Tight End
No. 88
Oregon State
"Staying healthy seems to be Aaron Thomas' only problem. Injuries plague him perennially, causing him to miss games. As a tight end, he has few peers; he's rated in the Pete Retzlaff class, only faster, and he does a job on the tight safety. In the Giant passing scheme, he has a pivotal role because his exceptional speed also allows him to function as a deep receiver.
In 1965, his fifth NFL season, he made 27 catches for 631 yards and five touchdowns."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Saturday, August 30, 2014
1966 Giants Safety Profiles
JIM PATTON
Safety
No. 20
Mississippi
"The dean of the Giant secondary is Jimmy Patton, a 12-year veteran who leads all active players in interceptions with 48. Last year, Jimmy committed only one swipe, but he continued to cruise in his free safety role with the same abandon he did in his youth. He's the type who plays with small and large hurts, keeping it to himself.
He's played in three Pro Bowl Games and has been a frequent All-Pro selection since joining the Giants out of the University of Mississippi. In 1958, he led the league with 11 interceptions."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
HENRY CARR
Safety
No. 28
Arizona State
"Henry was the world and Olympic 220 and 200-meter champ before becoming the 5th round pick of the Giants in 1965. He started in the New York secondary and picked off two enemy aerials. His speed, size and aggressiveness make him a top pro prospect."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 120
WENDELL HARRIS
Safety
No. 26
LSU
"Wendell, a highly desired young man, was the Colts' first draft pick for the 1962 campaign. The lightning-fast halfback scored eight touchdowns for L.S.U. last year, as he led the Southeastern Conference with 94 points. He's a tough tackler, too."
-1962 Topps No. 11
Safety
No. 20
Mississippi
"The dean of the Giant secondary is Jimmy Patton, a 12-year veteran who leads all active players in interceptions with 48. Last year, Jimmy committed only one swipe, but he continued to cruise in his free safety role with the same abandon he did in his youth. He's the type who plays with small and large hurts, keeping it to himself.
He's played in three Pro Bowl Games and has been a frequent All-Pro selection since joining the Giants out of the University of Mississippi. In 1958, he led the league with 11 interceptions."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
HENRY CARR
Safety
No. 28
Arizona State
"Henry was the world and Olympic 220 and 200-meter champ before becoming the 5th round pick of the Giants in 1965. He started in the New York secondary and picked off two enemy aerials. His speed, size and aggressiveness make him a top pro prospect."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 120
WENDELL HARRIS
Safety
No. 26
LSU
"Wendell, a highly desired young man, was the Colts' first draft pick for the 1962 campaign. The lightning-fast halfback scored eight touchdowns for L.S.U. last year, as he led the Southeastern Conference with 94 points. He's a tough tackler, too."
-1962 Topps No. 11
1966 Giants Offensive Line Profiles
BOB SCHOLTZ
Center
No. 55
Notre Dame
"Bob played the pivot spot in Detroit with Earl Morrall calling the signals. This combination has had much experience, which was of great help to the Giants in 1965. With Greg Larson injured, Bob took over and worked with his old teammate."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 127
BOOKIE BOLIN AND PETE CASE
"If Earl Morrall stabilized the Giant offense last year, a big assist goes to Bookie Bolin and Pete Case, who gave him the vital pass blocking he needed. Bolin, swiftly moving up as one of the league's better guards, does equally well at pulling out of the line to lead a running play. But it was Case who had fight his way into a regular job, after being traded to the Giants by the Eagles last year. He moved in ahead of Davey O'Brien shortly after the season began and simply got better every week. Pete played his college football at Georgia."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
BOOKIE BOLIN
Guard
No. 63
Mississippi
Whether providing pass protection for quarterback Earl Morrall or pulling out of the line to lead the way for one of the young Giant running backs, Bookie is a stalwart of New York's rebuilding offensive line. He served on the kickoff and punt return teams as a rookie while also filling at guard, but he's been a dependable regular ever since.
Bookie played in both the Sugar Bowl and the Cotton Bowl during his days at Ole Miss.
PETE CASE
Guard
No. 65
Georgia
Pete played all 14 games last year and was a vital cog in the new Giant offensive line. His speed was most useful for both running and passing plays.
As a collegian, Pete was widely considered Georgia's best all-around tackle since Marion Campbell. His impressive speed for a lineman made him a star of the 1959 Orange Bowl.
Pete majored in business administration.
ROOSEVELT BROWN
Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Morgan State
"Rosey was a 27th round draft choice in 1953. Since then, he has been a perennial All-Pro selection, nine-time Pro Bowl choice and Lineman of the Year in 1956.
