Head Coach
"Three days after his Miami Dolphins' 'No Name' defense had throttled the Minnesota Vikings in the 1974 Super Bowl, William Stephen 'Bill' Arnsparger became the ninth head coach in Giants' history. He had served under Don Shula for four seasons at Miami, initially as Defensive Coordinator and then as Assistant Head Coach.
Bill came to the Dolphins in 1970- one year after Miami had finished with a 3-10-1 record and allowed 332 points scored to the opposition. In Arnsparger's first campaign as chief defensive aide, the Dolphins rose to a 10-4 record and a playoff berth while limiting the opposition to 228 points. In 1971, the record was 10-3-1 with but 174 points allowed, and in 1972 when Miami went undefeated en route to a Super Bowl crown, the defense allowed but 171 points, the fewest in the NFL, including three shutouts. In 1973, with a 12-2 record and a second Super Bowl title, the Dolphins allowed but 150 points, again the lowest in the NFL, with two shutouts and four other victories in which no touchdowns were allowed.
Bill was affiliated with Shula for nine years in the NFL, joining Shula's staff at Baltimore in 1964 as chief defensive aide. He served with the Colts through 1968 on four playoff teams, then rejoined Shula in Miami in 1970. Prior to being named at Baltimore, Arnsparger's coaching background included assistant stints at Tulane (1962-63), Kentucky (1954-61), Ohio State (1951-53) and at his alma mater, Miami of Ohio (1959).
Of Dutch descent, Bill was born on December 16, 1926 in Paris, Kentucky and starred as a lineman at Paris High School where his coach was Blanton Collier. After high school, Arnsparger joined the Marines and served as a sergeant from 1944 to 1946 with a year's duty in China. He entered Miami of Ohio after his discharge and played offensive tackle there on teams that also had such players as Ara Parseghian, Paul Dietzel and Bo Schembechler and a head coach named Woody Hayes.
In 1950, Arnsparger was named an assistant coach at Miami by Hayes and the following year when Hayes was named head coach at Ohio State, he brought Arnsparger with him as an assistant there. Bill first worked with Shula at Kentucky where the head coach was Blanton Collier, his old high school mentor. That association carried into the pros for Bill in 1964 and ended in the Miami locker room after the Super Bowl triumph in January of 1974 when Arnsparger was presented a game ball by the Dolphin players.
Well respected and admired throughout the National Football League, Arnsparger's credentials are prestigious."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
1976 Profile: Andy Robustelli
Director of Operations
"Hall of Fame member ... perennial All-Pro ... team captain ... former assistant coach ... successful businessman ... those are the impressive credentials that Andy Robustelli brings with him in his capacity as Director of Operations for the Giants.
As Director of Operations, Robustelli oversees all field operations for the Giants including coaching, scouting, signing of players, trades, and the preseason training camp.
The 49-year-old Robustelli is one of the great success stories of professional football. A 19th round draft choice of the Los Angeles Rams in 1951 out of little Arnold College in Connecticut, he went on to star with the Rams through 1955, winning All-Pro honors and appearing in two championship games with Los Angeles. He came to the Giants in a 1956 trade and won All-Pro honors consistently. All told, he was an All-NFL selection nine times during his 14 seasons and appeared in the Pro Bowl nine times as well. He played in six championship games with the Giants, was team defensive captain for six years and was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1962.
Robustelli was elected to the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1971 and was additionally voted into the Helms Football Foundation Hall of Fame. His career with the Giants ended in 1964 after spending his final seasons as a player-defensive coach.
In recent years, Andy has served as President of Robustelli Travel Service, Inc., a group of five travel agencies in Connecticut and has also been associated with the Allied Chemical Company. He has also conducted his own TV show during the football seasons, but remains first and foremost a football man and has grown with professional football over the years.
Robustelli was born on December 6, 1926 in Stamford, Conn., graduated from the Stamford public school system and then attended LaSalle Military Academy in Oakdale, L.I. from September 1943 to January 1944. He joined the U.S. Navy in January 1944 and served for two years in the South Pacific, including the invasion of Okinawa. After his discharge, he matriculated to Arnold College and graduated with a B.S. degree, majoring in health and physical education. He was named to the Little All-American team for three years and also lettered in baseball.
Drafted by the Rams in 1951, he played five seasons with L.A., winning All-Pro honors three times and playing on two championship teams. Named MVP on defense for the Rams for three consecutive years, he came to the Giants in that 1956 trade, adding to his laurels with six more All-Pro honors and six more championship game appearances. He was an assistant coach-player for his final four seasons.
In addition to his business and television interests, Andy has been the Connecticut chairman of the United Fund and is also a member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness where he organized a business task force for that Council group."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
"Hall of Fame member ... perennial All-Pro ... team captain ... former assistant coach ... successful businessman ... those are the impressive credentials that Andy Robustelli brings with him in his capacity as Director of Operations for the Giants.
As Director of Operations, Robustelli oversees all field operations for the Giants including coaching, scouting, signing of players, trades, and the preseason training camp.
The 49-year-old Robustelli is one of the great success stories of professional football. A 19th round draft choice of the Los Angeles Rams in 1951 out of little Arnold College in Connecticut, he went on to star with the Rams through 1955, winning All-Pro honors and appearing in two championship games with Los Angeles. He came to the Giants in a 1956 trade and won All-Pro honors consistently. All told, he was an All-NFL selection nine times during his 14 seasons and appeared in the Pro Bowl nine times as well. He played in six championship games with the Giants, was team defensive captain for six years and was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1962.
Robustelli was elected to the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1971 and was additionally voted into the Helms Football Foundation Hall of Fame. His career with the Giants ended in 1964 after spending his final seasons as a player-defensive coach.
In recent years, Andy has served as President of Robustelli Travel Service, Inc., a group of five travel agencies in Connecticut and has also been associated with the Allied Chemical Company. He has also conducted his own TV show during the football seasons, but remains first and foremost a football man and has grown with professional football over the years.
Robustelli was born on December 6, 1926 in Stamford, Conn., graduated from the Stamford public school system and then attended LaSalle Military Academy in Oakdale, L.I. from September 1943 to January 1944. He joined the U.S. Navy in January 1944 and served for two years in the South Pacific, including the invasion of Okinawa. After his discharge, he matriculated to Arnold College and graduated with a B.S. degree, majoring in health and physical education. He was named to the Little All-American team for three years and also lettered in baseball.
Drafted by the Rams in 1951, he played five seasons with L.A., winning All-Pro honors three times and playing on two championship teams. Named MVP on defense for the Rams for three consecutive years, he came to the Giants in that 1956 trade, adding to his laurels with six more All-Pro honors and six more championship game appearances. He was an assistant coach-player for his final four seasons.
In addition to his business and television interests, Andy has been the Connecticut chairman of the United Fund and is also a member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness where he organized a business task force for that Council group."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
Monday, November 23, 2015
1976 New York Giants Outlook
"Before the temptation to start with the annual jokes grows too overpowering to resist, let us make one thing perfectly clear: Larry Csonka.
The Giants, who will move to their spanking new stadium in New Jersey this season, bought themselves an early house-warming gift back in April when they signed the one-time Miami fullback to a multiple-year, more-than-a-million-dollar contract. He has improved their running game 100 per cent. It may be all the way up to acceptable now. And with the presence of Frankenstein, quarterback Craig Morton will not be forced to always pass on third down, and that should help both him and the entire offense.
Running with Csonka will be Ron Johnson, Joe Dawkins, Doug Kotar or rookie Gordon Bell. Johnson would have been automatic had he not played out his option and promised to sign elsewhere. There were some eleventh-hour attempts at reconciliation. Dawkins is both a fullback and a halfback and was the team's leading rusher last year with a rather paltry total of 438 yards. Kotar has more quickness than Dawkins, along with an innate ability to follow his blocking. Bell could be the ding-dong. He is an Archie Griffin type, out of Michigan, said to be sturdy despite his 180 pounds and 5-9 frame. If he can make it, his outside quickness will perfectly Csonka's inside brutality. If. Rookies live and die by that word.
The offensive line, which wasn't horrid, could be better now. Not that draft choices will help. The Giants drafted no offensive linemen. What they did was buy up most of the WFL's Memphis line, including such as center Ralph Hill and guard Tom Kruyer, along with a Birmingham tackle named Joe Miller, reputed to have been the dead league's top linemen.
Hill could start, ahead of incumbent Bob Hyland. Kruyer has a chance to contribute, while Miller is in the easiest spot. With John Hicks and Tom Mullen backed up by Karl Chandler, guards are fairly well spoken for. But with Doug Van Horn and Al Simpson the only tackles, the Giants are hurting at this position.
Ray Rhodes, a wide receiver, may finally blossom. He is a 5-11, 185-pounder with inordinate speed and moves. Walker Gillette or Danny Buggs will be the other wide man, unless Elmo Wright can find what he lost between stardom at Kansas City and waivers at New England. Bob Tucker and Jim Obradovich will fight for the tight end job. Tucker will win.
Defensively, where most of the jokes begin, there has been some improvement. Mostly, the improvement has been in John Mendenhall's injured ankle. He's healthy again, happy again and, if that holds up, he can be one of the league's best tackles again.
The Giants will need that. Coach Bill Arnsparger came up from Miami with a reputation as a defensive genius, and in two years (7-21) has proved that a genius needs warm bodies. With Mendenhall and a renewed Jack Gregory, the right side of the line should be dandy.
The left side is still under construction. At the moment if offers Dave Gallagher at end and Jim Pietrzak at tackle. But the No. 1 draft pick is end Troy Archer, 6-4 and 255 via Colorado, and if he can play (the Giants do have a somewhat unsavory reputation with No. 1s) Gallagher could move inside and send Pietrzak to the bench.
Linebackers should be better. At least the battle for jobs should be fun. Incumbents are Brian Kelley in the middle, flanked by Pat Hughes and Brad Van Pelt. Bob Schmit (middle) and Andy Selfridge are holdovers, and here come the new people: Harry Carson, a No. 4 draft pick from South Carolina State, a marvelous specimen said to be unduly intolerant of offensive players; and Dan Lloyd, a No. 6 pick who broke all the strength-testing machinery at Washington.
The secondary might be better, as well. Cornerback Henry Stuckey played nicely for four games until he and some of his knee ligaments went in different directions. Bobby Brooks, with all the tools, is a third-year man who should now begin to understand his responsibilities. Clyde Powers has been the starter at strong safety since his rookie year, and he's now a third-year man with confidence. But he's good enough to switch to the weak side and if he does, Robert Giblin, a rookie in '75, will get a full shot at the strong-side job. If Giblin can't handle it, there is always senior citizen Spider Lockhart for the weak spot, or Jim Steinke, who is also the cornerback reserve.
The kicking is, well, iffy. Dave Jennings is a sound punter, but place kicker George Hunt isn't adequate. Yet there isn't much help on the horizon. Dave Lawson of the Air Force Academy is the only rookie on the roster, and there is some question whether he can commute from his military commitments to handle the kicking chores on a part-time basis."
-Dave Klein, Pro Football 1976
OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Morton, the clear-cut starter, will improve as the team does likewise. Carl Summerell could be ousted if David Jaynes, a former high Kansas City draft, can bounce back from a sore arm.
Performance Quotient: 3 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
Running Backs: The addition of Csonka improves the running game 100 per cent. Kotar will be Csonka's partner if Johnson signs somewhere else. Dawkins, normally a fullback, will be worked at halfback, too. Bell has the quickness and moves, and if the rookie shows that he has endurance and stamina as well, he could be a surprise starter. Marsh White has size, speed and potential.
Performance Quotient: 3
Receivers: Rhodes could be a superstar if he continues to progress. Gillette, resurrected two years ago, still doesn't like catching over the middle. Tucker is gifted even though he could use more speed. Buggs is Coach Arnsparger's sleeper; he has rangy size and blurry speed. Obradovich made it despite some physical shortcomings. Wright could help if he could recapture a proper attitude.
Performance Quotient: 3
Interior Linemen: Van Horn is a dependable veteran. Simpson, last year's top draft, has all the physical tools but disappointed. Hicks, who might see duty at tackle, looks awkward but gets the job done. Mullen, smoother, could be on his way to recognition. Hyland is in serious trouble this time around; he could lose his job.
Chandler, steady and reliable, may start somewhere. Hill is the blue-chipper, a WFL veteran who should start right now. Miller, another WFLer, was that league's top offensive lineman. Kroyer, yet a third WFL survivor, has an outside chance.
