R.I.P. Dave Young

1978 Profiles: Maurice Tyler and Odis McKinney

MAURICE TYLER

Defensive Back

No. 25

Morgan State

"Acquired on waivers from Detroit on June 22, Tyler signed with the Lions as a free agent after being cut by San Diego shortly before the beginning of the 1976 campaign. He played nine games with the Lions last fall, mostly on special teams.

Tyler was drafted in the 10th round by Buffalo in 1972, became a starter and picked off four interceptions for 61 yards in his rookie season. He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after his performance against New England on November 17. Maurice was claimed on waivers by Denver in 1973 and appeared in 28 games for the Broncos in two years.

He was traded to San Diego in June of 1975 for defensive back Reggie Berry. Maurice was a standout for the Chargers on special teams and an all-purpose at strong safety, weakside linebacker and wide receiver. He made 14 unassisted tackles, several coming as the first man downfield on kick coverage.

In his pro career, Tyler has had five interceptions for 61 yards, a 12.2 average, four punt returns for 40 yards, a 10.0 average, and a kickoff return for 23 yards.

Tyler attended Baltimore Community College for two years before transferring to Morgan State. He made the Pittsburgh Courier All-America team in 1971. He played defensive end and safety and also competed in basketball.

Tyler is married and has a one-year-old son, Maurice II. He has a degree in physical education and would like to teach and coach someday. He's nicknamed 'Mo Tee' and 'Reece' and Baltimore is his birthplace and hometown."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

ODIS MCKINNEY

Defensive Back

2nd Round

Colorado

"Odis McKinney, 6-2, 175, from Colorado, is another speedster with good tackling ability that scouts like."

-Larry Bortstein, from Top Prospects for the '78 Draft, May-June 1978 Football Digest

1978 Profile: John Skorupan

Linebacker

No. 57

Penn State

"Skorupan won a regular berth as an outside linebacker and developed into one of the Bills' steadiest defensive performers. An excellent tackler in the open field and strong on pass coverage, he has good speed and instincts. John was Buffalo's sixth-round draft choice and made the UPI All-Rookie team.

John was one of the outstanding defensive players in the East as a senior at Penn State and a consensus All-America selection. He was voted AP Lineman of the Week after the Nittany Lions' 1972 victory over Navy; he had 15 unassisted tackles, three sacks of the quarterback and returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown against the Midshipmen. John was on Penn State's Sugar and Cotton Bowl elevens, and a member of the Hula Bowl and College All-Star squads.

Real estate and insurance were his college majors. John spent part of the off-season at Penn State completing his degree requirements and working with the Nittany Lion linebackers. Dancing is one of his favorite pastimes."

-Buffalo Bills 1974 Yearbook

"A good open field tackler and fine pass coverage man, John became a starter for the Bills in 1973.

He made the All-ECAC team for three years. The Bills' sixth-round draft selection for the 1973 season, he participated in the Hula Bowl, Cotton Bowl and Sugar Bowl games.

He pronounces his name 'Skorpen.' "

-1974 Topps No. 372

"Skorupan started 20 consecutive games at outside linebacker before a knee injury knocked him out of the lineup after six games of the 1974 season. Considered by many to be one of the top outside linebacker prospects in the NFL, he made the UPI All-Rookie team in 1973 and continued his outstanding play early in 1974 before the injury. Skorupan underwent knee surgery and is expected to be at full strength this year. He's a strong, consistent open-field tackler with excellent instincts. John was Buffalo's sixth-round draft choice in 1973.

John was one of the outstanding defensive players in the East as a senior at Penn State and a consensus All-America selection. He was voted AP Lineman of the Week after the Nittany Lions' 1972 victory over Navy; he had 15 unassisted tackles, three sacks of the quarterback and returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown against the Midshipmen. John was on Penn State's Sugar and Cotton Bowl elevens, and a member of the Hula Bowl and College All-Star squads.

Real estate and insurance were his college majors."

-Buffalo Bills 1975 Yearbook

"John won a regular berth as an outside linebacker for the Bills during his rookie season of 1973 and has developed into one of the Bills' steadiest performers. He made the UPI All-Rookie team after being Buffalo's 6th-round draft choice. He was a consensus All-American at Penn State.

John has good speed and instincts, he's an excellent tackler in the open field and is strong on pass coverage."

