards in three seasons. He was a teammate of Coach Walt Michaels' son, Walter Jr.
Scouts like his speed, elusiveness and instincts- he runs the 40 in 4.6. Bruce is a good return specialist.
Bruce majored in social welfare. He was a track and football standout at Dwight Morrow High in his hometown and birthplace, Englewood, New Jersey."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Rookie Profile: Bob Grupp

Safety-Punter
7th Round
Duke
"Grupp was twice named first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference and was an AP honorable mention All-American last season even though he was hampered by a series of nagging injuries. A tri-captain in 1976, he enjoyed an excellent junior year when he was eighth in the nation in punting with a 43.1 average (the Duke record), led the ACC with four interceptions and set a Blue Devil record for highest single-game punting average (6-for-53.3 against Florida). A three-step punter who gets the ball off quickly and has good hang time, Grupp averaged 40.4 on 179 career punts.
He excelled as a defensive back and a punter and will get a look at both positions with the Jets. Bob doesn't have outstanding speed (4.7 in the 40) but is a fine all-around athlete with good agility and reactions. As an outfielder, he was MVP for the Duke baseball team in 1976.
Bob majored in economics. He graduated from Neshaminy High in his hometown of Langhorne, Pennsylvania. His birthplace is Philadelphia, Pa."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Rookie Profile: Perry Griggs

Wide Receiver-Kick Returner
3rd Round
Troy State
"A fast, potential game-breaker like second-round pick Wesley Walker, Griggs runs the 40-yard dash in 4.6 and has done 9.7 in the 100. Scouts like his good hands, quick feet and excellent pass patterns.
Griggs gained over two miles in career all-purpose running. His career stats include 110 receptions, 1,975 yards, a 17.9 average and 10 touchdowns; 59 kickoff returns, 1,375 yards, a 23.1 average and a touchdown; 34 punt returns, 470 yards, a 13.8 average and three touchdowns, all in his sophomore year.
He was named a Coaches' first-team All-American (college division) last year. He made the All-NAIA District 27 first team for four years and All-Gulf South Conference three times, including conference player of the year as a sophomore when he led the NAIA with a 28.0-yard punt return average. As a sophomore, Perry set a conference record with 196 yards receiving in one game. He was chosen as the Alabama college player of the year in 1974 by the Birmingham Post Herald.
A physical education major, he came to Troy State as a walk-on and was a team captain in 1976. The late Jets scout Jess Thompson was one of the first to notice Griggs' ability in a 1973 Troy State spring game. He graduated from Lanett High School in Alabama, his birthplace is Lafayette, Ala., and his hometown is Lanett, Ala."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

"Perry Griggs' early career at Troy State was like a series of smashing Broadway debuts. His first pass reception was a 69-yard touchdown. His initial punt return was an 86-yard score. (He followed with an 88-yard touchdown return, a conference record, and then an 81-yarder that was called back by a penalty- all in the same game). And his first kickoff return? Naturally ... a 95-yard touchdown!"

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Rookie Profile: Gary Gregory

Guard
5th Round
Baylor
"'Gary gives us a two-way shot to fill a position in our offensive line,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'He can make the long snap, which can be very useful to us.' A three-year starting tackle, the Jets will try him at guard. Scouts say he has good balance and moves quickly off the ball.
Gary was first-team All-Southwest Conference in 1976. He played in the Blue-Gray and East-West Games as well as the 1975 Cotton Bowl. He also pitched for the Baylor baseball team. Gary was the pick obtained in the 1976 trade of Godwin Turk to Denver.
He majored in business management. He played football at Kermit High in his hometown of Kermit, Texas. His birthplace is San Angelo, Texas."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Rookie Profile: Phil Gargis