Performance Quotient: 3
Kickers: Hunt had an up-and-down season (mostly down) and could be pushed. Jennings was more than adequate as the punter.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Dave Klein, Pro Football 1976
DEFENSE
"Front Line: Gregory played back to the form of his best years; he's super when well. Gallagher came from the Rams and won a regular job. Mendenhall, when healthy and happy, approaches the top caliber of tackles. Pietrzak, the weak link of the starting unit, has size but not quickness.
Rick Dvorak has quickness but not enough bulk for continuous duty. He's tough, though. Archer, the No. 1 pick, should start and move Gallagher inside. '75 rookie George Martin played surprisingly well, but isn't a starter. John Jordan left school for the WFL; he could surprise.
Performance Quotient: 3
Linebackers: Van Pelt, improving slowly, has enormous physical tools and ability. Hughes, a regular since 1971, will face his annual challenge. Kelley has become an acceptable middle backer but could use more bulk.
Schmit lacks size but hits hard and is quick. Selfridge is on the verge of being cut each year but plays well when tested. Carson is the sleeper of the Giants' draft, with good size, speed and toughness. Lloyd fights to stay.
Performance Quotient: 3
Cornerbacks: Stuckey played well before getting hurt. Brooks has all the physical [tools], but gets lost.
Performance Quotient: 3
Safeties: Powers, a budding star, may find himself a regular on the weak side. Steinke is also the reserve cornerback. Giblin impressed as a rookie despite a rash of minor injuries. Lockhart, the team's senior, isn't ready for retirement. Mel Wilson is highly regarded, but it's hard to see whom he can push here.
Performance Quotient: 2"
-Dave Klein, Pro Football 1976
"Look out, New Jersey, here come the Giants. In 1976 the New York Giants, one of the great nomadic teams of recent NFL history, will settle into what figures to be their more-or-less permanent home on October 10 when the new Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands Sports Complex in northern New Jersey opens.
Once all of the furor is over and the new stadium is opened, the attention of Giant fans will undoubtedly focus on the newest star of the running backfield, Larry Csonka. The former Miami Dolphin great, who jumped to the WFL, signed with New York last spring. This may be the answer to their backfield problems, but perhaps not all of them.
Ron Johnson, long the standout in the running game, played out his option. But he actually finished third among the Giant rushers in 1975 anyway. The two top yardage-gainers, Joe Dawkins (438 yards) and Doug Kotar (378), are both back along with Larry Watkins and Marsh White.
The strengthening of the running game through the addition of Csonka will also help the passing game in two ways. First, of course, it will give better balance to the attack. Second, assuming that his time with the WFL and in enforced inactivity have not dulled his skills, Csonka is also a fine pass blocker. This fact alone will make Craig Morton a much happier man in 1976 than he was a year ago.
For the most part, the Giants are committed to Morton as their quarterback with Carl Summerell and David Jaynes in reserve.
The Giants lost three men to the expansion draft which brought Seattle and Tampa Bay into the league. Wide receiver Don Clune is one who might be missed. Clune, a second round choice from Pennsylvania, and kick return specialist Rondy Colbert were both picked off by the Seattle Seahawks. Tampa Bay selected Jimmy Ginn, a six-year linebacker whom the Giants had acquired from Chicago last season.
On the plus side, the Giants drafted defensive end Troy Archer from Colorado, running back Gordon Bell from Michigan, linebacker Harry Carson from South Carolina State, defensive back Melvin Wilson from Northridge State and linebacker Dan Lloyd from Washington as their top selectees among the college talent available. The choice of mostly defensive men was, of course, a willful move by Giant coach Bill Arnsparger, a former defensive coach.
All of the new faces will leave the Giants with a wide receiver corps which includes Walker Gillette, Ray Rhodes and Danny Buggs at the wide spots. Gillette, with 43 catches for 600 yards, was Morton's pet target last season, while Rhodes had 26 receptions for six touchdowns. Gillette is not gifted with great speed and Rhodes is considered too small as a wide receiver, but the Giants have nothing better and they are adequate. Among the tight ends, starter Bob Tucker is a pro and caught 43 aerials last season. His backup is Jim Obradovich.
On the interior of the offensive line, the Giants needed some help and got it. Doug Van Horn and Willie Young are being challenged. Third-year men Tom Mullen and John Hicks are respectable. [The Giants] also added an entire cadre of Memphis Southmen in guards Charlie Gray and Tom Kruyer, center Ralph Hill, tackle Mike Gibbons and tight end Garry Shirk. The WFL team also contributed linebacker Frank Marion, wide receiver Charlie Hobbs and cornerback Larry Mallory. The best new interior lineman may be Birmingham's Joe Miller.
On defense, Arnsparger will do his best to work in the new blood wherever they may fit. On the front four, it was Dave Gallagher, John Mendenhall and George Martin as regulars. Jack Gregory, Rick Dvorak and Jim Pietrzak will fight it out with the rookies for the fourth starting assignment. The only question among the first three is Mendenhall, who was injured most of 1975, and the Giants hope he stays healthy.
Pat Hughes, Brian Kelley and Brad Van Pelt were the starting linebackers last season and all three did creditable jobs. Van Pelt finally came into his own as a regular and all three can be expected to hold their spots.
On the corners, it was Bobby Brooks and Charlie Ford. Brooks had a good year with four interceptions but Ford got the job by default and can be expected to be replaced by a rookie if any show enough to win the job.
At safety, big questions must be answered. Spider Lockhart played out his option, Henry Stuckey had off-season surgery, and Clyde Powers and Jim Steinke are available but questionable. Rookies may also find jobs here.
Dave Jennings is a fine punter but George Hunt leaves a lot to be desired as a place kicker.
Overall, the Giants may not do better than fourth in the NFC East but they can be expected to be vastly improved and can close ground on the aging Redskins."
-Ben Thomas, Gridiron News 1976 Pro Yearbook
"HEAD COACH: BILL ARNSPARGER
After suffering through painfully dull and unsuccessful rebuilding seasons, loyal Giant fans view their impending move to their new stadium in Hackensack, New Jersey and the simultaneous arrival of former All-Pro fullback Larry Csonka as signifying a dawn of a new era for their favorite football team. Bill Arnsparger, who has lost 21 of 28 games during his tenure, believes his reconstructed Giants are finally ready for a winning season.
OFFENSE
The addition of Csonka (6'3"/240) should put punch in an offense that registered a mere 216 points last year. The bone-crushing fullback will keep the defenses honest with his inside power running as well as providing some badly needed pass-blocking strength. Marsh White and Larry Watkins will back up Csonka. Doug Kotar, Joe Dawkins and little Gordon Bell of Michigan, a fast and deceptively durable type, could split time at the halfback position.
Poor protection (49 sacks) and a weak ground attack handcuffed Craig Morton last season, accounting for his unimpressive 51 percent completion mark and 16 interceptions. Morton seemed ill at ease in the over-simplified New York offense which posed little problem to enemy defenders. Carl Summerell, Mike Wells and Matthew Reed will battle for the reserve role.
Walker Gillette, Ray Rhodes, Elmo Wright and Danny Buggs comprise a mediocre set of flankers. WFLer Charles Hobbs could break into the picture on the outside. Veteran Bob Tucker is a proven performer at tight end but must fend off the challenge of rugged Jim Obradovich.
Arnsparger signed a host of former WFL players for help in his notably ineffectual offensive line. Joe Miller (Birmingham) and Mike Gibbons (Memphis) could press incumbent tackles Doug Van Horn and Al Simpson for starting assignments. The guard positions are strong with John Hicks and Tom Mullen considered among the better young blockers in the conference; WFLers Charlie Bray and Tom Kryer may win reserve roles. Bob Hyland and Karl Chandler share the center slot.
Dave Jennings was impressive with a fine 40.9 average on his 76 punt attempts last season but place kicker George Hunt left a great deal to be desired in missing five extra points and five of 11 field goal kicks.
DEFENSE
Arnsparger, who received his Masters degree in defense at Miami under Don Shula, has made slow but sure progress in building a cohesive defensive unit in New York. The secondary, a long-time Giant weakness, should be more stable with vastly improved Bobby Brooks and quick Henry Stuckey at the corners, plus steady Clyde Powers and talented Jim Steinke at the safety posts. Robert Giblin, Charlie Ford and rookie Mel Wilson of Northridge (California) may push veteran Spider Lockhart off the roster.
Brad Van Pelt (6'5"/240) has fulfilled his great physical potential and is secure at the right linebacker position. Brian Kelley has the inside track for the middle slot as does veteran Pat Hughes on the strong side but both face a lot of competition. Harry Carson (6'2"/220) and Dan Lloyd (6'2"/225) of Washington are well-regarded rookie candidates. John Tate and Bob Schmit are also on hand to argue the issue.
Jack Gregory, who accounted for 16 of New York's 26 sacks last year, and aggressive Dave Gallagher have been the regular ends with hustling John Mendenhall and big Jim Pietrzak the tackles. End George Martin and tackle Rick Dvorak have been the key reserves. The picture may change, however, due to the arrival of All-American end Troy Archer (6'4"/240) of Colorado and top-rated tackle John Jordan (6'4"/240) of Indiana. Archer, an exceptionally fast and reckless hitter, appears much too good to be kept on the bench even as a rookie.
FORECAST
The New York Giants cannot as yet be considered a serious contender for divisional honors but are unquestionably on the upgrade. Csonka, plus the improved defense, should make them a more competitive and, hopefully, a more interesting football team during the upcoming campaign. Bill Arnsparger may achieve his goal, a winning season, but [we believe] a 4-10 or 5-9 record is much more probable."
-Complete Sports Pro Football Special 1976, published by Complete Sports Publications, Inc.
"The dramatic acquisition of all-time great Larry Csonka has generated a new interest and excitement among New York fans who have suffered through two painfully dull rebuilding seasons. The Giants, who come off a ho-hum 5-9 year, move to a new stadium in Hackensack, New Jersey and hope the transition signifies the dawning of a new era and a return to respectability.
Csonka (6'3"/240) is a true battering ram at fullback and should inject some punch in a ground game that ranked among the weakest in the NFL. He'll unquestionably be the foundation of the attack as he was in Miami, getting the tough first downs and keeping rival defenses honest. Larry Watkins and promising Marsh White will compete for backup honors. Gordon Bell (5'8"/175) of Michigan is a quick and deceptively strong cutback artist at halfback where he will challenge steady Doug Kotar and possible Joe Dawkins.
Poor pass protection (49 sacks) and an oversimplified approach to offense seemed to handcuff Craig Morton, a normally effective point producer and play-mixer. The 12-year veteran hopes the addition of Csonka will allow him to improve sharply on his 51 percent completion mark and 16 interceptions of last season. Carl Summerell, Mike Wells and WFLer Matthew Reed are candidates for the relief role.
Little Ray Rhodes distinguished himself as a legitimate deep threat flanker with six touchdown catches on fly patterns while Walker Gillette pulled in 43 passes of the drive-sustaining type. WFLer Charles Hobbs and Elmo Wright join Danny Buggs, fastest Giant ever, to complete the quartet of wide men. Rugged Jim Obradovich may give veteran Bob Tucker a real battle for starting honors at tight end this season: both are solid blockers and excellent receivers.
Arnsparger looked to the defunct WFL for needed help in his notably ineffectual offensive line. The major problem is at the tackle positions where Doug Van Horn (6'3"/245) and Al Simpson (6'5"/255) have had their problems. The Giants feel Joe Miller (6'5"/255), who starred for Birmingham, and Mike Gibbons (6'4"/260), from Memphis, will prove of NFL calibre. The guard positions are strong with John Hicks (6'2"/260) and Tom Mullen (6'3"/245) firmly entrenched as starters; Charlie Bray (6'1"/255), a quick mover, and Tom Kruyer (6'2"/255) also come over from the WFL for reserve duty. Bob Hyland (6'5"/255) and Karl Chandler (6'5"/250) will share the center spot.
Dave Jennings posted a noteworthy 40.9 record on 76 punts but place kicker George Hunt missed five extra points and five of 11 field goals. The explosive Bell will join Tim Berra, Kotar and Buggs on punt and kickoff runback teams.
The Giants had the worst record in the league against the run, yielding 4.4 yards per rush. A major contributing factor was the limited play of tackle John Mendenhall (6'1"/255), by far the best player on the team, who was plagued with injuries in '75. A healthy and happy Mendenhall will shore up the defense as he teams in the middle with big Jim Pietrzak (6'5"/265) or quick Rick Dvorak (6'5"/265). Aggressive Dave Gallagher (6'4"/255) and sack artist Jack Gregory (6'5"/255) are the incumbents at end, with promising George Martin (6'4"/245) in reserve. A shuffling of personnel may take place due to the arrival of All-American end Troy Archer (6'4"/240) of Colorado, a fast and reckless headhunting type, plus tackle John Jordon (6'4"/255) of Indiana.
