DICK JAMES
Kick Returner-Halfback
No. 47
Oregon
Although primarily Coach Sherman's ace kick returner and punt returner, Dick can more than ably fill in for the Giants' young halfbacks.
Perhaps Dick's most memorable afternoon came in Washington's final game of the 1961 season, with the club mired in a 0-11-1 season, at home in DC Stadium. Dick rushed for three touchdowns, including a 39-run to the end zone, and scored a fourth on a touchdown reception for a 34-24 Redskin victory and a happy ending to a dismal season.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Monday, August 11, 2014
1965 Profiles: Ernie Wheelwright and Tucker Frederickson
ERNIE WHEELWRIGHT
Fullback
No. 30
Southern Illinois
"Unlikely as it might have seemed at the start of the season, Ernie Wheelwright became the Giants' leading ground-gainer last year. A rookie with only one year of college ball behind him, and several seasons of play while in the U.S. Army Paratroops, 'The Wheel' gained 402 yards on 100 carries.
He's big and durable at 6-3 and 235 pounds, and deceptively fast. Allie Sherman thinks his initial season provided him with excellent pro experience and believes he can develop into a top-flight fullback."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
TUCKER FREDERICKSON
Fullback
1st Round
Auburn
"Tucker Frederickson, the 6-3, 220-pound All-American from Auburn, may have been the best back in the country last year. He's a swift, strong runner, a good pass receiver and a solid blocker."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
Fullback
No. 30
Southern Illinois
"Unlikely as it might have seemed at the start of the season, Ernie Wheelwright became the Giants' leading ground-gainer last year. A rookie with only one year of college ball behind him, and several seasons of play while in the U.S. Army Paratroops, 'The Wheel' gained 402 yards on 100 carries.
He's big and durable at 6-3 and 235 pounds, and deceptively fast. Allie Sherman thinks his initial season provided him with excellent pro experience and believes he can develop into a top-flight fullback."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
TUCKER FREDERICKSON
Fullback
1st Round
Auburn
"Tucker Frederickson, the 6-3, 220-pound All-American from Auburn, may have been the best back in the country last year. He's a swift, strong runner, a good pass receiver and a solid blocker."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
Saturday, August 9, 2014
1965 Profiles: Dick Lynch and Erich Barnes
DICK LYNCH
Cornerback
No. 22
Notre Dame
"Probably at his peak as an NFL cornerback, Dick Lynch seriously jammed an ankle early last season, which hobbled him the rest of the way. Without him back there, it was as if the Giant defensive unit was playing with only ten men.
Dick led the league in interceptions in 1961 and '63, with nine each time, and he ran three of his 1963 thefts back for touchdowns, which set a league record.
Now in his eighth season, he has earned his All-NFL rating by his intensive study of opposing receivers and his rapier-like tackles."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Dick was injured in 1964. He still intercepted four passes, returning one 37 yards.
His life record is 33 interceptions for 554 yards."
-1965 Philadelphia No. 119
ERICH BARNES
Cornerback
No. 49
Purdue
"Great anticipation, trigger-quick reflexes and blinding speed are the traits that have stamped Erich Barnes as one of the league's most gifted cornerbacks. He has intercepted 18 passes in his four seasons with the Giants, and one of these was the 102-yard touchdown caper he pulled against the Dallas Cowboys in the Cotton Bowl in 1961; the run tied an NFL record.
Erich originally was a No. 4 draft choice of the Chicago Bears in 1958 and he came to the Giants in '61, as part of a three-way trade that sent Lindon Crow to Los Angeles and Billy Wade to Chicago."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Erich Barnes plays the corner for the Giants like a stalking cougar. Quick as a cougar, he likes to gamble on the big interception; he is also one of the league's most jarring tacklers."
-Pro Football Almanac 1965, edited by Al Silverman
"Erich Barnes scarcely qualifies as the pass receiver's best friend. As a corner back with the Giants, he has smothered some of the finest talent in the league. 'The trouble with him,' one aggressive opponent complained, 'is that every time a quarterback throws a ball, Barnes thinks HE'S the receiver.'
