1974 Profile: Henry Reed

Defensive End
No. 80
Weber State
"Reed was the Giants' 10th round draft pick for 1971 and, after getting brief looks as a running back and linebacker, settled into playing defensive end and won a starting job in his rookie season. Reed turned in an impressive job at left end, showing fine speed, pursuit and agility despite his relative lack of size. He had two solo sacks on enemy passers and a pass interception for an 11-yard return, and also proved to be a valuable man on special teams.
In 1972 Reed was even better, getting nine sacks of the passer to rank behind Jack Gregory. Last year, he was switched to linebacker; as a reserve, he had an interception for 36 yards returned and continued his solid work on special teams. In 1974, he'll be a defensive end again.
Reed was both a fullback and a linebacker at Weber State where he was clocked at 4.7 for the 40-yard dash. He was all-conference for two years, was selected to play in the East-West Shrine game and won All-American honors in the Coaches' College Division poll. Prior to entering Weber State, Henry was an All-American at Iowa Central Junior College.
Henry was born in Detroit, Michigan and sparkled in sports at Northwestern High School. He's a jazz buff and still resides in Detroit during the off-season."

-1974 New York Giants Media Guide

1974 Profile: John Mendenhall

Defensive Tackle
No. 64
Grambling
"The Giants' No. 3 draft choice in 1972, Mendenhall has been an outstanding acquisition who looms as an All-Pro performer. After starring in the College All-Star Game in '72, John came to training camp and promptly won a starting job at tackle and enjoyed a banner rookie year, winning All-NFL Rookie honors. Strong and extremely quick, he was powerful against the run and also came up with six quarterback sacks.
Last year, Mendenhall was off to an even better year but went down with a knee injury half way through the season and underwent surgery to repair the damage. Up to that point, he had six more sacks, two assists and was much in the running for a Pro Bowl berth. John had particularly powerful games against the Browns, Packers and Redskins early in the year when the Giants led the league in team defense. Recovered from off-season surgery, he should be poised for his best campaign yet.
John was an Associated Press Little All-American and NAIA choice at Grambling and was a standout in the Senior Bowl, impressing all of the scouts with his strength and quickness. He won four letters at Grambling and won game MVP honors twice his senior year against Morgan State and Arkansas A.M. & N.
John was born in Cullen, Louisiana and starred at Charles Brown High School in Springhill, Louisiana before heading for Grambling. He now lives in Houston and lists golf, fishing and music as his favorite hobbies."

-1974 New York Giants Media Guide

1974 Profile: Ron Lumpkin

Cornerback
No. 47
Arizona State
"The Giants' No. 12 draft choice last year, Ron showed good potential in training camp and spent most of the season on the inactive list, though he was activated late in the year and appeared in one game. He has good speed and is a fine tackler.
Lumpkin was plagued by injuries in his senior year at Arizona State, but won three letters there as a strong safety. During his collegiate career, despite missing seven games his final year, Ron had 81 unassisted tackles, 47 assists and five interceptions and played in both the Fiesta and Peach Bowl games.
Ron was born in Los Angeles and played his high school ball at Mount Carmel High School in that city, and still resides in Los Angeles."

-1974 New York Giants Media Guide

1974 Profile: Spider Lockhart

Free Safety
No. 43
North Texas State
"A 13th round draft choice in 1965, Spider has been a starter in the defensive secondary since his rookie year, initially at left corner and for the last seven years at free safety. The defensive captain of the Giants, he rates as one of the premier free safeties in the NFL. He's an aggressive, intelligent and instinctive player who has proven virtually indestructible despite his slender size and the all-out way he plays.
Spider had his best season, statistically, in 1968 when he intercepted eight passes, returning two for touchdowns. Named to the All-NFL Eastern Conference team that year, he has also been named to the Pro Bowl twice. His 38 career interceptions ranks him third on the all-time Giant list behind Emlen Tunnell and Jimmy Patton, and he shares the club record for most interceptions in a game (3). Spider also doubled as a punt return man for seven years and had 62 returns for 314 yards and a 5.1 average. And he's also doubled as a punter during his fine career!
A two-way player for three seasons as a flanker and a defensive back at North Texas State, he also had a 4.0 rushing average as a runner and a 40.0 punting average. He led the Missouri Valley Conference in punting for two years and also lettered in baseball and track.
Spider was born in Dallas into a family of seven children and starred at Hamilton Park High School in Dallas. He's now made his home in the New York area where he works for Bache & Co. in the off-season. An extremely popular speaker, he stays busy with appearances year round."