Brad Van Pelt (6'5"/240) has come into his own at the right linebacker post and is secure in his position. Brian Kelley patrols the middle in competent fashion while Pat Hughes may have to hustle to keep his strong-side job this season. Rookie Harry Carson (6'2"/220) of South Carolina State and young hit-man John Tate could apply pressure in preseason play. Dan Lloyd (6'2"/225) of Washington also tries to crack the reserve unit which includes Andy Selfridge and Bob Schmit.
Giant fans hope for some stability in the secondary now that Arnsparger has finally settled on a starting unit. Bobby Brooks and Henry Stuckey loom as best bets for the corners with Charlie Ford as the backup. Clyde Powers has a lock on the strong safety position and talented Jim Steinke may be hard to displace at free safety. Robert Giblin and rookie Mel Wilson of Cal-Northridge should also see action at the deep posts. Spider Lockhart, long-time local hero, appears destined to be playing elsewhere in '76.
New York appears to making progress, however slowly, in regaining some measure of bygone glory but cannot yet be considered any threat to the established divisional leaders. Csonka, plus the improved defense, should make the Giants more competitive and, hopefully, more interesting to watch. The unimaginative offense, worsened by confused huddles and sideline hesitancy, is the drawback. A fast getaway could make all the difference in the world.
Forecast: 4th Place"
-Football Forecast 1976, published by Lexington Library, Inc.
"It's now up to Larry Csonka to prevent another Giant disaster. The big fullback from the Miami Dolphins by way of the WFL Memphis Southmen said it succinctly: 'If the Giant situation turns around, I may get credit for it.'
That credit will have to be shared with quarterback Craig Morton who, like coach Bill Arnsparger, is on trial. Arns is in his third year. He had carefully weeded out the old Giants and has gone with youth- cornerback Bobby Brooks is an example of a promising player who burned the Giants for most of his two seasons, but who was coming along at the end of 1975.
Morton must make the attack less prone to error. Csonka isn't fumble-prone the way the 1975 backfield (with emphasis on Ron Johnson, Joe Dawkins, Larry Watkins and Doug Kotar) was.
Coming to the Giants with Csonka are the premier members of the Memphis offensive line that cleared the way for his rushing forays during the short-lived WFL season last year. These include guard Charlie Bray, described as one of the best pulling guards in the sport; guard Tom Kruyer; center Ralph Hill; tight end Gary Shrirk; linebacker Frank Mallory; and Mike Gibbons, a backup tackle. Still another WFL offensive lineman was signed, this one from Birmingham- Joe Miller, six-five, 255 pounds, rated by some as one the WFL's best. These additions are expected to automatically shore up the Giant's offensive line, one of the club's weaker points. The newcomers may not budge Tom Mullen or John Hicks, but they might replace Doug Van Horn, Karl Chandler, Bob Hyland and Willie Young.
The Giants' front office stole a march on the rest of the NFL with its Memphis acquisitions. And Troy Archer may help add sock up front on defense. On paper, the Giants' rush line should perform better than it did. John Mendenhall was hurt in the first quarter of the first game of 1975, tried to play on a bad ankle for half the year, and wound up bitter at management. He wanted to be traded, but the acquisition of Csonka and the Southmen may change his thinking.
The brass had to make a move. The Giants are set to end their long odyssey and move into their new home in the New Jersey Meadowlands. Or will they play part of the season in the newly refurbished Yankee Stadium? Either way, they're in a desperate battle for fan approval. They've just about worn out their credibility. To help them sell in New Jersey, even the 'NY' has been removed from their blue-and-white helmets.
Arnsparger is a testy man, neither liked nor disliked by the press. He isn't too smooth with the media and isn't that well liked by his players, either. His open feud with running back Ron Johnson hurt everyone concerned. Johnson wants to be traded, but the value of the former 1,000-yarder is now nil. Arns says he can come back, but he will want to back up Csonka?
Technically, the Arnsparger defense didn't do too do badly in 1975 until they finally gave up in December. Still, 14th against the pass and 23rd against the rush isn't the answer.
Critics claim that Arnsparger's offense lacks imagination. McVay may be put in charge of putting some high octane in the attack. Meanwhile, Arns claims, 'Csonka will automatically make Morton a better quarterback. The attack will be two-dimensional this way, with a good running threat.'
The Giants didn't go to premier tight end Bob Tucker enough last year. Wide receiver Charlie Hobbs, another Southman, can give Walker Gillette some competition as Morton's favorite receiver. Elmo Wright may do the same.
The Giants have made big strides, but now they must put in together. The WFL players may have some cohesion from their experience together, and this will help. If the holes can be opened for Csonka, Morton has a chance.
The defensive front line has to be better. A comeback by Jack Gregory would help immensely. Gregory and Mendenhall could lead the charge and make the defense really respectable.
Management has spent made the money and made the moves. Now it's up to Morton and Arnsparger. If mid-season finds the Giants wallowing, look for the coach to walk the plank. It may all come down to Morton, who has never proved he can win, even when he had the horses with the Cowboys. (He came close, but he didn't win.)
Morton may have to look to wide receiver Elmo (The Jitterbug) Wright, the noted hot dog from Kansas City. The staid Giants need some color, and Wright will provide it if he makes the team.
The Giants are fervently hoping the long projected move to their new Stadium in New Jersey actually takes place. They were a road team for a year and a half in New Haven, and then were an unwanted fourth team in Shea Stadium last year. A continuation of the same between Yankee Stadium and the new ball park won't make the players happy, and it could cost a couple of games."
-Norman MacLean and Herbert M. Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1976
OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Morton is still a loser, but he's the Giants' best passer. Carl Summerell is young and has promise but is only a mop-up at present. Morton has to get the attack moving, take the ball in when he gets opportunities, and cut out the constant fumbleitis.
David Jaynes is a former Kansas All-America who was chosen by Kansas City in the third round of the 1974 draft. He spent the 1975 season in the WFL.
Running Backs: Larry Csonka! Giants say, clear the track! Johnson has played out his option, is openly feuding with Coach Arnsparger and wants to be traded. The Giants should take him up on that- he gained only 351 yards in 1975, behind Dawkins' 438 and Kotar's 378. Both Dawkins and Kotar are error-prone.
Watkins and Marsh White are also on the scene; Watkins is the most able. In addition to playing football, John Thomas was a track man at Valley City State in North Dakota. Gordon Bell was All-America at Michigan.
Receivers: Gillette tops the units- he snagged 43 catches for 600 yards in 1975. Tight end Tucker, who wasn't used as much as he should have been, caught 34 but scored only once. Rhodes proved his value as a regular, but he's too small and plays without shoulder pads. Still, the Giants have none better. Danny Buggs will challenge the wide spots while Jim Obradovich challenges at tight end.
Hobbs and Gary Shirk arrived on the scene with the Memphis delegation. When Wright scores a touchdown, he will jitterbug in the end zone for the Giants this year. Tim Berra, Yogi's son, will also try his hand at running back kicks. At Clemson, Craig Brantley didn't catch a lot of passes but when he did, it usually meant a touchdown.
Interior Linemen: Van Horn and Young are still standing upright despite the horrors of the last two years. Mullen and Hicks, both from the 1974 draft, are solid starters but Al Simpson disappointed last year when he was penciled in to take over for Young. Hyland is the center; Chandler is a sub for the whole line.
Help has arrived from the WFL (Memphis) with linemen Gibbons, Kruyer, Bray and Hill. Bray was All-Canada for three years with Toronto. Kruyer also played north of the border. Joe Miller is from Birmingham of the WFL; Ralph Miller adds heft to the line.
Kickers: David Jennings did well as punter in 1975, with several coffin corner kicks and a touch-the-sky type of punt at times. He averaged 40.9. George Hunt, who punted short a couple of times when the situation called for it, was something less than a ring-tailed wow on place kicks- his extra points got blocked with regularity. It might have been the line, or it might have been slowness in getting kicks off."
-Norman MacLean and Herbert M. Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1976
DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: The rush line needs some new blood. Dave Gallagher and Mendenhall, injured most of the year, and second-year man George Martin appear set, with the other spot open to either Rick Dvorak or Jim Pietrzak. Gregory bounced back a bit last year, and with help can be a leader. Troy Archer was a surprise first round draft choice.
Bonnie Sloan was last active with St. Louis in 1974. As a college player, Eddie Morgan led his team in tackles, quarterback sacks and fumble recoveries. John Jordan is a member of the Memphis delegation on the Giants' squad; at six-six, Raymond Carr is the tallest man on the team.
Linebackers: Pat Hughes, Brian Kelley and Brad Van Pelt aren't very familiar names, but these men did fairly well in 1975, and Van Pelt finally nailed down a regular spot.
Andy Selfridge and Bob Schmit are the backups. Frank Marion was a WFLer with Memphis. Jerry Mullane was defensive captain at Lehigh and was noted for his spirited leadership. Harry Carson played four seasons of football in college and never missed a game; Dan Lloyd was, among other things, a college wrestling champion.
Cornerbacks: Brooks had a pretty fair year in 1974. He's another player who came out of that good 1974 draft. He led with four interceptions last year. Charlie Ford finished as the other starter, but he isn't the answer. Henry Stuckey could help, but he's coming off surgery.
Mel Wilson won college honors on the West Coast as both a linebacker and a safety. Steve Curnutte was chosen in the 17th round of the draft, but the Giants have been lucky with their 17th round choices. Bill Bryant is a product of Eddie Robinson's Grambling ramblers; Rick Caswell has 4.5 speed in the 40.
Safeties: Clyde Powers was less than that in 1975. Jim Steinke is once more listed as a free safety- he played most of 1975 out of position at cornerback.
Mallory, up from Memphis, could solve some problems, and maybe Mike Townsend can bring some of the luck of the Irish to the Jersey Meadowlands. And, oh yes, Spider Lockhart is still on the roster for the time being."
-Norman MacLean and Herbert M. Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1976
"Moving to their new stadium across the Hudson River in New Jersey, the Giants talk with swelling chests of their improvement under coach Bill Arnsparger. In his first season, 1974, they were 2-12; in 1975 they ratcheted upward three notches. The club was made up mostly of first and second-year players, their average age only 25. The mistakes of youth cost the Giants five games. 'It could have been a 10-4 season,' the Giants claim, but could-have-beens won't get you into the Super Bowl. The Giants have added the super Larry Csonka, but they face a rugged schedule: half of their games are against 1975 playoff teams.
OFFENSE: The Giants ranked only 22nd in offense- 24th in rushing, 17th in passing. Needed badly was a running back of the ramrod calibre of Csonka. The team's top rusher, Joe Dawkins, gained only 438 yards. Dawkins, Doug Kotar, Marsh White or rookie Gordon Bell (Michigan) will flank Csonka at running back.
The quarterback is Craig Morton, who had to throw too often to be effective (he was eighth in the conference). There is no quality backup quarterback- and Craig is 33 years old. The wide receivers will be Walker Gillette, the Giants' top pass catcher last season, and Ray Rhodes. Former All-Pro Bob Tucker holds fast at tight end. Again there is little proven stuff in reserve.
On the offensive line, Bob Hyland is the center. John Hicks and Tom Mullen- they made the All-NFL Rookie team [in 1974]- are the guards. Doug Van Horn and Al Simpson hold down the tackle slots. Four starters from Csonka's WFL Memphis team will try to win jobs on this line.
DEFENSE: With tackle John Mendenhall limping most of the year on aching ankles, the Giants came apart up front. They were 21st of 26 in total defense- 23rd against the rush and 14th against the pass. The Giants' No. 1 draft pick was a defensive end, Troy Archer (Colorado), but George Martin will get first shot at left end with Jack Gregory (16 sacks) on the right side. The tackles will be Mendenhall and Dave Gallagher with Jim Pietrzak and Rick Dvorak fighting to break in.
Linebacking seems less fluid. Brian Kelley is in the middle with Pat Hughes and Brad Van Pelt on the outside. No. 3 draft pick Harry Carson (South Carolina State) could work his way into a spot.
Bobby Brooks and Henry Stuckey will be at the corners, Clyde Powers or Bob Giblin at strong safety with Jim Steinke at free safety replacing the retired Spider Lockhart.
SPECIALISTS: Field goal kicker George Hunt (6 of 11) leaves something to be desired; punter Dave Jennings is barely adequate. There are no streaky kick return types.
