Middle Linebacker
No. 87
Colorado
"Blueprinted as the new Giant middle linebacker, Jerry Hillebrand will be on a big spot in 1964 - he'll be trying to take over the job held by the traded Sam Huff. Last season Hillebrand developed spectacularly as an outside linebacker.
Born March 28, 1940, he was an All-America end at Colorado, prompting the Giants to make him their No. 1 draft choice in 1962. He spent his first year on the taxi squad before emerging as a regular in 1963. Only 24, he looms as a Giant hero for another decade."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"Jerry Hillebrand now knows the price to be paid before a job can be won as a pro. An All-American end at Colorado, he failed to make the roster as a '62 rookie and No. 1 draft pick but was carried as a member of the taxi squad.
Came '63 and he suddenly found an opening when linebacker Bill Winter was injured. Given an opportunity, Jerry was a revelation and his brisk form of tackling led his coach to remark that he 'hits beautifully.'
He admits to studying his playbook 'two-three hours every night.' "
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"Preparing to step into a mighty big pair of shoes - those worn by the ever-popular Sam Huff - as middle linebacker is Hillebrand. But the Giants' coaching staff feels that Jerry has the size, speed and ability to take over this key defensive spot. In his rookie campaign, Jerry showed his mettle at the left linebacking position, replacing the injured Bill Winter.
Hillebrand was the club's top pick in the 1962 draft following an outstanding grid career at Colorado, gaining All-America honors in 1961. He failed, however, to make the regular squad after trying out at both offensive and defensive end, and was carried on the Giants' taxi squad.
Hillebrand once booted a 54-yard field goal for Colorado."
-Complete Sports 1964 New York Giants
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