This attitude, plus certain physical attributes, have made Erich a frequent Pro Bowl performer. With the stricken Giants last year, he shouldered an awesome load. Early in the season, the New Yorkers lost their other cornerback, Dick Lynch, due to an injured ankle, and Barnes spent the rest of the season doing his own job and helping out wherever else he could hustle to.
The Giants got Barnes after the 1960 campaign in a three-way deal that typified their shrewdness. Erich, a former Purdue star, went from the Bears to Los Angeles for quarterback Billy Wade. The Rams, in turn, traded Erich to New York for Lindon Crow. The swap also cost the Giants their first draft choice for the following season, but it was well worth it. Barnes has proven to be a slashing defensive operator, who handles the best of opposing receivers with skill and assurance."
Sports All-Stars/1965 Pro Football
Cornerback
No. 22
Notre Dame
"Probably at his peak as an NFL cornerback, Dick Lynch seriously jammed an ankle early last season, which hobbled him the rest of the way. Without him back there, it was as if the Giant defensive unit was playing with only ten men.
Dick led the league in interceptions in 1961 and '63, with nine each time, and he ran three of his 1963 thefts back for touchdowns, which set a league record.
Now in his eighth season, he has earned his All-NFL rating by his intensive study of opposing receivers and his rapier-like tackles."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Dick was injured in 1964. He still intercepted four passes, returning one 37 yards.
His life record is 33 interceptions for 554 yards."
-1965 Philadelphia No. 119
ERICH BARNES
Cornerback
No. 49
Purdue
"Great anticipation, trigger-quick reflexes and blinding speed are the traits that have stamped Erich Barnes as one of the league's most gifted cornerbacks. He has intercepted 18 passes in his four seasons with the Giants, and one of these was the 102-yard touchdown caper he pulled against the Dallas Cowboys in the Cotton Bowl in 1961; the run tied an NFL record.
Erich originally was a No. 4 draft choice of the Chicago Bears in 1958 and he came to the Giants in '61, as part of a three-way trade that sent Lindon Crow to Los Angeles and Billy Wade to Chicago."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Erich Barnes plays the corner for the Giants like a stalking cougar. Quick as a cougar, he likes to gamble on the big interception; he is also one of the league's most jarring tacklers."
-Pro Football Almanac 1965, edited by Al Silverman
"Erich Barnes scarcely qualifies as the pass receiver's best friend. As a corner back with the Giants, he has smothered some of the finest talent in the league. 'The trouble with him,' one aggressive opponent complained, 'is that every time a quarterback throws a ball, Barnes thinks HE'S the receiver.'
This attitude, plus certain physical attributes, have made Erich a frequent Pro Bowl performer. With the stricken Giants last year, he shouldered an awesome load. Early in the season, the New Yorkers lost their other cornerback, Dick Lynch, due to an injured ankle, and Barnes spent the rest of the season doing his own job and helping out wherever else he could hustle to.
The Giants got Barnes after the 1960 campaign in a three-way deal that typified their shrewdness. Erich, a former Purdue star, went from the Bears to Los Angeles for quarterback Billy Wade. The Rams, in turn, traded Erich to New York for Lindon Crow. The swap also cost the Giants their first draft choice for the following season, but it was well worth it. Barnes has proven to be a slashing defensive operator, who handles the best of opposing receivers with skill and assurance."
Sports All-Stars/1965 Pro Football
Friday, August 8, 2014
1965 Giants Defensive Line Profiles
JOHN LOVETERE
Defensive Tackle
No. 76
Compton CC
John is considered one of the strongest men in the game and is unusually fast and agile for a man of his size. After being named Ram Rookie of the Year in 1959, he blocked five kicks in 1960, an NFL record, one a punt he returned for a touchdown. Acquired by the Giants for Rosey Grier between the 1962 and '63 seasons, John played every game in 1963 and was selected to the Pro Bowl.
He played several years of service of football at Fort Campbell, Kentucky before being signed by Los Angeles as a free agent.
BOB TAYLOR
Defensive Tackle
No. 68
Maryland State
Bob showed great promise backing up Andy Robustelli at defensive end in 1963 and Andy Stynchula at defensive tackle in 1964, while also showing outstanding speed and tackling ability on the kickoff and kickoff return teams. With Andy Stynchula replacing Robustelli at end, Bob is now ready to fortify the new Giant defensive line as a tackle.