THE CRYSTAL BALL SAYS: The Giants will move west- to New Jersey- but no more than one step north in the NFC East."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1976
The Giants, who will move to their spanking new stadium in New Jersey this season, bought themselves an early house-warming gift back in April when they signed the one-time Miami fullback to a multiple-year, more-than-a-million-dollar contract. He has improved their running game 100 per cent. It may be all the way up to acceptable now. And with the presence of Frankenstein, quarterback Craig Morton will not be forced to always pass on third down, and that should help both him and the entire offense.
Running with Csonka will be Ron Johnson, Joe Dawkins, Doug Kotar or rookie Gordon Bell. Johnson would have been automatic had he not played out his option and promised to sign elsewhere. There were some eleventh-hour attempts at reconciliation. Dawkins is both a fullback and a halfback and was the team's leading rusher last year with a rather paltry total of 438 yards. Kotar has more quickness than Dawkins, along with an innate ability to follow his blocking. Bell could be the ding-dong. He is an Archie Griffin type, out of Michigan, said to be sturdy despite his 180 pounds and 5-9 frame. If he can make it, his outside quickness will perfectly Csonka's inside brutality. If. Rookies live and die by that word.
The offensive line, which wasn't horrid, could be better now. Not that draft choices will help. The Giants drafted no offensive linemen. What they did was buy up most of the WFL's Memphis line, including such as center Ralph Hill and guard Tom Kruyer, along with a Birmingham tackle named Joe Miller, reputed to have been the dead league's top linemen.
Hill could start, ahead of incumbent Bob Hyland. Kruyer has a chance to contribute, while Miller is in the easiest spot. With John Hicks and Tom Mullen backed up by Karl Chandler, guards are fairly well spoken for. But with Doug Van Horn and Al Simpson the only tackles, the Giants are hurting at this position.
Ray Rhodes, a wide receiver, may finally blossom. He is a 5-11, 185-pounder with inordinate speed and moves. Walker Gillette or Danny Buggs will be the other wide man, unless Elmo Wright can find what he lost between stardom at Kansas City and waivers at New England. Bob Tucker and Jim Obradovich will fight for the tight end job. Tucker will win.
Defensively, where most of the jokes begin, there has been some improvement. Mostly, the improvement has been in John Mendenhall's injured ankle. He's healthy again, happy again and, if that holds up, he can be one of the league's best tackles again.
The Giants will need that. Coach Bill Arnsparger came up from Miami with a reputation as a defensive genius, and in two years (7-21) has proved that a genius needs warm bodies. With Mendenhall and a renewed Jack Gregory, the right side of the line should be dandy.
The left side is still under construction. At the moment if offers Dave Gallagher at end and Jim Pietrzak at tackle. But the No. 1 draft pick is end Troy Archer, 6-4 and 255 via Colorado, and if he can play (the Giants do have a somewhat unsavory reputation with No. 1s) Gallagher could move inside and send Pietrzak to the bench.
Linebackers should be better. At least the battle for jobs should be fun. Incumbents are Brian Kelley in the middle, flanked by Pat Hughes and Brad Van Pelt. Bob Schmit (middle) and Andy Selfridge are holdovers, and here come the new people: Harry Carson, a No. 4 draft pick from South Carolina State, a marvelous specimen said to be unduly intolerant of offensive players; and Dan Lloyd, a No. 6 pick who broke all the strength-testing machinery at Washington.
The secondary might be better, as well. Cornerback Henry Stuckey played nicely for four games until he and some of his knee ligaments went in different directions. Bobby Brooks, with all the tools, is a third-year man who should now begin to understand his responsibilities. Clyde Powers has been the starter at strong safety since his rookie year, and he's now a third-year man with confidence. But he's good enough to switch to the weak side and if he does, Robert Giblin, a rookie in '75, will get a full shot at the strong-side job. If Giblin can't handle it, there is always senior citizen Spider Lockhart for the weak spot, or Jim Steinke, who is also the cornerback reserve.
The kicking is, well, iffy. Dave Jennings is a sound punter, but place kicker George Hunt isn't adequate. Yet there isn't much help on the horizon. Dave Lawson of the Air Force Academy is the only rookie on the roster, and there is some question whether he can commute from his military commitments to handle the kicking chores on a part-time basis."
-Dave Klein, Pro Football 1976
OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Morton, the clear-cut starter, will improve as the team does likewise. Carl Summerell could be ousted if David Jaynes, a former high Kansas City draft, can bounce back from a sore arm.
Performance Quotient: 3 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
Running Backs: The addition of Csonka improves the running game 100 per cent. Kotar will be Csonka's partner if Johnson signs somewhere else. Dawkins, normally a fullback, will be worked at halfback, too. Bell has the quickness and moves, and if the rookie shows that he has endurance and stamina as well, he could be a surprise starter. Marsh White has size, speed and potential.
Performance Quotient: 3
Receivers: Rhodes could be a superstar if he continues to progress. Gillette, resurrected two years ago, still doesn't like catching over the middle. Tucker is gifted even though he could use more speed. Buggs is Coach Arnsparger's sleeper; he has rangy size and blurry speed. Obradovich made it despite some physical shortcomings. Wright could help if he could recapture a proper attitude.
Performance Quotient: 3
Interior Linemen: Van Horn is a dependable veteran. Simpson, last year's top draft, has all the physical tools but disappointed. Hicks, who might see duty at tackle, looks awkward but gets the job done. Mullen, smoother, could be on his way to recognition. Hyland is in serious trouble this time around; he could lose his job.
Chandler, steady and reliable, may start somewhere. Hill is the blue-chipper, a WFL veteran who should start right now. Miller, another WFLer, was that league's top offensive lineman. Kroyer, yet a third WFL survivor, has an outside chance.
Performance Quotient: 3
Kickers: Hunt had an up-and-down season (mostly down) and could be pushed. Jennings was more than adequate as the punter.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Dave Klein, Pro Football 1976
DEFENSE
"Front Line: Gregory played back to the form of his best years; he's super when well. Gallagher came from the Rams and won a regular job. Mendenhall, when healthy and happy, approaches the top caliber of tackles. Pietrzak, the weak link of the starting unit, has size but not quickness.
Rick Dvorak has quickness but not enough bulk for continuous duty. He's tough, though. Archer, the No. 1 pick, should start and move Gallagher inside. '75 rookie George Martin played surprisingly well, but isn't a starter. John Jordan left school for the WFL; he could surprise.
Performance Quotient: 3
Linebackers: Van Pelt, improving slowly, has enormous physical tools and ability. Hughes, a regular since 1971, will face his annual challenge. Kelley has become an acceptable middle backer but could use more bulk.
Schmit lacks size but hits hard and is quick. Selfridge is on the verge of being cut each year but plays well when tested. Carson is the sleeper of the Giants' draft, with good size, speed and toughness. Lloyd fights to stay.
Performance Quotient: 3
Cornerbacks: Stuckey played well before getting hurt. Brooks has all the physical [tools], but gets lost.
Performance Quotient: 3
Safeties: Powers, a budding star, may find himself a regular on the weak side. Steinke is also the reserve cornerback. Giblin impressed as a rookie despite a rash of minor injuries. Lockhart, the team's senior, isn't ready for retirement. Mel Wilson is highly regarded, but it's hard to see whom he can push here.
Performance Quotient: 2"
-Dave Klein, Pro Football 1976
"Look out, New Jersey, here come the Giants. In 1976 the New York Giants, one of the great nomadic teams of recent NFL history, will settle into what figures to be their more-or-less permanent home on October 10 when the new Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands Sports Complex in northern New Jersey opens.
Once all of the furor is over and the new stadium is opened, the attention of Giant fans will undoubtedly focus on the newest star of the running backfield, Larry Csonka. The former Miami Dolphin great, who jumped to the WFL, signed with New York last spring. This may be the answer to their backfield problems, but perhaps not all of them.
Ron Johnson, long the standout in the running game, played out his option. But he actually finished third among the Giant rushers in 1975 anyway. The two top yardage-gainers, Joe Dawkins (438 yards) and Doug Kotar (378), are both back along with Larry Watkins and Marsh White.
The strengthening of the running game through the addition of Csonka will also help the passing game in two ways. First, of course, it will give better balance to the attack. Second, assuming that his time with the WFL and in enforced inactivity have not dulled his skills, Csonka is also a fine pass blocker. This fact alone will make Craig Morton a much happier man in 1976 than he was a year ago.
For the most part, the Giants are committed to Morton as their quarterback with Carl Summerell and David Jaynes in reserve.
The Giants lost three men to the expansion draft which brought Seattle and Tampa Bay into the league. Wide receiver Don Clune is one who might be missed. Clune, a second round choice from Pennsylvania, and kick return specialist Rondy Colbert were both picked off by the Seattle Seahawks. Tampa Bay selected Jimmy Ginn, a six-year linebacker whom the Giants had acquired from Chicago last season.
On the plus side, the Giants drafted defensive end Troy Archer from Colorado, running back Gordon Bell from Michigan, linebacker Harry Carson from South Carolina State, defensive back Melvin Wilson from Northridge State and linebacker Dan Lloyd from Washington as their top selectees among the college talent available. The choice of mostly defensive men was, of course, a willful move by Giant coach Bill Arnsparger, a former defensive coach.
All of the new faces will leave the Giants with a wide receiver corps which includes Walker Gillette, Ray Rhodes and Danny Buggs at the wide spots. Gillette, with 43 catches for 600 yards, was Morton's pet target last season, while Rhodes had 26 receptions for six touchdowns. Gillette is not gifted with great speed and Rhodes is considered too small as a wide receiver, but the Giants have nothing better and they are adequate. Among the tight ends, starter Bob Tucker is a pro and caught 43 aerials last season. His backup is Jim Obradovich.
On the interior of the offensive line, the Giants needed some help and got it. Doug Van Horn and Willie Young are being challenged. Third-year men Tom Mullen and John Hicks are respectable. [The Giants] also added an entire cadre of Memphis Southmen in guards Charlie Gray and Tom Kruyer, center Ralph Hill, tackle Mike Gibbons and tight end Garry Shirk. The WFL team also contributed linebacker Frank Marion, wide receiver Charlie Hobbs and cornerback Larry Mallory. The best new interior lineman may be Birmingham's Joe Miller.
On defense, Arnsparger will do his best to work in the new blood wherever they may fit. On the front four, it was Dave Gallagher, John Mendenhall and George Martin as regulars. Jack Gregory, Rick Dvorak and Jim Pietrzak will fight it out with the rookies for the fourth starting assignment. The only question among the first three is Mendenhall, who was injured most of 1975, and the Giants hope he stays healthy.
Pat Hughes, Brian Kelley and Brad Van Pelt were the starting linebackers last season and all three did creditable jobs. Van Pelt finally came into his own as a regular and all three can be expected to hold their spots.
On the corners, it was Bobby Brooks and Charlie Ford. Brooks had a good year with four interceptions but Ford got the job by default and can be expected to be replaced by a rookie if any show enough to win the job.
At safety, big questions must be answered. Spider Lockhart played out his option, Henry Stuckey had off-season surgery, and Clyde Powers and Jim Steinke are available but questionable. Rookies may also find jobs here.
Dave Jennings is a fine punter but George Hunt leaves a lot to be desired as a place kicker.
Overall, the Giants may not do better than fourth in the NFC East but they can be expected to be vastly improved and can close ground on the aging Redskins."
-Ben Thomas, Gridiron News 1976 Pro Yearbook
"HEAD COACH: BILL ARNSPARGER
After suffering through painfully dull and unsuccessful rebuilding seasons, loyal Giant fans view their impending move to their new stadium in Hackensack, New Jersey and the simultaneous arrival of former All-Pro fullback Larry Csonka as signifying a dawn of a new era for their favorite football team. Bill Arnsparger, who has lost 21 of 28 games during his tenure, believes his reconstructed Giants are finally ready for a winning season.
OFFENSE
The addition of Csonka (6'3"/240) should put punch in an offense that registered a mere 216 points last year. The bone-crushing fullback will keep the defenses honest with his inside power running as well as providing some badly needed pass-blocking strength. Marsh White and Larry Watkins will back up Csonka. Doug Kotar, Joe Dawkins and little Gordon Bell of Michigan, a fast and deceptively durable type, could split time at the halfback position.
Poor protection (49 sacks) and a weak ground attack handcuffed Craig Morton last season, accounting for his unimpressive 51 percent completion mark and 16 interceptions. Morton seemed ill at ease in the over-simplified New York offense which posed little problem to enemy defenders. Carl Summerell, Mike Wells and Matthew Reed will battle for the reserve role.