-New York Giants 1974 Media Guide

1974 Profile: Brian Kelley

Linebacker
No. 55
California Lutheran
"A 14th round draft pick by the Giants last year, Brian won himself a spot on the roster and appeared in all 14 games, chiefly as a key special teams player although he did log considerable playing time as an outside linebacker. He had two kickoff returns for 30 yards and was a big hitter on the kick coverage teams. Brian had a 36-yard touchdown run with an interception in a preseason win over the Steelers.
Kelley was named to the NAIA and AP Little All-American teams after his senior year at California Lutheran where he played middle linebacker and tight end. He won MVP honors in the 1971 NAIA championship game. Brian also won three letters in rugby, playing on the U.S. College All-Star team, and one in wrestling as district heavyweight champion.
Brian was born in Dallas, Texas but grew up in Fullerton, California where he sparkled at Sunny Hills High School. He once worked for the Dallas Cowboys in their training camp and more recently as an instructor at Jack LaLanne's health spas."

-1974 New York Giants Media Guide

1974 Profile: Ron Johnson

Running Back
No. 30
Michigan
"In his four-year career with the Giants, Ron has been one of the premier running backs in the NFL, and is well on his way to rewriting the Giants record book in rushing. A No. 1 draft choice of the Cleveland Browns in 1969, Ron had 472 yards rushing there in his rookie season, then came to the Giants in the key 1970 trade for Homer Jones. He hit 1,027 yards his first year with the Giants to set a club one-season record, and led the Giants to a 9-5 season, making All-Pro and the Pro Bowl.
In 1971, thigh and knee injuries sidelined him for all but two games, but in 1972 he came back for another banner year, rushing for 1,182 yards and again winning All-Pro and Pro Bowl designations. Last year, despite missing two games and half of another, he added 902 yards.
He already holds club marks for most touchdowns in one game (four); rushing yardage in one season (1,182); and rushing attempts in one season (298) and is closing in on all of the other career rushing marks as well. His 14 touchdowns in '72 led the NFC, and that same year his 41 combined attempts in one game set an all-time NFL mark.
Ron was an All-American at Michigan and set several rushing records there, including 2,240 career yards to erase Tommy Harmon's previous mark. He set an NCAA one-game record with 347 yards rushing against Wisconsin, and was the Big-10 MVP in 1968 and Michigan MVP in both 1967 and '68.
Ron was born in Detroit and starred at Northwestern High School in the Motor City. He earned a B.S. degree in business administration with a major in finance and has worked in that field during off-seasons. His older brother Alex is an outfielder with the Texas Rangers and a former American League batting champion."

-1974 New York Giants Media Guide

1974 Profile: Randy Johnson

Quarterback
No. 11
Texas A&I
"Johnson was a No. 1 draft pick of the expansion Atlanta Falcons in 1966. He was the Falcons starting quarterback until a knee injury (requiring surgery) sidelined him midway through the 1969 season. After that, he shared the quarterback spot with Bob Berry.
Prior to the start of the 1971 season he came to the Giants in the trade that involved Dick Shiner. As a backup man behind Fran Tarkenton, Randy saw only limited duty, completing 41 of 74 for for 477 yards and three touchdowns. In the final game against Philadelphia, however, he completed 30 of 47 for 372 yards and three touchdowns. That performance got him into the Giants record book; his 47 attempts were second only to Charlie Conerly's 53 attempts in 1948, and his 30 completions were second to Conerly's 36, also in 1948. The 372 yards put him in the No. 2 spot behind Y.A. Tittle (505).
Randy won the No. 1 job in training camp in 1972, then was injured against the Jets in the preseason, with Norm Snead taking over. Randy was hurt again in the regular season against Dallas, and saw only limited action the rest of the way. Last year, he shared the starting honors with Snead.
Randy earned Little All-American honors at Texas A&I with a career mark of 349 completions in 673 attempts for 4,600 yards and 35 touchdowns. His rushing yardage gave him a total offense of 5,428 yards. He was named MVP in no less than three postseason games- the Blue-Gray, the Senior and the Coaches' All-America. In addition to football, Johnson played baseball at Texas A&I and was the No. 1 man on the golf team.
Johnson was born in San Antonio, Texas of German-Irish parents and makes his permanent home in Atlanta. He studied English and journalism in college and was a top student. He's an avid golfer with a 2 handicap, and also digs music and gin rummy."