Primarily a tackle as a collegian, Bob was not only captain of the football team for two years but also captain of the golf team.
JIM KATCAVAGE
Defensive End
No. 75
Dayton
"The front four won't be lacking for fire, not as long as Jim Katcavage is still charging in from his defensive left end position. There are few in the league who blow in with greater determination - or success. He gives you great second effort, and he doesn't miss many tackles.
In spite of playing alongside more glamorous teammates, Jim made All-Pro in 1961, '62 and '63. He was the Giants' fourth draft choice in 1956, after playing college ball at Dayton."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
ANDY STYNCHULA
Defensive End
No. 72
Penn State
Andy played all 14 games for Washington in 1963 and, after coming to the Giants in the Sam Huff deal, played 14 games in 1964. His four fumbles recovered were fifth in the League and his 26 yards returned from fumbles were 10th. After replacing the traded Dick Modzelewski at tackle last year, Andy replaces the retired Andy Robustelli at end in 1965.
Penn State coaches considered Stynchula one of the top defensive linemen in the school's history. He played in the Senior Bowl, Liberty Bowl and College All-Star Game.
Defensive Tackle
No. 76
Compton CC
John is considered one of the strongest men in the game and is unusually fast and agile for a man of his size. After being named Ram Rookie of the Year in 1959, he blocked five kicks in 1960, an NFL record, one a punt he returned for a touchdown. Acquired by the Giants for Rosey Grier between the 1962 and '63 seasons, John played every game in 1963 and was selected to the Pro Bowl.
He played several years of service of football at Fort Campbell, Kentucky before being signed by Los Angeles as a free agent.
BOB TAYLOR
Defensive Tackle
No. 68
Maryland State
Bob showed great promise backing up Andy Robustelli at defensive end in 1963 and Andy Stynchula at defensive tackle in 1964, while also showing outstanding speed and tackling ability on the kickoff and kickoff return teams. With Andy Stynchula replacing Robustelli at end, Bob is now ready to fortify the new Giant defensive line as a tackle.
Primarily a tackle as a collegian, Bob was not only captain of the football team for two years but also captain of the golf team.
JIM KATCAVAGE
Defensive End
No. 75
Dayton
"The front four won't be lacking for fire, not as long as Jim Katcavage is still charging in from his defensive left end position. There are few in the league who blow in with greater determination - or success. He gives you great second effort, and he doesn't miss many tackles.
In spite of playing alongside more glamorous teammates, Jim made All-Pro in 1961, '62 and '63. He was the Giants' fourth draft choice in 1956, after playing college ball at Dayton."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
ANDY STYNCHULA
Defensive End
No. 72
Penn State
Andy played all 14 games for Washington in 1963 and, after coming to the Giants in the Sam Huff deal, played 14 games in 1964. His four fumbles recovered were fifth in the League and his 26 yards returned from fumbles were 10th. After replacing the traded Dick Modzelewski at tackle last year, Andy replaces the retired Andy Robustelli at end in 1965.
Penn State coaches considered Stynchula one of the top defensive linemen in the school's history. He played in the Senior Bowl, Liberty Bowl and College All-Star Game.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
1965 Giants Quarterback Profiles
EARL MORRALL
Quarterback
No. 11
Michigan State
"Morrall hopes he'll settle down for a long stay as the club's top T-man after proving his abilities at San Francisco and Pittsburgh. The 1959 figures prove him the NFL's second-best passer, averaging 8.04 yards per toss, good for five touchdowns. Morrall filled in as a punter 11 times and booted for a respectable 43.7.
He was a 49er rookie in 1956 and a Steeler starter in '57, clicking for 11 scores. Morrall joined the Lions after the start of the '58 campaign, connecting for five tallies even though a shoulder injury slowed him down that year.
Morrall was born in Muskegon, Michigan."
-1960 Pro Football Handbook
"Earl Morrall proved to be the down-the-stretch quarterback of the season, leading the club through its last four victories. He completed 32 of 49 passes for a fantastic 65.3 figure and accounted for 423 yards and four touchdowns.
