1970 Profile: Defensive Line Profiles

JIM KANICKI
Defensive Tackle
No. 73
Michigan State
"This huge defensive tackle has been a Cleveland regular since 1963. Jim is considered one of the strongest linemen in the National Football League. He is a fierce pass rusher and is one of the most difficult tackles in the pros to trap on a running play.
Jim was chosen as the most valuable lineman in the 1962 North-South Game."

-1968 Topps No. 180

"The Giants have desperately needed a defensive tackle of Jim Kanicki's experience and caliber- not quite All-Pro but reliably professional against the run and the pass. Jim was held back by injury last year when he played for the Cleveland Browns, but he anticipates becoming a regular in the New York front four. Kanicki has the size: he stands 6-4 and weighs 270 pounds.
His great moment of glory came in the 1964 NFL championship game against the Baltimore Colts when he repeatedly broke though the Colt blockers to smear John Unitas. Kanicki, 27, played college football at Michigan State."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970


JIM NORTON
Defensive Tackle
No. 79
Washington
"What little there was of a Falcon pass rush last year was provided by Jim Norton, a young veteran of three pro seasons. Jim was not only their most effective defensive lineman, he was the most versatile, shifting between end and tackle as the need arose. He seems to be at his best as an inside pass-rusher, and Norb Hecker is planning on using him at tackle this year.
Jim originally was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, who tried him as an offensive lineman. But he was switched to defense during his rookie year and won a regular job. The Falcons got him in a trade before the start of the 1967 season. A 6-4, 254-pounder, he played college ball at the University of Washington."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968

FRED DRYER

Defensive End
No. 89
San Diego State
"The Giant preseason prospectus lists right defensive end Fred Dryer at 6-6, 240 pounds. The height is right but, last season at least, the weight was strictly wishful thinking. As a rookie in '69, Dryer weighed 230 at best; the Giants feel he must be bigger heavier to give and take punishment like the All-Pro defensive end the team thinks he can and will become.
There was some speculation last year that if Fred did not fill out physically, he might be switched to outside linebacker to take advantage of his speed (40 yards in 4.8 seconds) and agility. But on the other hand, that would be wasting Dryer's enormous potential as a pass rusher - and since the Giants need a pass rush more than anything, look for Fred to remain in the front four.
Dryer, 24, was an All-American at San Diego State."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

"Fred was an All-American Junior College choice at El Camino Junior College, then won All-American honors again at San Diego State in his junior year. He was a stickout in both the East-West and Hula Bowl games.
Unanimously rated by all the pro scouts as first-round draft material, Fred is an excellent pass rusher. He has 4.8 speed in the 40-yard dash and his potential afforded him to step right in as a starting player in his rookie season of 1969."

-1970 Topps No. 247


BOB LURTSEMA
Defensive End
No. 71
Western Michigan
"A 6-6, 250-pound defensive lineman, he joined the Giants in '67 after spending the previous season on the taxi squad of the Baltimore Colts. The Colts had drafted him out of Western Michigan University.
In '67 and '68, Lurtsema gave the Giants their most effective pass rush, showing tremendous strength and determination. In '69, however, he was less effective in defending against running plays. With the acquisition of experienced tackles Jim Kanicki and Jerry Shay, 28-year-old 'Lurts' will in all likelihood be converted defensive end. He's tall enough and strong enough.
Lurtsema is a versatile all-around athlete. He played basketball and baseball at Western Michigan and is now a low-handicap golfer. When not playing football, he's a mechanical engineer."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

"Bob began his long college football career at Michigan Tech and then switched over to Western Michigan where he became one of the school's outstanding defensive linemen, also playing offensive end for a while. He was an all-conference selection in 1965 and was named Western Michigan's MVP. Bob also played baseball and basketball, finishing with a total of seven varsity letters.
Bob was signed as a free agent by Baltimore in 1966 and spent that season on the Colts' taxi squad. He came to the Giants prior to the 1967 season."

-1970 Topps No. 197