Walker Gillette, Ray Rhodes, Elmo Wright and Danny Buggs comprise a mediocre set of flankers. WFLer Charles Hobbs could break into the picture on the outside. Veteran Bob Tucker is a proven performer at tight end but must fend off the challenge of rugged Jim Obradovich.
Arnsparger signed a host of former WFL players for help in his notably ineffectual offensive line. Joe Miller (Birmingham) and Mike Gibbons (Memphis) could press incumbent tackles Doug Van Horn and Al Simpson for starting assignments. The guard positions are strong with John Hicks and Tom Mullen considered among the better young blockers in the conference; WFLers Charlie Bray and Tom Kryer may win reserve roles. Bob Hyland and Karl Chandler share the center slot.
Dave Jennings was impressive with a fine 40.9 average on his 76 punt attempts last season but place kicker George Hunt left a great deal to be desired in missing five extra points and five of 11 field goal kicks.
DEFENSE
Arnsparger, who received his Masters degree in defense at Miami under Don Shula, has made slow but sure progress in building a cohesive defensive unit in New York. The secondary, a long-time Giant weakness, should be more stable with vastly improved Bobby Brooks and quick Henry Stuckey at the corners, plus steady Clyde Powers and talented Jim Steinke at the safety posts. Robert Giblin, Charlie Ford and rookie Mel Wilson of Northridge (California) may push veteran Spider Lockhart off the roster.
Brad Van Pelt (6'5"/240) has fulfilled his great physical potential and is secure at the right linebacker position. Brian Kelley has the inside track for the middle slot as does veteran Pat Hughes on the strong side but both face a lot of competition. Harry Carson (6'2"/220) and Dan Lloyd (6'2"/225) of Washington are well-regarded rookie candidates. John Tate and Bob Schmit are also on hand to argue the issue.
Jack Gregory, who accounted for 16 of New York's 26 sacks last year, and aggressive Dave Gallagher have been the regular ends with hustling John Mendenhall and big Jim Pietrzak the tackles. End George Martin and tackle Rick Dvorak have been the key reserves. The picture may change, however, due to the arrival of All-American end Troy Archer (6'4"/240) of Colorado and top-rated tackle John Jordan (6'4"/240) of Indiana. Archer, an exceptionally fast and reckless hitter, appears much too good to be kept on the bench even as a rookie.
FORECAST
The New York Giants cannot as yet be considered a serious contender for divisional honors but are unquestionably on the upgrade. Csonka, plus the improved defense, should make them a more competitive and, hopefully, a more interesting football team during the upcoming campaign. Bill Arnsparger may achieve his goal, a winning season, but [we believe] a 4-10 or 5-9 record is much more probable."
-Complete Sports Pro Football Special 1976, published by Complete Sports Publications, Inc.
"The dramatic acquisition of all-time great Larry Csonka has generated a new interest and excitement among New York fans who have suffered through two painfully dull rebuilding seasons. The Giants, who come off a ho-hum 5-9 year, move to a new stadium in Hackensack, New Jersey and hope the transition signifies the dawning of a new era and a return to respectability.
Csonka (6'3"/240) is a true battering ram at fullback and should inject some punch in a ground game that ranked among the weakest in the NFL. He'll unquestionably be the foundation of the attack as he was in Miami, getting the tough first downs and keeping rival defenses honest. Larry Watkins and promising Marsh White will compete for backup honors. Gordon Bell (5'8"/175) of Michigan is a quick and deceptively strong cutback artist at halfback where he will challenge steady Doug Kotar and possible Joe Dawkins.
Poor pass protection (49 sacks) and an oversimplified approach to offense seemed to handcuff Craig Morton, a normally effective point producer and play-mixer. The 12-year veteran hopes the addition of Csonka will allow him to improve sharply on his 51 percent completion mark and 16 interceptions of last season. Carl Summerell, Mike Wells and WFLer Matthew Reed are candidates for the relief role.
Little Ray Rhodes distinguished himself as a legitimate deep threat flanker with six touchdown catches on fly patterns while Walker Gillette pulled in 43 passes of the drive-sustaining type. WFLer Charles Hobbs and Elmo Wright join Danny Buggs, fastest Giant ever, to complete the quartet of wide men. Rugged Jim Obradovich may give veteran Bob Tucker a real battle for starting honors at tight end this season: both are solid blockers and excellent receivers.
Arnsparger looked to the defunct WFL for needed help in his notably ineffectual offensive line. The major problem is at the tackle positions where Doug Van Horn (6'3"/245) and Al Simpson (6'5"/255) have had their problems. The Giants feel Joe Miller (6'5"/255), who starred for Birmingham, and Mike Gibbons (6'4"/260), from Memphis, will prove of NFL calibre. The guard positions are strong with John Hicks (6'2"/260) and Tom Mullen (6'3"/245) firmly entrenched as starters; Charlie Bray (6'1"/255), a quick mover, and Tom Kruyer (6'2"/255) also come over from the WFL for reserve duty. Bob Hyland (6'5"/255) and Karl Chandler (6'5"/250) will share the center spot.
Dave Jennings posted a noteworthy 40.9 record on 76 punts but place kicker George Hunt missed five extra points and five of 11 field goals. The explosive Bell will join Tim Berra, Kotar and Buggs on punt and kickoff runback teams.
The Giants had the worst record in the league against the run, yielding 4.4 yards per rush. A major contributing factor was the limited play of tackle John Mendenhall (6'1"/255), by far the best player on the team, who was plagued with injuries in '75. A healthy and happy Mendenhall will shore up the defense as he teams in the middle with big Jim Pietrzak (6'5"/265) or quick Rick Dvorak (6'5"/265). Aggressive Dave Gallagher (6'4"/255) and sack artist Jack Gregory (6'5"/255) are the incumbents at end, with promising George Martin (6'4"/245) in reserve. A shuffling of personnel may take place due to the arrival of All-American end Troy Archer (6'4"/240) of Colorado, a fast and reckless headhunting type, plus tackle John Jordon (6'4"/255) of Indiana.
Brad Van Pelt (6'5"/240) has come into his own at the right linebacker post and is secure in his position. Brian Kelley patrols the middle in competent fashion while Pat Hughes may have to hustle to keep his strong-side job this season. Rookie Harry Carson (6'2"/220) of South Carolina State and young hit-man John Tate could apply pressure in preseason play. Dan Lloyd (6'2"/225) of Washington also tries to crack the reserve unit which includes Andy Selfridge and Bob Schmit.
Giant fans hope for some stability in the secondary now that Arnsparger has finally settled on a starting unit. Bobby Brooks and Henry Stuckey loom as best bets for the corners with Charlie Ford as the backup. Clyde Powers has a lock on the strong safety position and talented Jim Steinke may be hard to displace at free safety. Robert Giblin and rookie Mel Wilson of Cal-Northridge should also see action at the deep posts. Spider Lockhart, long-time local hero, appears destined to be playing elsewhere in '76.
New York appears to making progress, however slowly, in regaining some measure of bygone glory but cannot yet be considered any threat to the established divisional leaders. Csonka, plus the improved defense, should make the Giants more competitive and, hopefully, more interesting to watch. The unimaginative offense, worsened by confused huddles and sideline hesitancy, is the drawback. A fast getaway could make all the difference in the world.
Forecast: 4th Place"
-Football Forecast 1976, published by Lexington Library, Inc.
"It's now up to Larry Csonka to prevent another Giant disaster. The big fullback from the Miami Dolphins by way of the WFL Memphis Southmen said it succinctly: 'If the Giant situation turns around, I may get credit for it.'
That credit will have to be shared with quarterback Craig Morton who, like coach Bill Arnsparger, is on trial. Arns is in his third year. He had carefully weeded out the old Giants and has gone with youth- cornerback Bobby Brooks is an example of a promising player who burned the Giants for most of his two seasons, but who was coming along at the end of 1975.
Morton must make the attack less prone to error. Csonka isn't fumble-prone the way the 1975 backfield (with emphasis on Ron Johnson, Joe Dawkins, Larry Watkins and Doug Kotar) was.
Coming to the Giants with Csonka are the premier members of the Memphis offensive line that cleared the way for his rushing forays during the short-lived WFL season last year. These include guard Charlie Bray, described as one of the best pulling guards in the sport; guard Tom Kruyer; center Ralph Hill; tight end Gary Shrirk; linebacker Frank Mallory; and Mike Gibbons, a backup tackle. Still another WFL offensive lineman was signed, this one from Birmingham- Joe Miller, six-five, 255 pounds, rated by some as one the WFL's best. These additions are expected to automatically shore up the Giant's offensive line, one of the club's weaker points. The newcomers may not budge Tom Mullen or John Hicks, but they might replace Doug Van Horn, Karl Chandler, Bob Hyland and Willie Young.
The Giants' front office stole a march on the rest of the NFL with its Memphis acquisitions. And Troy Archer may help add sock up front on defense. On paper, the Giants' rush line should perform better than it did. John Mendenhall was hurt in the first quarter of the first game of 1975, tried to play on a bad ankle for half the year, and wound up bitter at management. He wanted to be traded, but the acquisition of Csonka and the Southmen may change his thinking.
The brass had to make a move. The Giants are set to end their long odyssey and move into their new home in the New Jersey Meadowlands. Or will they play part of the season in the newly refurbished Yankee Stadium? Either way, they're in a desperate battle for fan approval. They've just about worn out their credibility. To help them sell in New Jersey, even the 'NY' has been removed from their blue-and-white helmets.
Arnsparger is a testy man, neither liked nor disliked by the press. He isn't too smooth with the media and isn't that well liked by his players, either. His open feud with running back Ron Johnson hurt everyone concerned. Johnson wants to be traded, but the value of the former 1,000-yarder is now nil. Arns says he can come back, but he will want to back up Csonka?
Technically, the Arnsparger defense didn't do too do badly in 1975 until they finally gave up in December. Still, 14th against the pass and 23rd against the rush isn't the answer.
Critics claim that Arnsparger's offense lacks imagination. McVay may be put in charge of putting some high octane in the attack. Meanwhile, Arns claims, 'Csonka will automatically make Morton a better quarterback. The attack will be two-dimensional this way, with a good running threat.'
The Giants didn't go to premier tight end Bob Tucker enough last year. Wide receiver Charlie Hobbs, another Southman, can give Walker Gillette some competition as Morton's favorite receiver. Elmo Wright may do the same.
The Giants have made big strides, but now they must put in together. The WFL players may have some cohesion from their experience together, and this will help. If the holes can be opened for Csonka, Morton has a chance.
The defensive front line has to be better. A comeback by Jack Gregory would help immensely. Gregory and Mendenhall could lead the charge and make the defense really respectable.
Management has spent made the money and made the moves. Now it's up to Morton and Arnsparger. If mid-season finds the Giants wallowing, look for the coach to walk the plank. It may all come down to Morton, who has never proved he can win, even when he had the horses with the Cowboys. (He came close, but he didn't win.)
Morton may have to look to wide receiver Elmo (The Jitterbug) Wright, the noted hot dog from Kansas City. The staid Giants need some color, and Wright will provide it if he makes the team.
The Giants are fervently hoping the long projected move to their new Stadium in New Jersey actually takes place. They were a road team for a year and a half in New Haven, and then were an unwanted fourth team in Shea Stadium last year. A continuation of the same between Yankee Stadium and the new ball park won't make the players happy, and it could cost a couple of games."
-Norman MacLean and Herbert M. Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1976
OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Morton is still a loser, but he's the Giants' best passer. Carl Summerell is young and has promise but is only a mop-up at present. Morton has to get the attack moving, take the ball in when he gets opportunities, and cut out the constant fumbleitis.
David Jaynes is a former Kansas All-America who was chosen by Kansas City in the third round of the 1974 draft. He spent the 1975 season in the WFL.
Running Backs: Larry Csonka! Giants say, clear the track! Johnson has played out his option, is openly feuding with Coach Arnsparger and wants to be traded. The Giants should take him up on that- he gained only 351 yards in 1975, behind Dawkins' 438 and Kotar's 378. Both Dawkins and Kotar are error-prone.
Watkins and Marsh White are also on the scene; Watkins is the most able. In addition to playing football, John Thomas was a track man at Valley City State in North Dakota. Gordon Bell was All-America at Michigan.
Receivers: Gillette tops the units- he snagged 43 catches for 600 yards in 1975. Tight end Tucker, who wasn't used as much as he should have been, caught 34 but scored only once. Rhodes proved his value as a regular, but he's too small and plays without shoulder pads. Still, the Giants have none better. Danny Buggs will challenge the wide spots while Jim Obradovich challenges at tight end.