Born in Muskegon, Michigan, Earl was the first draft choice of the 49ers in 1956. He moved to the Steelers in '57 and Lions in '58."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
"Last year vindicated Earl Morrall as a pro quarterback. Since breaking into the league in 1956, he's been on the verge of making good, never quite breaking through. The Forty-Niners placed him behind Tittle, the Steelers broke him in as a regular but then traded him for Bobby Layne, and Detroit had him in Tobin Rote's shadow.
Slated finally for a starting spot, Earl was pushed out by Jim Ninkowski, but recovered brilliantly late in the season to lead the Lions to second place."
-1961 Fleer No. 78
"Standing by to give Milt Plum any necessary relief is Earl Morrall, the Muskegon (Mich.) aerial artist who is qualified to do a first-rate quarterback job. He shared duties with Jim Ninkowski in 1961 and also helped with the ball-carrying burden. Versatile enough to take over punting duties, he's one of the old-time triple-threat performers.
Morrall was the first selection of the 49ers in 1956 and was dealt to the Steelers in '57 before coming to the Lions in '58."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Never did Earl Morrall look better than in 1963 when he closed as the No. 3 passer in the loop with 174 for 328, good for 2,621 yards. Although it was his eighth year as a pro, he made better use of his pass-protective pocket than ever before, waiting until the last second before firing. Even in the face of heavy pressure, he continued to make all defenses hustle more than usual to prevent him from hitting the target. Always known as the NFL's 'best relief pitcher,' he's now one of the best starters if those 1963 figures can be taken seriously.
Born in Muskegon, Michigan, Morrall was drafted by the 49ers and then was dealt to the Steelers. He came to Detroit in 1958 and now seems to have taken the starting job from Milt Plum."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"Now considered the first-string quarterback, Earl Morrall went to training camp rated over Milt Plum. Last season Morrall completed 174 of 328 passes for 2,621 yards and 24 touchdowns after Plum was benched early in the season.
An All-America at Michigan State, he was the 49ers top draft choice in 1956 but was traded to the Steelers the following season. The Lions obtained him in a 1958 deal for Bobby Layne.
Morrall nearly ended his career when an accident cut off part of his big toe in 1962. He's an industrial-firm salesman."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"What did Coach George Wilson call Earl? The best No. 2 quarterback in the NFL."
-1964 Philadelphia No. 65
"It began to look as though Morrall was finally going to break through as the Lions' No. 1 quarterback in 1963, and he started last season ahead of Milt Plum. But then he suffered a shoulder injury and Plum took over for him. That was a reversal of their positions since it was usually Earl who came in to relieve Milt, so effectively, in fact, he has been called the 'best relief pitcher in the league.'
In 1963, when he had his best year, he passed for 2,621 yards and he threw for 24 touchdowns. He was the 49ers' first draft choice in 1956, after starring at Michigan State, and he came to Detroit from Pittsburgh, where he spent the 1958 season."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
No. 19
Cornell
"You want to know how good Gary Wood really is? Ask him, he's an authority on the subject. Maybe it would be unfair to say that he's cocky; but Gary is certainly loaded with confidence, which is a good thing to have when you are going into your sophomore year in the NFL, with nothing less than the entire season resting on your slim shoulders.
With Tittle's shocking and sudden demise last season, Gary was shoved right in and he acquitted himself well under fire. He's not big, as quarterbacks go these days (5-11 and 188 pounds) and he doesn't throw the long bomb, but he managed to move the club anyway. He can spot and hit his receivers instantaneously, and when he's in trouble he scrambles nicely.
If he makes it, it will be quite a vote for the Ivy League; Gary played his college ball at Cornell."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
BOB TIMBERLAKE
Place Kicker-Quarterback
3rd Round
Michigan
"Bob Timberlake, the divinity student, is an All-American from Michigan. A quarterback in college, he probably will be tried at halfback, where he can pass or run. He's 6-4, 220 pounds."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
Quarterback
No. 11
Michigan State
"Morrall hopes he'll settle down for a long stay as the club's top T-man after proving his abilities at San Francisco and Pittsburgh. The 1959 figures prove him the NFL's second-best passer, averaging 8.04 yards per toss, good for five touchdowns. Morrall filled in as a punter 11 times and booted for a respectable 43.7.