Running Back-Safety
12th Round
Auburn
"A three-year starting quarterback at Auburn, Phil was drafted as a running back/safety by the Jets. He played halfback in the Blue-Gray Game and impressed scouts with his quickness, blocking and hustle- he runs the 40 in 4.6.
An Auburn captain as a senior, Gargis finished second on the all-time career total offense list behind former Heisman Trophy winner Pat Sullivan with 3,918 yards and was only the second player at Auburn to surpass 1,000 yards in total offense for three straight years. He became the only player in school history to rush for four touchdowns in one game when he gained 129 yards on 14 carries against Georgia last fall, including an 82-yard touchdown run that won the game.
Gargis guided the Tigers to a 10-2 season as a sophomore and was MVP in the Gator Bowl win over Texas. He led the team in rushing as a junior (658 yards, 162 carries, 4.1 average) and rushed for 534 yards and nine touchdowns last season. His career stats: 1,879 yards on 455 carries (4.1 average) and 17 touchdowns, 152 of 341 passes completed for 2,036 yards and 14 touchdowns.
He majored in marketing. In high school, he led Colbert County High to the Alabama state championship. Phil's  birthplace is Sheffield, Alabama, his hometown is Leighton, AL, and his name is pronounced GAR-giss."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Free Agent Profile: Joe Gallagher

JOE GALLAGHER
Guard
Free Agent
Tennessee
"A free agent, Joe started at guard for two years after switching from linebacker and defensive tackle. He was a teammate of Dave Brady, also a Jet free agent.
Scouts like his speed. He played in the Liberty and Gator Bowls and in the Blue-Gray Game. He majored in public health.
His brother Frank played for the Lions, Falcons and Vikings. Joe was an all-state standout at St. James High in his birthplace and hometown- Chester, Pennsylvania."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Free Agent Profile: Jerry Finis

Guard
Free Agent
Illinois
"The youngest Jet rookie, Jerry was signed as a free agent. He impressed coaches in rookie camp with his initial quickness off the ball.
Jerry was a three-year letterman who started in the defensive line but switched to offense, where he played guard and tackle. He was second-team and all-academic Big Ten and played in the North-South and Blue-Grey Games. A marketing major, Jerry captained the Illinois track team and won the Big Ten discus title as a junior.
Born in Chicago, he was a football and track standout at Fremd High in his hometown of Palatine, Illinois. His name is pronounced FIN-is."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Rookie Profile: Scott Dierking

4th Round
Purdue
"Dierking is the first running back selected by the Jets. 'He's a Mike Adamle-type,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'He can run inside and can get outside when called upon. His forte is that he hits the line quickly and keeps his feet moving for extra yardage. He's a real hustler who can play on special teams.' Dierking runs the 40 in 4.6.
The second leading career rusher at Purdue behind Otis Armstrong (Denver Broncos star), he gained 2,863 yards on 578 carries (5.0 average). Dierking gained 1,000 yards last fall, only the third Purdue player to do so, and is the only runner besides Armstrong to lead the Boilermakers in rushing three straight years. He gained 779 yards as a sophomore and 914 yards as a junior and had 25 career touchdowns. Scott was a second-team All-American (Football News and AP), first-team All-Big Ten, team MVP and team captain last fall.
He played in the East-West Game and the Hula and Japan Bowls. In 1976, Scott led Purdue to an upset win over first-ranked Michigan with 162 yards on 38 carries. He rushed for 211 yards against Miami of Ohio.
Scott majored in economics. In high school, he was an All-American at West Chicago High where he gained 2,725 yards and scored 42 touchdowns and was the state wrestling champ as a senior. Scott's birthplace is Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois and his hometown is West Chicago, Illinois. His name is pronounced DIR-king."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

"I grew up in the Chicago area and loved to watch Mike Adamle (ex-Jet now playing for the Bears). I used to pattern myself after him. But after a while, you kind of outgrow that and find you're not that person. You just run the way your body lets you run."

