1969 Profiles: Tucker Frederickson and Ernie Koy

TUCKER FREDERICKSON
Fullback
No. 24
Auburn
"The Giants are convinced Tucker Frederickson is operating on sound wheels again. Now it's up to Tucker to show he believes it, too.
After two serious knee operations in two years, Tucker returned to full time duty in the Giant backfield last season. His running at times seemed cautious, as though he were expecting either one of his scarred knees to cave in on him. But as he continued to absorb the pounding and not come up hobbling, his confidence in the knees began to pick up. At season's end, he was the Giants' leading rusher with 486 yards on 142 carries for a 3.4 average.
Never a speedster, Tucker has lost a step as a result of the operations, but he still knows how to cut and drive for those extra yards, and he's the club's best backfield blocker. Once a full-grown 230-pounder, he now plays at 218.
He joined the Giants as their number one draft pick in 1965 out of Auburn University."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969

"Tucker made it back with his first healthy season in three years! He returned from two knee operations to lead the Giants in their running attack. Tuck is also essential to the passer with his fine blocking.
Tucker was known as the greatest football player at Auburn in 1964."

-1969 Topps No. 15


ERNIE KOY
Fullback-Punter
No. 23
Texas
"There is, in the running style of Ernie Koy, the illusion of a freight train slowly gathering momentum. Ernie runs with every ounce of his 6-3, 230-pounds of horsepower, and once he's in motion, he's hard to stop. This is probably what catapulted Ernie from a college running back who was picked in the thirteenth round into a top pro runner.
After a couple of mediocre years breaking in with the Giants' famed Baby Bulls backfield, Ernie exploded in 1967 when he gained 704 yards for a 4.8 average and five touchdowns. Last year he shared backfield duty with Tucker Frederickson and his figures were down, but he still gained 394 yards for a 4.4 average and scored three touchdowns.
Ernie also helps out as a safety-valve pass receiver and does the punting for the Giants."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969

"Ernie was injured a good part of last season and is looking forward to a sound year in 1969. In 1967, he gained 704 yards rushing and 212 yards in the air.
A member of the 'Baby Bulls' backfield, Ernie is a dangerous threat with the option pass. He has played in Pro Bowls."

-1969 Topps No. 131