Hobbs and Gary Shirk arrived on the scene with the Memphis delegation. When Wright scores a touchdown, he will jitterbug in the end zone for the Giants this year. Tim Berra, Yogi's son, will also try his hand at running back kicks. At Clemson, Craig Brantley didn't catch a lot of passes but when he did, it usually meant a touchdown.
Interior Linemen: Van Horn and Young are still standing upright despite the horrors of the last two years. Mullen and Hicks, both from the 1974 draft, are solid starters but Al Simpson disappointed last year when he was penciled in to take over for Young. Hyland is the center; Chandler is a sub for the whole line.
Help has arrived from the WFL (Memphis) with linemen Gibbons, Kruyer, Bray and Hill. Bray was All-Canada for three years with Toronto. Kruyer also played north of the border. Joe Miller is from Birmingham of the WFL; Ralph Miller adds heft to the line.
Kickers: David Jennings did well as punter in 1975, with several coffin corner kicks and a touch-the-sky type of punt at times. He averaged 40.9. George Hunt, who punted short a couple of times when the situation called for it, was something less than a ring-tailed wow on place kicks- his extra points got blocked with regularity. It might have been the line, or it might have been slowness in getting kicks off."
-Norman MacLean and Herbert M. Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1976
DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: The rush line needs some new blood. Dave Gallagher and Mendenhall, injured most of the year, and second-year man George Martin appear set, with the other spot open to either Rick Dvorak or Jim Pietrzak. Gregory bounced back a bit last year, and with help can be a leader. Troy Archer was a surprise first round draft choice.
Bonnie Sloan was last active with St. Louis in 1974. As a college player, Eddie Morgan led his team in tackles, quarterback sacks and fumble recoveries. John Jordan is a member of the Memphis delegation on the Giants' squad; at six-six, Raymond Carr is the tallest man on the team.
Linebackers: Pat Hughes, Brian Kelley and Brad Van Pelt aren't very familiar names, but these men did fairly well in 1975, and Van Pelt finally nailed down a regular spot.
Andy Selfridge and Bob Schmit are the backups. Frank Marion was a WFLer with Memphis. Jerry Mullane was defensive captain at Lehigh and was noted for his spirited leadership. Harry Carson played four seasons of football in college and never missed a game; Dan Lloyd was, among other things, a college wrestling champion.
Cornerbacks: Brooks had a pretty fair year in 1974. He's another player who came out of that good 1974 draft. He led with four interceptions last year. Charlie Ford finished as the other starter, but he isn't the answer. Henry Stuckey could help, but he's coming off surgery.
Mel Wilson won college honors on the West Coast as both a linebacker and a safety. Steve Curnutte was chosen in the 17th round of the draft, but the Giants have been lucky with their 17th round choices. Bill Bryant is a product of Eddie Robinson's Grambling ramblers; Rick Caswell has 4.5 speed in the 40.
Safeties: Clyde Powers was less than that in 1975. Jim Steinke is once more listed as a free safety- he played most of 1975 out of position at cornerback.
Mallory, up from Memphis, could solve some problems, and maybe Mike Townsend can bring some of the luck of the Irish to the Jersey Meadowlands. And, oh yes, Spider Lockhart is still on the roster for the time being."
-Norman MacLean and Herbert M. Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1976
"Moving to their new stadium across the Hudson River in New Jersey, the Giants talk with swelling chests of their improvement under coach Bill Arnsparger. In his first season, 1974, they were 2-12; in 1975 they ratcheted upward three notches. The club was made up mostly of first and second-year players, their average age only 25. The mistakes of youth cost the Giants five games. 'It could have been a 10-4 season,' the Giants claim, but could-have-beens won't get you into the Super Bowl. The Giants have added the super Larry Csonka, but they face a rugged schedule: half of their games are against 1975 playoff teams.
OFFENSE: The Giants ranked only 22nd in offense- 24th in rushing, 17th in passing. Needed badly was a running back of the ramrod calibre of Csonka. The team's top rusher, Joe Dawkins, gained only 438 yards. Dawkins, Doug Kotar, Marsh White or rookie Gordon Bell (Michigan) will flank Csonka at running back.
The quarterback is Craig Morton, who had to throw too often to be effective (he was eighth in the conference). There is no quality backup quarterback- and Craig is 33 years old. The wide receivers will be Walker Gillette, the Giants' top pass catcher last season, and Ray Rhodes. Former All-Pro Bob Tucker holds fast at tight end. Again there is little proven stuff in reserve.
On the offensive line, Bob Hyland is the center. John Hicks and Tom Mullen- they made the All-NFL Rookie team [in 1974]- are the guards. Doug Van Horn and Al Simpson hold down the tackle slots. Four starters from Csonka's WFL Memphis team will try to win jobs on this line.
DEFENSE: With tackle John Mendenhall limping most of the year on aching ankles, the Giants came apart up front. They were 21st of 26 in total defense- 23rd against the rush and 14th against the pass. The Giants' No. 1 draft pick was a defensive end, Troy Archer (Colorado), but George Martin will get first shot at left end with Jack Gregory (16 sacks) on the right side. The tackles will be Mendenhall and Dave Gallagher with Jim Pietrzak and Rick Dvorak fighting to break in.
Linebacking seems less fluid. Brian Kelley is in the middle with Pat Hughes and Brad Van Pelt on the outside. No. 3 draft pick Harry Carson (South Carolina State) could work his way into a spot.
Bobby Brooks and Henry Stuckey will be at the corners, Clyde Powers or Bob Giblin at strong safety with Jim Steinke at free safety replacing the retired Spider Lockhart.
SPECIALISTS: Field goal kicker George Hunt (6 of 11) leaves something to be desired; punter Dave Jennings is barely adequate. There are no streaky kick return types.
THE CRYSTAL BALL SAYS: The Giants will move west- to New Jersey- but no more than one step north in the NFC East."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1976
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
1975 New York Giants Preseason Depth Charts
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
Craig Morton (California)
Carl Summerell (East Carolina)
Running Backs
Ron Johnson (Michigan)
Joe Dawkins (Wisconsin)
Doug Kotar (Kentucky)
Steve Crosby (Fort Hays College)
Leon McQuay (Tampa)
Mickey Zofko (Auburn)
Larry Watkins (Alcorn A & M)
Receivers
Walker Gillette (W) (Richmond)
Bob Grim (W) (Oregon State)
Bob Tucker (T) (Bloomsburg)
Don Herrmann (W) (Waynesburg)
Danny Buggs (W) (West Virginia)*
Jim Obradovich (T) (USC)*
(W)-Wide Receiver (T)-Tight End
Interior Linemen
Doug Van Horn (T) Ohio State)
Al Simpson (T) (Colorado State)*
John Hicks (G) (Ohio State)
Tom Mullen (G) (Southwest Missouri State)
Bob Hyland (C) (Boston College)
Willie Young (T) (Grambling)
John Hill (T) (Lehigh)
Dick Enderle (G) (Minnesota)
Karl Chandler (C) (Princeton)
(T)-Tackle (G)- Guard (C)-Center
Kickers
Pete Gogolak (PK) (Cornell)
Dave Jennings (P) (St. Lawrence)
Jeff White (PK) (Texas-El Paso)
(PK)-Place Kicker (P)-Punter
DEFENSE
Front Linemen
Roy Hilton (E) (Jackson State)
Jack Gregory (E) (Delta State)
John Mendenhall (T) (Grambling)
Jim Pietrzak (T) (Eastern Michigan)
Gary Pettigrew (E-T) (Stanford)
George Hassenohrl (T) (Ohio State)
(E)-End (T)-Tackle
Linebackers
Pat Hughes (O) (Boston University)
Brad Van Pelt (O) (Michigan State)
Brian Kelley (M) (California Lutheran)
Ron Hornsby (M) (Southeast Louisiana)
Rick Dvorak (O) (Wichita State)
Andy Selfridge (O) (Virginia)
Bob Schmit (M) (Nebraska)*
John Tate (O) (Jackson State)*
(O)-Outside Linebacker (M)-Middle Linebacker
Cornerbacks
Pete Athas (Tennessee)
Henry Stuckey (Missouri)
Jim Steinke (Southwest Texas State)
Bobby Brooks (Bishop)
Safeties
Clyde Powers (S) (Oklahoma)
Spider Lockhart (W) (North Texas State)
Robert Giblin (W-S) (Houston)
(S)-Strong Side (W)-Weak Side or 'Free' Safety
* Rookie
-Pro Football 1975 published by Cord Communications Corporation
OFFENSE
QB - Craig Morton, Jim Del Gaizo, Carl Summerell
RB - Ron Johnson, Doug Kotar, Leon McQuay, Jim O'Connor
RB - Joe Dawkins, Steve Crosby, Mickey Zofko, Marsh White
WR - Walker Gillette, Don Herrmann, Don Clune, Mike Mahoney
LT - Willie Young, Al Simpson
LG - Tom Mullen, Bill Osterman
C - Bob Hyland, Karl Chandler
RG - John Hicks, Dick Enderle, Paul Fersen
RT - Doug Van Horn, John Hill
TE - Bob Tucker, Chip Glass, Jim Obradovich
WR - Bob Grim, Ray Rhodes, Danny Buggs
DEFENSE
LDE - Roy Hilton, Gary Pettigrew, Jim Micklos
LDT - Jim Peterzak, Larry Jacobson, Carl Wafer
RDT - John Mendenhall, George Hasenohrl
RDE - Jack Gregory, Henry Reed, George Martin
LLB - Pat Hughes, Rick Dvorak, John Tate
MLB - Brian Kelley, Ron Hornsby, Bob Schmit
RLB - Brad Van Pelt, Andy Selfridge, Skip Singletary
LCB - Pete Athas, Bobby Brooks
SS - Clyde Powers, Honor Jackson, Chuck Crist
FS - Spider Lockhart, Robert Giblin, Rondy Colbert
RCB - Jim Steinke, Eldridge Small, Henry Stuckey
SPECIALISTS
P - Dave Jennings, Steve Crosby, Ricky Townsend, Jeff White
K - Pete Gogolak, Ricky Townsend, Jeff White
-Gridiron News 1975 Pro Yearbook
1975 NEW YORK GIANTS FREE AGENTS
"Quarterbacks - A 17th round draft choice of the Chicago Bears in 1974, 6-3 200-pound CRAIG HOLLAND once played for assistant coach John Symank while at Northern Arizona. Holland finished up at Arizona State and once threw four touchdown passes in a single quarter.
From Jersey City State comes JOE 'TORPEDO JOE' DIVINCENZO who holds 14 college passing records, including a three-year completion percentage of 63.8. Joe hails from Newark and once completed 33 passes in one game for 414 yards against Montclair State.
And the biggest of the free agent quarterback hopefuls is 6-3 220-pound MARK NORDEEN from Valley City State, a strong-armed thrower who was also a crunching runner on options."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
"Running Backs - An 11th round pick of the Denver Broncos in 1974, STEVE BUCHANAN is a 6-3 225-pounder from Holy Cross who is a local Westchester product, hailing from White Plains.
And from New Haven comes PALMER GAINES, 6-1 210-pounder who had a brief try with the Washington Redskins in 1974. Gaines did his collegiate playing at Delaware State.
From Union City, New Jersey and Jersey City State, 6-1 200-pound BRUCE NASZIMENTO was the college division leading scorer in the country in 1973 when he amassed 150 Points! Bruce scored 25 touchdowns that season, 14 rushing and 11 receiving, rushed for 734 yards, caught 65 passes for another 786 yards and was twice All-Conference.
Another MVP and holder of numerous college rushing records is 5-10 210-pound DAN RAMBO from Carroll College in Montana. Rambo was three times his team's MVP and holds all of his college's rushing records. He once had 262 yards rushing on 38 carries in one game against Rocky Mountain College.
From West Chester State comes 5-11 195-pound GUY VAN ALSTYNE who won a Maxwell Club award when he carried 18 times for 205 yards in one game. He was a club MVP and ECAC choice."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
"Receivers - A 14th round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 1974, swift ANANIAS CARSON is a 5-11 170-pounder from Langston University who doubled as a sprinter in college.
From Kentucky, where he was a teammate of Doug Kotar, comes 6-1 190-pound MIKE FANUZZI, a New Jersey product who was a quarterback at Kentucky but who will get a try at wide receiver here.
And another speed merchant is 5-7 170-pound CHARLIE FRANKLIN from Angelo State College who was a 1,000-yard rusher as a running back in his senior year and led his conference in punt and kickoff returns.
A native of Harrison, New York, BOB MINCARELLI, 6-1 185-pounder, played his college ball at the University of Ottawa in Canada and was an All-League both ways- as a wide receiver and as a cornerback.