-Scott Dierking

R.I.P. Barry Bennett

1977 Rookie Profile: Dave Conrad

Offensive Tackle
12th Round
Maryland
"Scouts were impressed by his size, strength (he bench presses 390) and motivation. He can make the long snap and is a good special teamer.
Conrad was a three-year starter at Maryland- he played guard as a soph and tackle his last two seasons. He played on three Terp bowl teams: Liberty (1974), Gator (1975) and Cotton (1976). Conrad was a draft choice acquired as part of a Jets trade with the Eagles in an exchange of picks.
A local product, Dave played at Camden (N.J.) Catholic High and prepped a year at Milford (Conn.) Academy. In college, he majored in general studies. His birthplace is St. Louis, Mo. and his hometown is Cherry Hill, New Jersey."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Free Agent Profile: Darryl Carter

Running Back
Free Agent
Grambling
"The free agent will be reunited with Bob Ledbetter, the Jets' new offensive backfield aide who coached Carter as an assistant at Grambling last fall. He gained 318 yards on 74 carries (4.2 average) in 1976 and has good speed (4.5 in the 40).
Darryl majored in mass media and would like to be a sportscaster someday. Nicknamed 'Disco Juice,' he was a disc jockey for the Grambling radio station. Darryl was a football, basketball and track standout at Richwood High in his hometown and birthplace, Monroe, Louisiana."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

R.I.P. Bert Rechichar

R.I.P. Walt Michaels

He made the Jets a winning team.

1977 Rookie Profile: Dave Butterfield

Cornerback
11th Round
Nebraska
"Butterfield earned numerous postseason honors in 1976: first-team All-America (UPI, NEA, Kodak, Football News); AP and UPI first-team All-Big Eight; and Academic All-America. He was also first-team All-Big Eight as a junior when he had four interceptions, five fumble recoveries and two quarterback sacks.
He was a three-year starter at cornerback. He played on three Nebraska bowl teams: Sugar (1974), Fiesta (1975) and Astro Bluebonnet (1976). The Jets acquired the draft choice from Oakland last year as part of the Carl Garrett trade.
Dave has overcome a lack of size and great speed (4.7 in the 40) with quickness, strength and agility. Scouts call him 'an instinctive player who's always around the ball.' He's a good special teams player.
A business administration major, Dave was all-state at Sterling (CO) High School where he scored 21 touchdowns as a senior. His birthplace is Emporia, Kansas and his hometown is Kersey, Colorado."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Free Agent Profile: Dave Brady

Guard
Free Agent
Tennessee
"A two-year starter at Tennessee along with guard Joe Gallagher, also a Jet free agent, Brady played both guard and tackle. He was honorable mention All-Southeastern Conference. He played in the Gator and Liberty Bowls and in the North-South Game. Dave is one of the strongest players in Jets' rookie camp.
He's an education major and an avid weight-lifter nicknamed 'Bunch.' He played on the Merritt Island High team that won the Florida AAAA title with a 13-0 record. Dave's birthplace is Cheverly, Maryland and his hometown is Merritt Island, Florida."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

R.I.P. Bob Zeman

Bob was on the preseason roster of the 1964 New York Jets.

1977 Rookie Profile: Dom Antonini

Place Kicker
Free Agent
Glassboro State
"Antonini is a free agent from Glassboro (NJ) State. An outstanding long-distance place kicker, he booted 14 field goals of 45 yards or longer and six of 50 yards or better during his three-year career. His longest was 62 yards. Antonini also had field goals of 56, 55 and 54 yards. His career totals were 71-for-80 on PATs and 32-for-60 on field goals. He was all-conference three straight years.
A conventional two-step right-footed kicker, scouts like his leg strength, dedication and willingness to make tackles on kickoffs. Also an excellent catcher, Dom has been drafted by the Cincinnati Reds and Seattle Mariners. He hit .326 with nine homers as a junior.
Dom majored in health and physical education. He played only one year of football at Triton High School in Runnemede, New Jersey. His birthplace is Camden, NJ and his hometown is Bellmawr, NJ."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Rookie Profile: Dan Alexander

Guard- Defensive Tackle
8th Round
LSU
"A strong, tough defensive lineman who may also be tried at guard, scouts like his pass rush and lateral pursuit. Dan runs the 40 in 5.1.
He played on the LSU defensive line with AJ Duhe, the Dolphins' first-round draft pick. Dan broke into the starting lineup as a junior and responded with 81 tackles (55 solo) and five sacks. He had 97 tackles (74 solo) and 10 sacks last season and also recovered two fumbles. He played in the Hula and Japan Bowls.
Dan majored in law enforcement and would like to work for the FBI someday. Twice all-city at Houston Lamar High, he starred in the Texas High School All-Star Game. Dan's birthplace and hometown is Houston."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