He was a 49er rookie in 1956 and a Steeler starter in '57, clicking for 11 scores. Morrall joined the Lions after the start of the '58 campaign, connecting for five tallies even though a shoulder injury slowed him down that year.
Morrall was born in Muskegon, Michigan."
-1960 Pro Football Handbook
"Earl Morrall proved to be the down-the-stretch quarterback of the season, leading the club through its last four victories. He completed 32 of 49 passes for a fantastic 65.3 figure and accounted for 423 yards and four touchdowns.
Born in Muskegon, Michigan, Earl was the first draft choice of the 49ers in 1956. He moved to the Steelers in '57 and Lions in '58."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
"Last year vindicated Earl Morrall as a pro quarterback. Since breaking into the league in 1956, he's been on the verge of making good, never quite breaking through. The Forty-Niners placed him behind Tittle, the Steelers broke him in as a regular but then traded him for Bobby Layne, and Detroit had him in Tobin Rote's shadow.
Slated finally for a starting spot, Earl was pushed out by Jim Ninkowski, but recovered brilliantly late in the season to lead the Lions to second place."
-1961 Fleer No. 78
"Standing by to give Milt Plum any necessary relief is Earl Morrall, the Muskegon (Mich.) aerial artist who is qualified to do a first-rate quarterback job. He shared duties with Jim Ninkowski in 1961 and also helped with the ball-carrying burden. Versatile enough to take over punting duties, he's one of the old-time triple-threat performers.
Morrall was the first selection of the 49ers in 1956 and was dealt to the Steelers in '57 before coming to the Lions in '58."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Never did Earl Morrall look better than in 1963 when he closed as the No. 3 passer in the loop with 174 for 328, good for 2,621 yards. Although it was his eighth year as a pro, he made better use of his pass-protective pocket than ever before, waiting until the last second before firing. Even in the face of heavy pressure, he continued to make all defenses hustle more than usual to prevent him from hitting the target. Always known as the NFL's 'best relief pitcher,' he's now one of the best starters if those 1963 figures can be taken seriously.
Born in Muskegon, Michigan, Morrall was drafted by the 49ers and then was dealt to the Steelers. He came to Detroit in 1958 and now seems to have taken the starting job from Milt Plum."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"Now considered the first-string quarterback, Earl Morrall went to training camp rated over Milt Plum. Last season Morrall completed 174 of 328 passes for 2,621 yards and 24 touchdowns after Plum was benched early in the season.
An All-America at Michigan State, he was the 49ers top draft choice in 1956 but was traded to the Steelers the following season. The Lions obtained him in a 1958 deal for Bobby Layne.
Morrall nearly ended his career when an accident cut off part of his big toe in 1962. He's an industrial-firm salesman."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"What did Coach George Wilson call Earl? The best No. 2 quarterback in the NFL."
-1964 Philadelphia No. 65
"It began to look as though Morrall was finally going to break through as the Lions' No. 1 quarterback in 1963, and he started last season ahead of Milt Plum. But then he suffered a shoulder injury and Plum took over for him. That was a reversal of their positions since it was usually Earl who came in to relieve Milt, so effectively, in fact, he has been called the 'best relief pitcher in the league.'
In 1963, when he had his best year, he passed for 2,621 yards and he threw for 24 touchdowns. He was the 49ers' first draft choice in 1956, after starring at Michigan State, and he came to Detroit from Pittsburgh, where he spent the 1958 season."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
GARY WOOD
QuarterbackNo. 19
Cornell
"You want to know how good Gary Wood really is? Ask him, he's an authority on the subject. Maybe it would be unfair to say that he's cocky; but Gary is certainly loaded with confidence, which is a good thing to have when you are going into your sophomore year in the NFL, with nothing less than the entire season resting on your slim shoulders.
With Tittle's shocking and sudden demise last season, Gary was shoved right in and he acquitted himself well under fire. He's not big, as quarterbacks go these days (5-11 and 188 pounds) and he doesn't throw the long bomb, but he managed to move the club anyway. He can spot and hit his receivers instantaneously, and when he's in trouble he scrambles nicely.