From South Carolina State comes AL 'THE SNAKE' WARDELL, a 6-1 185-pound speed merchant who was a four-year letterman in college and once caught three touchdown passes against Bethune-Cookman in one game."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
"Linemen - From Los Angeles by way of South Utah State where he won four varsity letters comes 6-4 255-pound offensive tackle FRANK LARUSSO who for three seasons won All-NAIA District 7 honors as an OT.
A second-year finisher in the national wrist-wrestling tournament is 6-3 248-pound GEORGE LUDWIGSEN from Brooklyn, a candidate for defensive tackle who did not play college ball. George could be he strongest man in camp- he's bench-pressed 505 pounds and leg-pressed 1,020 pounds.
The No. 6 draft choice of the San Francisco 49ers in 1974, MIKE RAINES is a 6-6 250-pounder who played his college ball at Alabama.
And 6-3 250-pound CARLTON BUCHANAN hails from Southwest Oklahoma State and was the 17th pick of the Cleveland Browns in '74.
An Ivy Leaguer giving it a go is defensive tackle DIRK WHITEHEAD, a 6-2 245-pounder who played his football at Penn.
And also getting a look will be several other players who were in other training camps in 1974: offensive tackle SID BOND, 6-4 270-pounder from TCU, was the Eagles' 15th pick last year; 6-5 225-pound offensive tackle KELLY CURBOW was with the Chiefs; 6-5 265-pound offensive tackle Bill Hedge was the 17th pick of the Oilers; and 6-4 255-pound offensive tackle BILL OSTERMAN was with the 49ers."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
"Linebackers - From Fordham University comes MIKE AJELLO, a 6-5 225-pounder who hails from Brooklyn and was captain of the Rams in his senior year.
And from Oklahoma State, where he, too, was the team captain, is 6-3 200-pound JESS HUDSON.
Also getting a try at linebacker is JOSE LOPEZ, a 6-1 230-pounder from Mexico City who twice was his team's MVP in Mexico City- and had his own TV sports show.
And from Lincolndale, New York by way of Central Connecticut State is BOB MILLER, 6-4 230-pounder who won three letters while playing there.
From Chicago and St. Thomas College, 6-0 225-pound KEVIN O'BRIEN was three times an All-Conference choice and team MVP in 1973.
A teammate of Bobby Brooks while at Bishop College in Texas, 6-4 225-pound RONNIE PETIT had the linebacker dream come true in his senior season, intercepting a pass and running it back 99 yards for the touchdown that won the game 29-28 in the last two minutes of play.
Another local product is JIM SANTA, a 6-0 220-pounder from Rye, New York and the University of Maryland. Jim played in both the Peach Bowl and Liberty Bowl while a Terp.
And from the Portland Storm of the WFL comes BOB SCHMIT, a 6-1 220-pounder from Nebraska who was rated one of the top middle linebackers in that circuit in 1974.
From Ohio State, IVY KOEGEL, a 6-1 225-pounder, was the No. 12 draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 1974 after being a teammate of John Hicks."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
"Defensive Backs - Two candidates at this position are also from previous tryouts in the NFL: TERRY BROWN, 6-2 205-pounder from Kansas State was in the Pittsburgh Steelers' camp last year, while RON SIMMONS, 5-11 187-pounder who played at Minnesota at Morris, was with the Atlanta Falcons.
From Miami of Ohio, 5-11 190-pound JOHN MCVAY was All-Mid-American Conference last year and honorable mention All-American. He had two interceptions in the 1973 Tangerine Bowl against Florida."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
"Kickers - Among the kickers challenging for a position are JOSE GUZMAN, a 6-0 190-pounder from Mexico City who had a try with the San Francisco 49ers a year ago; ED STRICKLAND from Hempstead, a 6-0 200-pounder from Southern Mississippi; and CHUCK SMELTZ, 5-10 220-pounder from Susquehanna who once kicked 75 consecutive extra points."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Quarterbacks
Craig Morton (California)
Carl Summerell (East Carolina)
Running Backs
Ron Johnson (Michigan)
Joe Dawkins (Wisconsin)
Doug Kotar (Kentucky)
Steve Crosby (Fort Hays College)
Leon McQuay (Tampa)
Mickey Zofko (Auburn)
Larry Watkins (Alcorn A & M)
Receivers
Walker Gillette (W) (Richmond)
Bob Grim (W) (Oregon State)
Bob Tucker (T) (Bloomsburg)
Don Herrmann (W) (Waynesburg)
Danny Buggs (W) (West Virginia)*
Jim Obradovich (T) (USC)*
(W)-Wide Receiver (T)-Tight End
Interior Linemen
Doug Van Horn (T) Ohio State)
Al Simpson (T) (Colorado State)*
John Hicks (G) (Ohio State)
Tom Mullen (G) (Southwest Missouri State)
Bob Hyland (C) (Boston College)
Willie Young (T) (Grambling)
John Hill (T) (Lehigh)
Dick Enderle (G) (Minnesota)
Karl Chandler (C) (Princeton)
(T)-Tackle (G)- Guard (C)-Center
Kickers
Pete Gogolak (PK) (Cornell)
Dave Jennings (P) (St. Lawrence)
Jeff White (PK) (Texas-El Paso)
(PK)-Place Kicker (P)-Punter
DEFENSE
Front Linemen
Roy Hilton (E) (Jackson State)
Jack Gregory (E) (Delta State)
John Mendenhall (T) (Grambling)
Jim Pietrzak (T) (Eastern Michigan)
Gary Pettigrew (E-T) (Stanford)
George Hassenohrl (T) (Ohio State)
(E)-End (T)-Tackle
Linebackers
Pat Hughes (O) (Boston University)
Brad Van Pelt (O) (Michigan State)
Brian Kelley (M) (California Lutheran)
Ron Hornsby (M) (Southeast Louisiana)
Rick Dvorak (O) (Wichita State)
Andy Selfridge (O) (Virginia)
Bob Schmit (M) (Nebraska)*
John Tate (O) (Jackson State)*
(O)-Outside Linebacker (M)-Middle Linebacker
Cornerbacks
Pete Athas (Tennessee)
Henry Stuckey (Missouri)
Jim Steinke (Southwest Texas State)
Bobby Brooks (Bishop)
Safeties
Clyde Powers (S) (Oklahoma)
Spider Lockhart (W) (North Texas State)
Robert Giblin (W-S) (Houston)
(S)-Strong Side (W)-Weak Side or 'Free' Safety
* Rookie
-Pro Football 1975 published by Cord Communications Corporation
OFFENSE
QB - Craig Morton, Jim Del Gaizo, Carl Summerell
RB - Ron Johnson, Doug Kotar, Leon McQuay, Jim O'Connor
RB - Joe Dawkins, Steve Crosby, Mickey Zofko, Marsh White
WR - Walker Gillette, Don Herrmann, Don Clune, Mike Mahoney
LT - Willie Young, Al Simpson
LG - Tom Mullen, Bill Osterman
C - Bob Hyland, Karl Chandler
RG - John Hicks, Dick Enderle, Paul Fersen
RT - Doug Van Horn, John Hill
TE - Bob Tucker, Chip Glass, Jim Obradovich
WR - Bob Grim, Ray Rhodes, Danny Buggs
DEFENSE
LDE - Roy Hilton, Gary Pettigrew, Jim Micklos
LDT - Jim Peterzak, Larry Jacobson, Carl Wafer
RDT - John Mendenhall, George Hasenohrl
RDE - Jack Gregory, Henry Reed, George Martin
LLB - Pat Hughes, Rick Dvorak, John Tate
MLB - Brian Kelley, Ron Hornsby, Bob Schmit
RLB - Brad Van Pelt, Andy Selfridge, Skip Singletary
LCB - Pete Athas, Bobby Brooks
SS - Clyde Powers, Honor Jackson, Chuck Crist
FS - Spider Lockhart, Robert Giblin, Rondy Colbert
RCB - Jim Steinke, Eldridge Small, Henry Stuckey
SPECIALISTS
P - Dave Jennings, Steve Crosby, Ricky Townsend, Jeff White
K - Pete Gogolak, Ricky Townsend, Jeff White
-Gridiron News 1975 Pro Yearbook
1975 NEW YORK GIANTS FREE AGENTS
"Quarterbacks - A 17th round draft choice of the Chicago Bears in 1974, 6-3 200-pound CRAIG HOLLAND once played for assistant coach John Symank while at Northern Arizona. Holland finished up at Arizona State and once threw four touchdown passes in a single quarter.
From Jersey City State comes JOE 'TORPEDO JOE' DIVINCENZO who holds 14 college passing records, including a three-year completion percentage of 63.8. Joe hails from Newark and once completed 33 passes in one game for 414 yards against Montclair State.
And the biggest of the free agent quarterback hopefuls is 6-3 220-pound MARK NORDEEN from Valley City State, a strong-armed thrower who was also a crunching runner on options."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
"Running Backs - An 11th round pick of the Denver Broncos in 1974, STEVE BUCHANAN is a 6-3 225-pounder from Holy Cross who is a local Westchester product, hailing from White Plains.
And from New Haven comes PALMER GAINES, 6-1 210-pounder who had a brief try with the Washington Redskins in 1974. Gaines did his collegiate playing at Delaware State.
From Union City, New Jersey and Jersey City State, 6-1 200-pound BRUCE NASZIMENTO was the college division leading scorer in the country in 1973 when he amassed 150 Points! Bruce scored 25 touchdowns that season, 14 rushing and 11 receiving, rushed for 734 yards, caught 65 passes for another 786 yards and was twice All-Conference.
Another MVP and holder of numerous college rushing records is 5-10 210-pound DAN RAMBO from Carroll College in Montana. Rambo was three times his team's MVP and holds all of his college's rushing records. He once had 262 yards rushing on 38 carries in one game against Rocky Mountain College.
From West Chester State comes 5-11 195-pound GUY VAN ALSTYNE who won a Maxwell Club award when he carried 18 times for 205 yards in one game. He was a club MVP and ECAC choice."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
"Receivers - A 14th round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 1974, swift ANANIAS CARSON is a 5-11 170-pounder from Langston University who doubled as a sprinter in college.
From Kentucky, where he was a teammate of Doug Kotar, comes 6-1 190-pound MIKE FANUZZI, a New Jersey product who was a quarterback at Kentucky but who will get a try at wide receiver here.
And another speed merchant is 5-7 170-pound CHARLIE FRANKLIN from Angelo State College who was a 1,000-yard rusher as a running back in his senior year and led his conference in punt and kickoff returns.
A native of Harrison, New York, BOB MINCARELLI, 6-1 185-pounder, played his college ball at the University of Ottawa in Canada and was an All-League both ways- as a wide receiver and as a cornerback.
From South Carolina State comes AL 'THE SNAKE' WARDELL, a 6-1 185-pound speed merchant who was a four-year letterman in college and once caught three touchdown passes against Bethune-Cookman in one game."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
"Linemen - From Los Angeles by way of South Utah State where he won four varsity letters comes 6-4 255-pound offensive tackle FRANK LARUSSO who for three seasons won All-NAIA District 7 honors as an OT.
A second-year finisher in the national wrist-wrestling tournament is 6-3 248-pound GEORGE LUDWIGSEN from Brooklyn, a candidate for defensive tackle who did not play college ball. George could be he strongest man in camp- he's bench-pressed 505 pounds and leg-pressed 1,020 pounds.
The No. 6 draft choice of the San Francisco 49ers in 1974, MIKE RAINES is a 6-6 250-pounder who played his college ball at Alabama.
And 6-3 250-pound CARLTON BUCHANAN hails from Southwest Oklahoma State and was the 17th pick of the Cleveland Browns in '74.
An Ivy Leaguer giving it a go is defensive tackle DIRK WHITEHEAD, a 6-2 245-pounder who played his football at Penn.
And also getting a look will be several other players who were in other training camps in 1974: offensive tackle SID BOND, 6-4 270-pounder from TCU, was the Eagles' 15th pick last year; 6-5 225-pound offensive tackle KELLY CURBOW was with the Chiefs; 6-5 265-pound offensive tackle Bill Hedge was the 17th pick of the Oilers; and 6-4 255-pound offensive tackle BILL OSTERMAN was with the 49ers."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
"Linebackers - From Fordham University comes MIKE AJELLO, a 6-5 225-pounder who hails from Brooklyn and was captain of the Rams in his senior year.
And from Oklahoma State, where he, too, was the team captain, is 6-3 200-pound JESS HUDSON.
Also getting a try at linebacker is JOSE LOPEZ, a 6-1 230-pounder from Mexico City who twice was his team's MVP in Mexico City- and had his own TV sports show.