R.I.P. Johnny Green

R.I.P. Reggie Cobb

1977 Rookie Profile: Wesley Walker

Wide Receiver
Second Round
California
"From California, he was picked No. 2 by the Jets. 'He'll be the new Cliff Branch,' one scout has predicted. But he may be too skinny at 6-0 and only 170 pounds."

-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977

"Walker was rated the 10th best player in the country by Jets' scouts who like his ability to run with the ball after making the catch. 'He gives us the most speed we've had at wide receiver since Don Maynard,' says head coach Walt Michaels.
He holds the NCAA record for career reception average (25.7). He caught 86 passes for a school record 2,206 yards during his career at Berkeley and tied the Pac 8 record with 22 touchdown receptions.
Walker also set a conference record with 289 yards receiving against San Jose State that included touchdowns of 75, 57 and 48 yards. He caught the longest pass in Cal history (88 yards) against Georgia last year. Wesley injured his knee against USC last year and required surgery.
He has fully recovered as proven by his time of 10.4 seconds in the 100 meters for the Golden Bears' track team in the spring. He runs the 40 in 4.45 seconds and has done 100 in 10.1. He enjoyed an outstanding track career as a sprinter and as part of the relay team. Wesley was Cal's first four-year double-sport letterman since before World War II. He majored in economics.
Wesley was the Los Angeles 100 and 220-yard champion as well as a member of two Los Angeles championship football teams at Carson High. His birthplace and hometown is San Bernadino, California."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Rookie Profile: Marvin Powell

Offensive Tackle
1st Round
USC
"From USC, he was the Jets' No. 1 choice. 'He has everything to a top pro,' says a scout, 'size (6-5, 260), speed and intelligence.' "

-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977

"In front of every successful back, there is an offensive lineman who makes his accomplishments possible. Ricky Bell's success was helped considerably by 6-5, 265-pound Marvin Powell.
'Powell was the best offensive lineman in America,' says USC coach John Robinson. 'He has a great future as a pro.'
Powell was a devastating blocker who anchored the line at strongside tackle. When Bell made his sweeps, it was Powell leading the way. During the season Powell lined up against Outland Trophy winner Ross Browner of Notre Dame and more than held his own. He's one of only ten players to have been named to the All-Pac 8 team three years.
'I really like the game of football,' says Powell. 'It's the Spartan type of life I like to lead. Football is a lot like the Army. I know, because I was brought up in a military atmosphere. I saw my father go off to war three times. He was a gung ho soldier and I'm a lot like him.
'If you are going off to war,' he continues, 'wouldn't you want to be as totally prepared as you could be? I love football and grew up to love hard work.'
'Powell has as much ability as the 1967 Outland Trophy winner (perennial All-Pro Ron Yary),' says former USC coach John McKay. 'His potential is unlimited. The only question is how good he wants to be. He is big, has awfully good speed and great intensity.' "

-Hank Lowenkron, Complete Sports 1977 Pro Football Special Preview

" 'The best athlete in the whole draft,' says Oakland's Al Davis of the Jets' number one choice (the fourth player picked in the first round).
'We can build around him,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'He gives us a double dimension as a great blocker for both passing and rushing.'
'If you're here 10 years from now, he'll still be our right tackle' say Jets' scouts.
Powell was named first-team All-American by UPI, The Sporting News and Football News as a senior and coaches' first-teamAll-America as a junior. He was a three-time first-team All-Pac 8 and twice All-West Coast. One of four sophomores to start for USC's 1974 national championship team, Powell played in three Rose Bowls and a Liberty Bowl.
He's an overpowering blocker with quickness (5.1 in the 40), intelligence and durability. 'Marvin loves to play this game and I love to watch him,' says USC coach John Robinson. Former USC coach John McKay says, 'He's another Ron Yary. He's a devastating blocker. Sometimes you look at him and say, nobody can be that good.'
Nicknamed 'Boomer,' Powell majored in speech and political science. In high school, he was a football All-American and a standout in basketball and track at 71st High in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He switched from tight end to tackle as a freshman at USC.
Marvin is a very disciplined player who was brought up in a military atmosphere. His father was a career officer who fought in the Normandy invasion at the age of 15 and also in Korea and Vietnam. His brother Reggie is a forward on the Syracuse basketball team.
Marvin's birthplace is Fort Bragg and his hometown is Fayetteville."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