-1975 Topps No. 246

"Skorupan was the Bills' most consistent linebacker in 1975, starting all 14 games and coming back from knee surgery that knocked him out of the final eight games of the 1974 season. He had his first pass interception as a pro against the New York Giants in a Monday Night game, made the UPI All-Rookie team in 1973 and continued his outstanding play in 1974 before the injury. A strong, consistent open field tackler, John was the Bills' sixth round draft choice in '73.

John was one of the outstanding defensive players in the East as a senior at Penn State and a consensus All-America selection. He was voted AP Lineman of the Week after the Nittany Lions' 1972 victory over Navy; he had 15 unassisted tackles, three sacks of the quarterback and returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown against the Midshipmen. John was on Penn State's Sugar and Cotton Bowl elevens, and a member of the Hula Bowl and College All-Star squads.

He worked last winter for a local real estate firm. He's an avid golfer."

-Buffalo Bills 1976 Yearbook

"Skorupan was a regular at outside linebacker again in 1976, starting all 14 games. He finished the season as the team's fourth leading tackler, with 54 unassisted and 31 assists, and was also credited with a sack and seven passes deflected. He started all 14 games in 1975 after coming back from knee surgery that knocked him out of the final eight games of the 1974 season. John had the first pass interception of his career in a Monday Night game against the New York Giants in 1975 and added another interception against the Patriots last fall, setting up a last-second first-half field goal. The Bills' sixth-round draft choice in 1973, he made the UPI All-Rookie team that year.

John was one of the outstanding defensive players in the East as a senior at Penn State and a consensus All-America selection. He was voted AP Lineman of the Week after the Nittany Lions' 1972 victory over Navy; he had 15 unassisted tackles, three sacks of the quarterback and returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown against the Midshipmen. John was on Penn State's Sugar and Cotton Bowl elevens, and a member of the Hula Bowl and College All-Star squads.

John worked last winter for the Department of Commerce's National Alliance of Business program in Buffalo. He had worked in real estate the previous year. Golf and skiing are among his hobbies."

-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-Radio-TV Yearbook

"One of the Bills' most consistent linebackers, John has enjoyed two consecutive outstanding seasons after coming back from a knee injury suffered during the 1974 campaign. A strong and dependable open-field tackler, his first interception as a pro came in a Monday night game against the Giants in 1975.

In his college days, he was voted as the AP Lineman of the Week after Penn State's 1973 victory over Navy."

-1977 Topps No. 122

1978 Profile: Alvin Maxson

Fullback

No. 36

SMU

"Alvin Maxson of Southern Methodist is a slashing type and has been called one of the finest ball-carriers ever to play in the tough Southwest Conference."

-Larry Borstein, from Top Prospects for the 1974 Draft, Football Digest, January 1974

"Alvin established two Saints' records as a rookie in 1974 when he gained 148 yards including a touchdown run of 66 yards in a 14-0 shutout of the Cardinals. A fine receiver, he led the club with 41 catches for 234 yards.

Alvin starred in track as a prep."

-1976 Topps No. 83

1978 Profile Gordon King

Offensive Tackle

1st Round

Stanford

Gordon was a three-year starter at Stanford and was named to both the NEA and Sporting News All-American teams in 1977 and starred in both the Senior Bowl and Challenge Bowl at the end of the season. He was also twice All-PAC 8.

Gordon gained valuable experience in the pro-type offense used by Stanford head coach Bill Walsh. In high school, he was all-conference in both football and basketball.

"Called by many experts 'the best offensive lineman in the country.' An explosive blocker who blocks well on runs. Excellent pass blocker due to solid footwork, balance, body control and technique. Runs 40 in 4.8.

Consensus All-America in 1977, All-Pac 8 in '76 and '77. Best lineman in both the Senior Bowl and Challenge Bowl.

Because he played on a pro-type offense in college, he should be an immediate and stellar performer. Has enough speed and quickness to play guard but Giants coach John McVay will first use him at tackle.

Some scouts believe he could be a little meaner, but Giants feel he's tenacious enough to be a star for a long time."

-Football Digest (September 1978)

1978 Profile: George Martin

Defensive End

No. 75

Oregon

Drafted in the 11th round in 1975, George played every game in his first two seasons, being named Giants' MVP Rookie in 1975 and becoming a starter in 1976. He started the 1977 season by intercepting a Billy Kilmer pass in the opener against Washington and running it back 30 yards for a touchdown. Although an injury sustained by Martin later in that game would keep him sidelined for four weeks, he was as solid as ever when he returned. George shows great promise of being part of the rebuilt defense, eventually bringing the Giants back into contention.