If he makes it, it will be quite a vote for the Ivy League; Gary played his college ball at Cornell."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
BOB TIMBERLAKE
Place Kicker-Quarterback
3rd Round
Michigan
"Bob Timberlake, the divinity student, is an All-American from Michigan. A quarterback in college, he probably will be tried at halfback, where he can pass or run. He's 6-4, 220 pounds."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
Sunday, August 3, 2014
1965 Giants Offensive Line Profiles
GREG LARSON
CenterNo. 53
Minnesota
"As long as Ray Wietecha was performing his iron man stunt for the Giants, they had no serious plans about letting Greg Larson play his natural position of center; so he was converted to a tackle in 1961 and won a starting job on the offensive line. The next year he was shifted to guard, and again did an outstanding job for the division title winners.
Greg finally got to be a pivot in 1963 when Wietecha retired, and that's where he's been ever since, except for the knee injury which knocked him out of the lineup last season, and which required surgery. If the knee is all right - and it's always a big 'if' where the knee is concerned - the Giants will be fine at center.
Greg played his college ball at Minnesota and was a sixth-round draft pick."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Greg won the starting tackle slot in 1961. Shifting to guard in 1962, he helped New York win a division title. He returned to his chosen position, center, in 1963."
-1965 Philadelphia No. 118
BOOKIE BOLIN
GuardNo. 63
Mississippi
Following a rookie season in which he was a backup guard who served on the kickoff and punt return teams, Bookie achieved regular status with a fine 1963 season and played every game last year.
As a collegian, Bookie played in the 1961 Sugar Bowl and 1962 Cotton Bowl.
PETE CASE
Guard
No. 65
Georgia
"Pete was a standout tackle during his years at Georgia. A fast man on the football field, he was one of the quickest men in the Southeastern Conference.
A shoulder injury slowed down his progress in 1961, but he still performed creditably. Pete is a top N.F.L. prospect."
-1962 Topps No. 125
Pete comes to the Giants after playing all 14 games for the Eagles last year. Through his specialty is pass blocking, he does just as well pulling out on running plays.
Considered one of the quickest linemen in the Southeastern Conference, Pete was captain of the 1958 freshman team, all-conference as a sophomore, a member of Auburn's all-opposition team in 1960, and captain of the varsity squad as a senior.
ROOSEVELT BROWN
Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Morgan State
"In his peak years - which were many - Rosey Brown was the premier offensive tackle in the league. He was quickest at pulling out of the line, or at getting downfield under a punt. He was a deadly blocker who chopped down blitzing opponents like so many twigs. And he helped to make better quarterbacks out of men Charlie Conerly and Y.A. Tittle.
But now, after 12 bruising seasons during which he has not been immune from injury, how much of it is left? It's a question Rosey will have to answer himself this year, but don't bet he doesn't give it a whale of a try. He is perhaps the top 'sleeper' choice of all time, as his number in the 1953 draft selections didn't come up until the 27th round."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"In NFL history, Rosie ranks as the top offensive tackle. He's a fine downfield blocker.
A valued member of the kickoff team, he usually makes the tackle."
-1965 Philadelphia No. 115
FRANK LASKY
Offensive Tackle
No. 71
Florida
Giant coaches believe Frank has great potential. And after being treated to four years of the passing heroics of Y.A. Tittle, the knowledgeable fans of the Giants appreciate offensive tackles who make it easier for their quarterback to pass and will appreciate Frank's talent when he gets the chance to play regularly.
After his impressive line play at Florida, the Giants thought enough of this young man to draft him as a 'future' in the second round in 1963.
Friday, August 1, 2014
1965 Giants Linebacker Profiles
LOU SLABY
Middle Linebacker
No. 51
Pittsburgh
"One of the bright rays to an otherwise dismal season was the rapid development of Lou Slaby at linebacker. While he didn't remind people of Sam Huff, the man whose place he was asked to take, Lou showed a ready adjustment to pro conditions. He is an alert and aggressive tackler, and he showed surprising mobility moving to the sides or sliding back on pass defense.
After being drafted in the fifth round for 1963, Lou was assigned to the taxi squad for the season, then got his shot last year. He attended the University of Pittsburgh."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"When you attempt to step into a pair of big shoes, it's tough. Especially if the shoes belong to Sam Huff, a long-time favorite of the New York fans.
