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