R.I.P. Lam Jones

1977 Profile: Robert Woods

Offensive Tackle
No. 72
Tennessee State
"Hampered last year by a series of injuries, Robert had off-season surgery for bone spurs in his ankle. Medical reports indicate he should be fully recovered.
Robert became a regular at left tackle as a rookie and started 40 straight games until a sprained knee and ankle problems sidelined him for four games last year. He started the final eight games.
'His best years should be just ahead of him,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'He's been held back by nagging injuries but he plays with pain. He comes off the ball well and is an adequate pass protector.' Woods had his best year in 1975. He has good size and strength.
Woods was coached by the Jets' staff in the Senior Bowl following the 1972 season. He made AP Little All-America and played in the College All-Star Game. He played on three championship teams at Tennessee State.
A student teacher in the off-season, his brother Larry was a defensive tackle for the Jets in 1974 and '75. Robert's birthplace is Florence, Alabama and his hometown is Rogersville, Alabama."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Phil Wise

Strong Safety
No. 27
Nebraska-Omaha
"Phil is an experienced and gifted athlete who has been hampered throughout his career by injuries (he has missed 21 games), mainly groin pulls. He started 12 games last year but missed the final two with knee ligaments. Medical reports indicate Phil should be fine.
He was moved from strong safety to free safety in the third game during the switch of Burgess Owens to free safety and Shafer Suggs to left corner. The spot seems more suited for his talents- he's a strong defender against running plays.
Phil had 37 solo tackles and 36 assists. He defended four passes and had two sacks- he excels on the safety blitz. 1973, Phil had an 80-yard touchdown run with a fumble recovery.
For his pro career he has three interceptions for 50 yards, a 16.7 average. He has six fumble recoveries. He also has 18 kickoff returns for 441 yards, a 24.5 average.
Phil led Nebraska-Omaha in rushing (983 yards), scoring and kickoff returns as a senior; his career rushing total was 2,129 yards. Having transferred from South Dakota, he was a cornerback as a sophomore, then moved to running back.
He majored in criminal justice. His birthplace and hometown is Omaha."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Maurice Tyler

Strong Safety
No. 39
Morgan State
"Acquired on waivers from Detroit on June 22, Tyler signed with the Lions as a free agent after being cut by San Diego shortly before the beginning of the 1976 campaign. He played nine games with the Lions last fall, mostly on special teams.
Tyler was drafted in the 10th round by Buffalo in 1972, became a starter and picked off four interceptions for 61 yards in his rookie season. He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after his performance against New England on November 17. Maurice was claimed on waivers by Denver in 1973 and appeared in 28 games for the Broncos in two years.
He was traded to San Diego in June of 1975 for defensive back Reggie Berry. Maurice was a standout for the Chargers on special teams and an all-purpose at strong safety, weakside linebacker and wide receiver. He made 14 unassisted tackles, several coming as the first man downfield on kick coverage.
In his pro career Tyler has had five interceptions for 61 yards, a 12.2 average, four punt returns for 40 yards, a 10.0 average, and a kickoff return for 23 yards.
Tyler attended Baltimore Community College for two years before transferring to Morgan State. He made the Pittsburgh Courier All-America team in 1971. He played defensive end and safety and also competed in basketball.
Tyler is married and has a one-year-old son, Maurice II. He has a degree in physical education and would like to teach and coach someday. He's nicknamed 'Mo Tee' and 'Reece' and Baltimore is his birthplace and hometown."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide