1971 Giants Linebacker Profiles

RON HORNSBY

Middle Linebacker

3rd Round

Southeast Louisiana State

"Louisiana sportswriters picked him as the defensive Player of the Year. Hornsby was named to the AP's first-team Small College All-America. He intercepted nine passes in his career and led his team in tackles, averaging 13 a game.

Hornsby will get his first shot at an outside linebacking spot but may be tested in the middle."

-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1971 Edition)

JIM FILES

Linebacker
No. 58
Oklahoma
"Drafted number one last season after a standout career as an outside linebacker at Oklahoma, Jim Files became the Giants' middle linebacker at the start of the 1970 exhibition season. Despite some weak games at the beginning- which is understandable- Files developed nicely. The 6-4, 235-pounder, who learned his trade with on-the-job experience, came on strong by the end of the year.
In the running for Rookie of the Year honors in 1970, Files, it is felt, has the potential to develop into an All-Pro middle linebacker. He drops back very well on pass plays but must learn not to get blotted out so often on running plays."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

JOHN DOUGLAS

Linebacker

No. 51

Missouri

Drafted in the 4th round by the Dallas Cowboys in 1968, John made the team but was drafted into the Army just before the start of the season. Returning to the Cowboys after two years of service, including duty in Vietnam where he was wounded, he was released during the 1970 preseason and signed by the Giants as a free agent. New York defensive coach Norb Hecker thinks John has what it takes to be a starter in the Giants' improving defense.

John won unanimous All-Big Eight honors as a senior linebacker at Missouri, the season he was a co-captain. He was selected to play in both the Senior Bowl and the North-South Game.