1978 Profile: Chris Ward

Offensive Tackle

1st Round

Ohio State

Chris was a consensus first-team All-American in 1976 and 1977, and All-Big Ten for three straight seasons. During the Heisman Trophy ceremonies, the Downtown Athletic Club named him Offensive Lineman of the Year. A four-year letterman and three-year starter, Ward played 1,049 minutes in 44 games, the most of any player in Buckeye history.

"The best offensive tackle coming out of college may be Chris Ward, Ohio State, 6-4, 275, who has surprising speed to go with his great size."

-Larry Bortstein, from Top Prospects for the '78 Draft, May-June 1978 Football Digest

"Tremendous strength and quickness. 'Chris was by far the best offensive lineman in the country last year,' says Jets coach Walt Michaels. Consensus first-team All-America in 1976 and 1977 and first-team All-Big Ten three straight seasons. Played 1,049 minutes in 44 games, the most of any player in Buckeye history.

Must work on pass blocking, something linemen don't do much of at Ohio State. 'Chris has the finest work habits of any player I've coached at Ohio State,' says Woody Hayes.

When teamed with Marvin Powell, should give the Jets the best young pair of offensive tackles in the NFL. Has everything you look for- strength, intelligence, balance, recovery, feet, explosiveness."

-Football Digest (September 1978)

"Rookie offensive tackle Chris Ward is making a name for himself in the NFL. The rookie left tackle has more than 'held his own' against opposing defensive ends. 'The trick is not to be obvious enough to get caught. I don't consider the tricks I'm learning to survive to be cheating, because this is a jungle-like atmosphere and you have to accept it as that.' "

-Football Digest, from Notes, Quotes and Comments  (January 1979)

1978 Profile: Darnell Powell

Running Back

No. 20

Chattanooga

"Powell rushed for over 1,500 yards in three years at Chattanooga. He led the team with 618 yards as a junior when he was also the top kick returner with 482 yards in 20 returns, including a 90-yarder for a touchdown. His total offense for three years neared 2,400 yards.

Darnell was the top running back taken by the Bills in the 1976 draft."

-Buffalo Bills 1976 Yearbook

1978 Profile: Ed Taylor

Cornerback

No. 38

Memphis

"Ed keeps improving each year and has developed into a dependable cornerback for the Jets. A good all-around back, he has exceptional football sense.

Ed was a three-year starter at Memphis State and played in the Blue-Grey and American Bowl games after his senior year.

Ed enjoys plants."

-1978 Topps No. 227

1978 Profile: Abdul Salaam

Nose Tackle

No. 74

Kent State

"Formerly known as Larry Faulk, Abdul became a starter at right defensive tackle for the Jets last season. He had a good rookie season for the club in 1976 when he played in all 14 games, starting three at left tackle and right end in the defensive line. He had 24 solo tackles for the Jets in 1976.

Abdul has good potential. He pursues extremely well and he's quick. Abdul is a hard hitter.

He led Kent State's 'Carat Gold' defense while playing either linebacker or nose guard."

-1978 Topps No. 101

R.I.P. Jim Turner

1978 Profile: Chuck Ramsey

Punter

No. 15

Wake Forest

"Signed by the Jets as a free agent in 1977, Chuck took over the club's punting duties last season. He booted well with his longest of the season going 61 yards. He has a knack for booming punts high for improved coverage.

Chuck led the NCAA in punting average with a 44.8 mark at Wake Forest during the 1973 campaign."

-1978 Topps No. 186

1978 Profile: Garry Puetz

Offensive Tackle

No. 78

Valparaiso

"Garry has split his playing time between right guard and right tackle in his five seasons with the Jets and even filled in at center against the Buccaneers in 1976. He has proven to be a versatile and hardy performer, moving to the spot he's needed most.

Garry has played in 56 consecutive games with the Jets. As a 12th round draft selection in 1973, he surprised onlookers by opening rookie camp as the club's starting right guard.

Garry is an articulate and amusing speaker at banquets."

-1978 Topps No. 422