He began his college career as a tight end for Oregon, switching to defense in his junior year. As a senior, he distinguished himself against Michigan and Northwestern.

1978 Profile: J.T. Turner

Guard 

No. 68

 Duke

"Turner was signed by the Giants as a free agent after a full year with Charlotte of the World Football League. Last year he was a reserve defensive lineman and got into 13 games playing mostly on special teams. He became an offensive guard this past off-season.

At Duke, J.T. earned three varsity letters as a defensive tackle and won All-ACC honors in his senior year.

1978 Profile: Doug Van Horn

Guard

No. 63

Ohio State

"Doug joined the Giants in 1967. He won a starting job at guard and has been a first-stringer ever since. He had a stellar season in 1972 when the Giants led the NFL in total offense and allowed the fewest quarterback sacks in the league. Doug moved to right tackle in 1974 and had another solid campaign.

He's a particularly effective pass blocker and on the run, he has been a team leader the past 11 seasons.

Doug works as a stockbroker during the off-season."

-1978 Topps No. 372

R.I.P. Johnie Cooks

1978 Profile: Jim Stienke

Free Safety

No. 20

Southwest Texas State

"A solid player at both the corner and free safety positions, Jim is capable of getting the job done. He had the distinction of scoring a touchdown against the Broncos in 1976 by covering a blocked punt in the end zone.

Jim was an All-Conference college pick."

-1978 Topps No. 208

R.I.P. Homer Jones

1978 Profile: Gary Shirk

Tight End

No. 87

Morehead State

"Signed by the Giants in 1976, Gary made the club as a reserve tight end and also contributed as a specialty teams performer. A two-year veteran of the World Football League with the Memphis Southmen, he became a starter in Hackensack last season.

Gary caught 49 passes in WFL play, totaling 936 yards. He was Morehead State's MVP for 1973."

-1978 Topps No. 54

1978 Profile: Jimmy Robinson

Wide Receiver

No. 85

Georgia Tech

"Jimmy won a berth on the Giants' squad with gritty performances and became a starter in 1976. He had the distinction of scoring the first Giant touchdown in Hackensack with a 30-yard scoring reception against the Cowboys. He returned 20 kickoffs in 1976 for a 22.2 average and 24 punts for a 4.4 average.

Jimmy was noted for dramatic and spectacular catches at Georgia Tech."

-1978 Topps No. 139

1978 Profile: Ray Rhodes

Wide Receiver-Cornerback

No. 22

Tulsa

"Ray made the transition from wide receiver to cornerback in 1977 and was credited with two interceptions for 59 yards including a return of 40 yards. As a receiver he specialized in circus catches, making numerous near-impossible receptions.

Ray plays the trombone."

-1978 Topps No. 188

1978 Profile: Clyde Powers

Strong Safety

No. 29

Oklahoma

"Clyde won himself a spot on the Giants' roster as a rookie in 1974 with fine work during the preseason. He had a key interception in a Monday night game against the Bills in 1975.

Clyde was an All-Big Eight selection at Oklahoma. He had eight interceptions in college.

Clyde lists bowling among his favorite hobbies."

-1978 Topps No. 452

1978 Profile: Johnny Perkins

Wide Receiver

No. 81

Abilene Christian

"One of the Giants' leading receivers in 1977, his rookie campaign with the club, Johnny had a long gainer of 54 yards last season.

He began his college career at Ranger J.C. in Texas, then transferred to Abilene Christian where he had a dramatic first season. Johnny caught 50 passes for 1,195 yards and 12 touchdowns to lead NAIA receivers during his junior campaign. He specialized in 100- and 200-yard dashes on the Abilene Christian track team."

-1978 Topps No. 311

1978 Profile: Emery Moorehead

Wide Receiver

No. 80

Colorado

"Possessed with outstanding versatility, Emery was one of the Giants' leading receivers during his rookie campaign of 1977. He has sure hands and was also used on kickoff returns.

He has 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash and was used as both a running back and flanker at Colorado. He earned the title of 'Most Underrated Player at Colorado.'

Emery worked at a campus television station at Colorado."

-1978 Topps No. 228