-1974 New York Giants Media Guide

1974 Profile: Larry Jacobson

Defensive Tackle
No. 75
Nebraska
"Larry was one of the Giants' two picks in the first round of the 1972 draft after winning All-American honors and the Outland Trophy in his senior year at Nebraska. 'Jake' came to the Giants' camp after the College All-Star Game and won himself a starting spot at tackle as a rookie and turned in a superb season. He had six solo sacks, recovered a fumble and won a game ball for a particularly fine day against Denver.
Last year, he missed most of the preseason with a foot injury and appeared in only nine games in the regular season, getting a quarterback sack. Big and strong, Larry is remarkably quick for a man of his size and has impressed everyone with his pursuit abilities.
Jacobson was a unanimous All-American selection at Nebraska in his senior year in addition to winning the Outland Trophy. He starred in the Orange Bowl games of 1970 and 1971 and was also named to the Senior Bowl and the College All-Star units. An accounting major, he also won academic honors at Nebraska.
Larry was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and was an All-State selection in both football and basketball at O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls. He lists hunting as his favorite hobby."

-1974 New York Giants Media Guide

1974 Profile: Honor Jackson

Cornerback
No. 20
Pacific
"Jackson was a No. 9 draft choice of the Dallas Cowboys in 1971, then was part of the trade that sent Duane Thomas to the New England Patriots temporarily. Jackson, however, remained with the Patriots but was inactive in 1971. He appeared in 14 games in 1972 and had four interceptions for 133 yards returned. He came to the Giants on waivers last year after playing seven games with the Pats and got into two games with New York.
Honor starred at Marin Junior College, then moved on to Pacific where he was a wide receiver, winning All-League honors. He also lettered in track as a dashman with a 9.5 in the 100 and 21.2 in the 220.
Jackson was born in New Orleans, LA but grew up in Mill Valley, California where he starred at Tamalpais High School. He's worked as a youth counsellor in off-seasons."

-1974 New York Giants Media Guide

1974 Profile: Bob Hyland

Center
No. 70
Boston College
"Hyland came to the Giants along with Bennie McRae in the trade with the Chicago Bears for New York's No. 1 draft choice and turned out to be a valuable asset. Bob appeared in all 14 games, logged 411 minutes playing time to lead the club in that category and was a solid blocker. He also snapped the ball on punts.
In 1972, he was a key reserve at center and a member of the special team unit and last year shared the duties at center with Greg Larson. He was at tight end for one play and caught a pass for 16 yards.
A No. 1 draft choice of the Green Bay Packers in 1967, Hyland played three years with the Packers, appearing in every game, including the 1968 Super Bowl. He was traded to Chicago for a No. 1 draft choice and started all 14 games at center for the Bears in 1970 prior to joining the Giants. Hyland is a durable player who hasn't missed a game in seven years in the NFL.
An All-American at Boston College, Hyland was rated the top collegiate offensive lineman in 1966. He played in both the Senior Bowl and East-West games, was an honor student at BC and lettered in track and in baseball. He clocked 10.1 in the 100.
Bob was born in White Plains, New York and was an all-around high school star at Stepinac High School. He's in the import business and owns a restaurant, The Single Wing, in White Plains."

-1974 New York Giants Media Guide

1974 Profile: Pat Hughes

Linebacker
No. 56
Boston University
"Originally drafted No. 9 as a center in 1970, Hughes was a reserve behind veteran Greg Larson as a rookie and then, in 1971, was shifted to outside linebacker where he turned in several fine late-season performances. In 1972, Pat won a starting job at outside linebacker and turned in an outstanding year, getting two pass interceptions and playing tough against the run. He also had a quarterback sack and recovered an enemy fumble. Last year, he continued his fine all-around play, upping his interceptions to three for 13 yards returned, getting another sack and recovering a fumble.
Pat was a genuine two-way performer at Boston U., playing both center and linebacker, but it was as a defensive specialist that he made the biggest impact on pro scouts. He co-captained Boston U., was the team's MVP on defense and earned All-East and All-New England honors in 1969.
Hughes was born in Everett, Massachusetts and as a college student majoring in education and biological science, he belonged to the Scarlet Key Honor Society and won the Harry Agganis Memorial Scholarship. He spends his off-seasons as one of the busiest and most popular members of the Giants' Speakers Bureau."

