1978 Profile: Randy Rasmussen

Guard

No. 66

Kearney State

"The old Jets. Joe Willie, Super Bowl III, Orange Bowl, Colts, the guarantee. Rasmussen survives. 12th season, still the left guard. Namath, Snell, Maynard, Sauer- all gone.

Rasmussen is probably the best pulling guard the Jets have ever had. He's a consistent player.

Born in St. Paul, Nebraska, he had an unlikely beginning. He was drafted 12th by the Jets in 1967 out of Kearney State in Nebraska. Rasmussen was All-NAIA for two years, a shot-putter in track who majored in mathematics. He started as a Jet rookie and has another three or four years left.

Rasmussen is in demand as an off-season banquet speaker. 'He's a better football player than a lot of guys who made All-Pro,' says Jim Ringo, the former Buffalo coach."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1978 Edition)

"One of the most consistent offensive linemen in Jets history, Randy is rated as perhaps the best pulling guard the club has ever had. Known for his one-on-one blocking technique, he rarely has a bad game.

Randy has played in 108 consecutive games for the Jets heading into 1978, all as a starter. An All-NAIA choice for two years at Kearney State, he played offensive tackle in college and was a three-time all-conference performer. Randy majored in mathematics in college."

-1978 Topps No. 307

1978 Profile: Carl Barzilauskas

Defensive Tackle

No. 77

Indiana

"A hit or a miss? After four seasons, Barzo has not become the destructible force that the Jets anticipated when the Jets drafted him No. 1 in 1974. Everyone keeps waiting.

Goodness knows, the physical qualifications are there. He's big and strong enough to wipe out one side of the line by himself. Barzo's good against the rush, but not quick or agile enough to be a strong pass rusher.

Born in Waterbury, Conn., he was too big for a crib right away. His first diaper was a bed sheet. King-sized.

A three-year starter at Indiana, he played every down as a senior despite a broken bone in his foot. His uncle Fritz played with the New York  Giants and is now Yale's intramural director."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1978 Edition)