And from Lincolndale, New York by way of Central Connecticut State is BOB MILLER, 6-4 230-pounder who won three letters while playing there.
From Chicago and St. Thomas College, 6-0 225-pound KEVIN O'BRIEN was three times an All-Conference choice and team MVP in 1973.
A teammate of Bobby Brooks while at Bishop College in Texas, 6-4 225-pound RONNIE PETIT had the linebacker dream come true in his senior season, intercepting a pass and running it back 99 yards for the touchdown that won the game 29-28 in the last two minutes of play.
Another local product is JIM SANTA, a 6-0 220-pounder from Rye, New York and the University of Maryland. Jim played in both the Peach Bowl and Liberty Bowl while a Terp.
And from the Portland Storm of the WFL comes BOB SCHMIT, a 6-1 220-pounder from Nebraska who was rated one of the top middle linebackers in that circuit in 1974.
From Ohio State, IVY KOEGEL, a 6-1 225-pounder, was the No. 12 draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 1974 after being a teammate of John Hicks."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
"Defensive Backs - Two candidates at this position are also from previous tryouts in the NFL: TERRY BROWN, 6-2 205-pounder from Kansas State was in the Pittsburgh Steelers' camp last year, while RON SIMMONS, 5-11 187-pounder who played at Minnesota at Morris, was with the Atlanta Falcons.
From Miami of Ohio, 5-11 190-pound JOHN MCVAY was All-Mid-American Conference last year and honorable mention All-American. He had two interceptions in the 1973 Tangerine Bowl against Florida."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
"Kickers - Among the kickers challenging for a position are JOSE GUZMAN, a 6-0 190-pounder from Mexico City who had a try with the San Francisco 49ers a year ago; ED STRICKLAND from Hempstead, a 6-0 200-pounder from Southern Mississippi; and CHUCK SMELTZ, 5-10 220-pounder from Susquehanna who once kicked 75 consecutive extra points."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Monday, November 16, 2015
1975 Rookie Profile: Rondy Colbert
Defensive Back
17th Round
Lamar
"The Giants' final selection, safetyman Colbert is a rugged young prospect whose hitting abilities and aggressive play more than make up for his lack of size. Colbert's other attributes include good quickness and speed (4.6 in the 40) and good covering ability. Scout Pop Ivy has seen Rondy in action and rates him as an alert defensive back who always seems to be in the middle of the action. He also drew some from praise for his ability to ready plays quickly and to fill the hole.
Rondy also doubled as a punt return man during his career at Lamar."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
17th Round
Lamar
"The Giants' final selection, safetyman Colbert is a rugged young prospect whose hitting abilities and aggressive play more than make up for his lack of size. Colbert's other attributes include good quickness and speed (4.6 in the 40) and good covering ability. Scout Pop Ivy has seen Rondy in action and rates him as an alert defensive back who always seems to be in the middle of the action. He also drew some from praise for his ability to ready plays quickly and to fill the hole.
Rondy also doubled as a punt return man during his career at Lamar."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
1975 Rookie Profile: Jim Micklos
Tight End-Defensive End
16th Round
Ball State
"A three-year starter at tight end for Ball State, Jim was a keen competitor who blocked well and presented a fine target. Pro scouts all agreed that he was a hard worker with a great attitude. With growth potential in the 250-pound range, he could be projected into either a defensive end or an offensive tackle.
Jim was born in Kettering, Ohio and was a standout in football, basketball and baseball at Fairmont West High School in his hometown."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
16th Round
Ball State
"A three-year starter at tight end for Ball State, Jim was a keen competitor who blocked well and presented a fine target. Pro scouts all agreed that he was a hard worker with a great attitude. With growth potential in the 250-pound range, he could be projected into either a defensive end or an offensive tackle.
Jim was born in Kettering, Ohio and was a standout in football, basketball and baseball at Fairmont West High School in his hometown."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Friday, November 13, 2015
1975 Rookie Profile: Jim O'Connor
Running Back
15th Round
Drake
"Jim was named to the All-Conference first team for the past two years, [along with] getting an honorable mention in the AP All-American listings. His best single day was a 197-yard rushing game in 1973 before injuries knocked him out of action after the seventh game.
This rugged youngster overcame a concussion and a back injury in his junior year to finish this past season with 1,031 yards rushing in 238 attempts for a 4.3 average and four touchdowns. Jim also caught 39 passes for another 309 yards and two touchdowns and finished with career totals of 2,324 yards rushing, third highest total in Drake history, as well as 74 pass receptions for 748 yards."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
15th Round
Drake
"Jim was named to the All-Conference first team for the past two years, [along with] getting an honorable mention in the AP All-American listings. His best single day was a 197-yard rushing game in 1973 before injuries knocked him out of action after the seventh game.
This rugged youngster overcame a concussion and a back injury in his junior year to finish this past season with 1,031 yards rushing in 238 attempts for a 4.3 average and four touchdowns. Jim also caught 39 passes for another 309 yards and two touchdowns and finished with career totals of 2,324 yards rushing, third highest total in Drake history, as well as 74 pass receptions for 748 yards."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
1975 Rookie Profile: Ricky Townsend
Place Kicker
13th Round
Tennessee
"Twice an All-American selection by the Football Writers Association of America, Townsend was a consistent point-producer for the Vols for three seasons. A soccer-style kicker, Ricky did his number bare-footed in his sophomore and junior seasons, then put his shoe back on in his senior year after a foot infection occurred during the 1973 Gator Bowl.
During his career, he hit on 33 of 61 field goal attempts and 72 of 77 conversion attempts. He twice kicked 48-yard field goals, one of which beat Georgia 17-14, and another of 46 yards which knocked off Kentucky 16-14 in his sophomore year. That same season he didn't miss in 31 conversion attempts."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
13th Round
Tennessee
"Twice an All-American selection by the Football Writers Association of America, Townsend was a consistent point-producer for the Vols for three seasons. A soccer-style kicker, Ricky did his number bare-footed in his sophomore and junior seasons, then put his shoe back on in his senior year after a foot infection occurred during the 1973 Gator Bowl.
During his career, he hit on 33 of 61 field goal attempts and 72 of 77 conversion attempts. He twice kicked 48-yard field goals, one of which beat Georgia 17-14, and another of 46 yards which knocked off Kentucky 16-14 in his sophomore year. That same season he didn't miss in 31 conversion attempts."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
1975 Rookie Profile: Marsh White
Running Back
12th Round
Arkansas
"The swift and elusive running back is considered to have fine potential despite a history of nagging injuries in his sophomore and junior seasons at Arkansas. In those two campaigns he saw but limited action, rushing 80 times for 340 yards and a 4.3 average, but still had some fine days, including a 64-yard game on eight carries against USC and 78 yards against Texas Tech. Blessed with 4.5 speed in the 40, Marsh had 76 carries for 355 yards for a 4.6 average in his senior year.
Marsh scored 10 touchdowns as a freshman in frosh competition at Arkansas and still maintains that power and speed which made him such a fine prospect before his injury problems."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
12th Round
Arkansas
"The swift and elusive running back is considered to have fine potential despite a history of nagging injuries in his sophomore and junior seasons at Arkansas. In those two campaigns he saw but limited action, rushing 80 times for 340 yards and a 4.3 average, but still had some fine days, including a 64-yard game on eight carries against USC and 78 yards against Texas Tech. Blessed with 4.5 speed in the 40, Marsh had 76 carries for 355 yards for a 4.6 average in his senior year.
Marsh scored 10 touchdowns as a freshman in frosh competition at Arkansas and still maintains that power and speed which made him such a fine prospect before his injury problems."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Monday, November 9, 2015
1975 Rookie Profile: George Martin
Defensive End
11th Round
Oregon
"This highly versatile athlete began his collegiate career as a tight end at Oregon, then switched over to defense in his junior year and became a starter, winning letters in both his junior and senior seasons. Martin had 64 tackles in his junior year to rank second on the club, then upped his total to 83 in his senior year.
Martin was born in South Carolina, then moved to Fairfield, California as a youngster where he became an All-American basketball prep star at Armijo High School. He was additionally an All-State football player in high school and earned three letters in tennis as well."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
11th Round
Oregon
"This highly versatile athlete began his collegiate career as a tight end at Oregon, then switched over to defense in his junior year and became a starter, winning letters in both his junior and senior seasons. Martin had 64 tackles in his junior year to rank second on the club, then upped his total to 83 in his senior year.
Martin was born in South Carolina, then moved to Fairfield, California as a youngster where he became an All-American basketball prep star at Armijo High School. He was additionally an All-State football player in high school and earned three letters in tennis as well."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Saturday, November 7, 2015
1975 Rookie Profile: Terry McClowry
Linebacker
10th Round
Michigan State
"The All-Big 10 linebacker hails from a strictly football family. His father, Jim, was a standout player at Chicago University, brother Bob lettered at Michigan State and Terry's twin brother, Pat, also lettered at MSU at a linebacker position.
As for Terry, he enjoyed a banner year in his senior season, leading the Spartans in tackles with 129- 67 solos and 62 assists- while adding six quarterback sacks and an interception. He followed up his All Big-10 honors by playing well in both the East-West Shrine and Hula Bowl games, and came up with an interception for a touchdown in that East-West battle in San Francisco. Terry's junior year credentials were also impressive, finishing second in tackles with 38 solos and 64 assists for a total of 102."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
10th Round
Michigan State
"The All-Big 10 linebacker hails from a strictly football family. His father, Jim, was a standout player at Chicago University, brother Bob lettered at Michigan State and Terry's twin brother, Pat, also lettered at MSU at a linebacker position.
As for Terry, he enjoyed a banner year in his senior season, leading the Spartans in tackles with 129- 67 solos and 62 assists- while adding six quarterback sacks and an interception. He followed up his All Big-10 honors by playing well in both the East-West Shrine and Hula Bowl games, and came up with an interception for a touchdown in that East-West battle in San Francisco. Terry's junior year credentials were also impressive, finishing second in tackles with 38 solos and 64 assists for a total of 102."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
1975 Rookie Profile: Mike Mahoney
Wide Receiver
9th Round
Richmond
"A native of Alexandria, Virginia, Mike was the starting flanker for Richmond for three seasons, showing a final career mark of 84 pass receptions for 1,388 yards and 13 touchdowns. As a junior, his six touchdown receptions and average-per-catch of 20.1 yards was tops among receivers in the Southern Conference. This past year, Mahoney's totals were 32 catches for 515 yards and three touchdowns.
Mike was an All-State football and track man at Francis Hammond High School in Alexandria, working as both a running back and split end in football and a sprinter and hurdler in both indoor and outdoor track. He comes from a football-oriented family. His dad, Mike Sr., was a collegiate star and had a brief trial with the San Francisco 49ers."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
9th Round
Richmond
"A native of Alexandria, Virginia, Mike was the starting flanker for Richmond for three seasons, showing a final career mark of 84 pass receptions for 1,388 yards and 13 touchdowns. As a junior, his six touchdown receptions and average-per-catch of 20.1 yards was tops among receivers in the Southern Conference. This past year, Mahoney's totals were 32 catches for 515 yards and three touchdowns.
Mike was an All-State football and track man at Francis Hammond High School in Alexandria, working as both a running back and split end in football and a sprinter and hurdler in both indoor and outdoor track. He comes from a football-oriented family. His dad, Mike Sr., was a collegiate star and had a brief trial with the San Francisco 49ers."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Monday, November 2, 2015
1975 Rookie Profile: John Tate
Linebacker
8th Round
Jackson State
"A teammate of All-American Bob Brazile, Tate was a standout three-year starter at strongside linebacker for Jackson State, winning Pittsburgh Courier All-American honors the past two years as well as All-Conference laurels with Brazile. Nicknamed 'Wildman' by teammates, Tate had 74 solo tackles, 41 assists, four quarterback sacks and an interception for 21 yards and a touchdown in his senior season. He also doubled as a punter with a 35.8 average for 25 punts in his final season.
A native of Mobile, Alabama, John is 22 and still resides in Mobile."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
8th Round
Jackson State
"A teammate of All-American Bob Brazile, Tate was a standout three-year starter at strongside linebacker for Jackson State, winning Pittsburgh Courier All-American honors the past two years as well as All-Conference laurels with Brazile. Nicknamed 'Wildman' by teammates, Tate had 74 solo tackles, 41 assists, four quarterback sacks and an interception for 21 yards and a touchdown in his senior season. He also doubled as a punter with a 35.8 average for 25 punts in his final season.
A native of Mobile, Alabama, John is 22 and still resides in Mobile."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
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