-1974 New York Giants Media Guide

1974 Profile: Rich Houston

Wide Receiver
No. 84
East Texas State
"Houston was the Giants' No. 4 draft choice for 1969, spent two seasons leaning the ropes as a reserve pass catcher and kick return specialist and, in 1971, finally earned himself starting status as a wide receiver. With 9.7 speed and a yardage-eating stride, Rich has the credentials needed to become a genuine long-bomb threat but thus far, costly dropped passes have delayed his development.
In 1971, he caught 24 for 426 yards (a 17.8 average) and four touchdowns. In 1972, Rich improved his totals with 27 catches for 468 yards and three touchdowns, including a 94-yard bomb against Dallas, second longest in club history. Last year, he led the club in kickoff returns with a 25.0 average, including a 51-yarder.
Rich starred for two years at East Texas State, setting a school record with a 79-yard touchdown reception, and then left college to serve for a year with the Army in Vietnam. He returned in 1968 to finish his collegiate career and impressed pro scouts with his speed and range.
Rich was born in Texarkana, Texas and played football and basketball at Dunbar High School. He resides in Newark, New Jersey and works for the Consolidated Capital Corporation."

-1974 New York Giants Media Guide

1974 Profile: Ron Hornsby

Middle Linebacker
No. 67
Southeast Louisiana
"The Giants' No. 3 draft choice for 1971, Hornsby stepped into a starting role at middle linebacker and was outstanding in his rookie year, being named to the NFC's All-Rookie team. A sure and deadly tackler, he improved with each game and has vast potential at middle linebacker. He had a big game in the 21-17 victory over Atlanta, making nine solo tackles and assisting on five others and also sacked the passer for a seven-yard loss.
Ron was the middle linebacker in 1972, but was switched to the outside last season. He's also performed with distinction on special teams.
Hornsby earned four letters at Southeast Louisiana and was selected all-conference three years in succession. He was twice the conference's MVP on defense, captain of the team his senior year and was named to the Kodak All-American team. Ron played in the Senior Bowl, where he was named defensive captain, and scored a touchdown in that game on a 46-yard interception return.
Ron was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana but grew up in Greensburg, Louisiana where he starred at Greensburg High School."

-1974 New York Giants Media Guide

1974 Profile: Roy Hilton

Defensive End
No. 78
Jackson State
"The Giants obtained the veteran defensive end from the Baltimore Colts in an off-season trade for running back Joe Orduna and a draft choice. A 15th round draft choice in 1965 by the Colts, Hilton was a starter for the Colts for most of his nine years there in good company first with Ordell Braase and then Bubba Smith. He played in two Super Bowls with the Colts, and in the Baltimore 16-13 victory over Dallas in 1971, he sacked the quarterback twice.
In nine seasons, he's missed only one game- and that one was early last season. Roy led the Colts in quarterback sacks with six in 1972, and had four last year. He has had eight fumble recoveries in his career and also intercepted a pass and returned it 13 yards for a touchdown in 1968.
Hilton won three varsity letters in football at Jackson State where he played both offensive and defensive end. He received a B.S. degree in health and physical education.
Roy was born in Hazelhurst, Mississippi and starred at Parrish High School in his hometown. He's worked for the Colts' speakers bureau in the off-seasons and lists bowling as a favorite hobby."

-1974 New York Giants Media Guide

1974 Profile: John Hill

Offensive Tackle
No. 52
Lehigh
"Hill was the Giants' No. 6 pick in 1972 after winning All-East honors at Lehigh, and won himself a spot as a reserve offensive lineman and special team player during his rookie campaign. John saw action as both a backup center and an offensive tackle and proved a solid hitter and performer on the special units. He did those same jobs again in 1973 well enough so that line coach Ray Wietecha was duly impressed and feels that John has exceptional potential at tackle.
John was a standout at Lehigh in football and track, winning not only All-East honors in football but College Division All-American honors as well. Team captain, he was also selected for the East-West Shrine Game. He also earned three letters in track as a shot-put and discus man and won the Middle Atlantic Conference championship twice in the shot put with throws of 57'3" and 60'2", as well as hurling the discus 158'5".
Hill was born in East Orange, New Jersey and was an all-around star at Franklin High School in Somerset, New Jersey. John's dad, Otto Hill, is Business Manager of Athletics at Rutgers. John resides in Fort Lee, lists crossword puzzles as a favorite hobby and was in the export-import business during the off-season with teammate Bob Hyland."

-1974 New York Giants Media Guide