This was precisely the predicament of Slaby last fall. A 6'3", 235-pound graduate of Pittsburgh, Slaby was designated by the Giants' coaching staff as successor to Huff after the old middle linebacker was dealt away. All things considered, Slaby did a tremendous job of filling under pressure."
-Bill Wise, 1965 Official Pro Football Almanac
"Lou was a Giant 5th round draft choice in 1963 but was inactive throughout the season. He became a regular in 1964.
He expects to get a mechanical engineering degree."
-1965 Philadelphia No. 121
TOM SCOTT
Linebacker
No. 82
Virginia
"Tom Scott remembers a certain crunching contact all too well- the one that sent him to the sidelines with a broken left arm in the second quarter of the 1963 Giants-Bears playoff game. It was the most serious injury he had suffered in 11 years of big league football. Had anyone taken the trouble to think about it in the heat of that grim struggle, he'd have probably said, 'Well, there's one guy who's had it in pro ball.'
But Tom's career didn't end there. The break, a clean one, responded to treatment and therapy. In 1964, when the Giants' situation was a desperate one, Tom Scott was a defensive bulwark.
Scott spans a couple of pro eras. When he came to the Eagles as a rookie, after being cut by the Los Angeles Rams, he was installed at a defensive end post. He weighed 225 and it was enough.
Tom has the weight to handle the rushing attack and the agility to cover pass plays, so vital to a linebacker. And that's where he's stayed since coming to the Giants in 1959."
-Sports All-Stars/1965 Pro Football
JERRY HILLEBRAND
Linebacker
No. 87
Colorado
"Jerry was the Giants' No. 1 pick in 1962. He was inactive all that season but was named New York's Rookie of the Year the next season.
He's big, fast and strong."
-1965 Philadelphia No. 117
Middle Linebacker
No. 51
Pittsburgh
"One of the bright rays to an otherwise dismal season was the rapid development of Lou Slaby at linebacker. While he didn't remind people of Sam Huff, the man whose place he was asked to take, Lou showed a ready adjustment to pro conditions. He is an alert and aggressive tackler, and he showed surprising mobility moving to the sides or sliding back on pass defense.
After being drafted in the fifth round for 1963, Lou was assigned to the taxi squad for the season, then got his shot last year. He attended the University of Pittsburgh."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"When you attempt to step into a pair of big shoes, it's tough. Especially if the shoes belong to Sam Huff, a long-time favorite of the New York fans.
This was precisely the predicament of Slaby last fall. A 6'3", 235-pound graduate of Pittsburgh, Slaby was designated by the Giants' coaching staff as successor to Huff after the old middle linebacker was dealt away. All things considered, Slaby did a tremendous job of filling under pressure."
-Bill Wise, 1965 Official Pro Football Almanac
"Lou was a Giant 5th round draft choice in 1963 but was inactive throughout the season. He became a regular in 1964.
He expects to get a mechanical engineering degree."
-1965 Philadelphia No. 121
TOM SCOTT
Linebacker
No. 82
Virginia
"Tom Scott remembers a certain crunching contact all too well- the one that sent him to the sidelines with a broken left arm in the second quarter of the 1963 Giants-Bears playoff game. It was the most serious injury he had suffered in 11 years of big league football. Had anyone taken the trouble to think about it in the heat of that grim struggle, he'd have probably said, 'Well, there's one guy who's had it in pro ball.'
But Tom's career didn't end there. The break, a clean one, responded to treatment and therapy. In 1964, when the Giants' situation was a desperate one, Tom Scott was a defensive bulwark.
Scott spans a couple of pro eras. When he came to the Eagles as a rookie, after being cut by the Los Angeles Rams, he was installed at a defensive end post. He weighed 225 and it was enough.
Tom has the weight to handle the rushing attack and the agility to cover pass plays, so vital to a linebacker. And that's where he's stayed since coming to the Giants in 1959."
-Sports All-Stars/1965 Pro Football
JERRY HILLEBRAND
Linebacker
No. 87
Colorado
"Jerry was the Giants' No. 1 pick in 1962. He was inactive all that season but was named New York's Rookie of the Year the next season.
He's big, fast and strong."
-1965 Philadelphia No. 117
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