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