This great blocker will go down as one of the best offensive linemen in NFL history."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 119
GREG LARSON
Offensive Tackle
No. 53
Minnesota
"Since his rookie year in 1961, Greg has played tackle, guard and center for the Giants. Although surgery for torn ligaments sidelined him for part of the '64 and '65 seasons, Greg has made a good recovery and is ready for 1966."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 124
Center
No. 55
Notre Dame
"Bob played the pivot spot in Detroit with Earl Morrall calling the signals. This combination has had much experience, which was of great help to the Giants in 1965. With Greg Larson injured, Bob took over and worked with his old teammate."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 127
BOOKIE BOLIN AND PETE CASE
"If Earl Morrall stabilized the Giant offense last year, a big assist goes to Bookie Bolin and Pete Case, who gave him the vital pass blocking he needed. Bolin, swiftly moving up as one of the league's better guards, does equally well at pulling out of the line to lead a running play. But it was Case who had fight his way into a regular job, after being traded to the Giants by the Eagles last year. He moved in ahead of Davey O'Brien shortly after the season began and simply got better every week. Pete played his college football at Georgia."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
BOOKIE BOLIN
Guard
No. 63
Mississippi
Whether providing pass protection for quarterback Earl Morrall or pulling out of the line to lead the way for one of the young Giant running backs, Bookie is a stalwart of New York's rebuilding offensive line. He served on the kickoff and punt return teams as a rookie while also filling at guard, but he's been a dependable regular ever since.
Bookie played in both the Sugar Bowl and the Cotton Bowl during his days at Ole Miss.
PETE CASE
Guard
No. 65
Georgia
Pete played all 14 games last year and was a vital cog in the new Giant offensive line. His speed was most useful for both running and passing plays.
As a collegian, Pete was widely considered Georgia's best all-around tackle since Marion Campbell. His impressive speed for a lineman made him a star of the 1959 Orange Bowl.
Pete majored in business administration.
ROOSEVELT BROWN
Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Morgan State
"Rosey was a 27th round draft choice in 1953. Since then, he has been a perennial All-Pro selection, nine-time Pro Bowl choice and Lineman of the Year in 1956.
This great blocker will go down as one of the best offensive linemen in NFL history."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 119
GREG LARSON
Offensive Tackle
No. 53
Minnesota
"Since his rookie year in 1961, Greg has played tackle, guard and center for the Giants. Although surgery for torn ligaments sidelined him for part of the '64 and '65 seasons, Greg has made a good recovery and is ready for 1966."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 124
Friday, August 29, 2014
1966 Profile: Tucker Frederickson
Fullback
No. 24
Auburn
"Tucker Frederickson lived up to his advance notices as a Baby Bull, emerging as one of the league's rookie backs in 1965. He wound up eighth in rushing, with 659 yards on 195 carries for a 3.8 average and five touchdowns.
The 6-3, 220-pound All-America from Auburn can do it all: he's a devastating blocker, a good pass catcher and most of all, a powerful runner with excellent moves and balance. He's dynamite past the line of scrimmage, where he can use his speed and strength to bowl over would-be tacklers."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
"Tucker, the Giants' first-round pick for 1965, had a great rookie season. He was the league's eighth-leading rusher with 659 yards for five touchdowns and a 3.4 average. He also caught 24 passes for 177 yards and a touchdown, and his blocking has been excellent."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 122
No. 24
Auburn
"Tucker Frederickson lived up to his advance notices as a Baby Bull, emerging as one of the league's rookie backs in 1965. He wound up eighth in rushing, with 659 yards on 195 carries for a 3.8 average and five touchdowns.
The 6-3, 220-pound All-America from Auburn can do it all: he's a devastating blocker, a good pass catcher and most of all, a powerful runner with excellent moves and balance. He's dynamite past the line of scrimmage, where he can use his speed and strength to bowl over would-be tacklers."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
"Tucker, the Giants' first-round pick for 1965, had a great rookie season. He was the league's eighth-leading rusher with 659 yards for five touchdowns and a 3.4 average. He also caught 24 passes for 177 yards and a touchdown, and his blocking has been excellent."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 122
1966 Giants Linebacker Profiles
JIM CARROLL
Middle Linebacker
No. 60
Notre Dame
Playing every game last year, the rookie out of Notre Dame showed great promise as one of the youngsters in the revamped Giant linebacking corps. Jim moves to the middle linebacking spot this coming season. Giant coaches love his hard-hitting aggressiveness.
JERRY HILLEBRAND
Linebacker
No. 87
Colorado
"For most of his three seasons with the Giants, Jerry Hillebrand wandered around like a displaced person. But he finally found a home for himself at middle linebacker last year, and he's going to be hard to move out now.
He was an end when the Giants made him their No. 1 draft pick for 1962. He spent a year on the taxi squad, then made the club as a corner linebacker. He was all set to replace Sam Huff at middle linebacker in '64 when a knee injury sidelined him for most of the year. He got his shot again last season when Lou Slaby was hurt.
At 6-3 and 240 pounds, Jerry rates as the strongest linebacker in the league."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
"Jerry was picked in the first round by the Giants in 1962 and has developed into a fine linebacker, playing both the middle and corner positions.
He had two interceptions in 1965 and scored a touchdown. This season he may do the placekicking, too."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 138
BILL SWAIN
Linebacker
No. 52
Oregon
Bill appeared in 14 games for the Rams in 1963, 14 games for the Vikings in 1964 and 14 games for the Giants last year. His lateral movement and uncanny ability to follow a play cause trouble for opposing running backs and his good hands make him a threat to intercept a pass.
Middle Linebacker
No. 60
Notre Dame
Playing every game last year, the rookie out of Notre Dame showed great promise as one of the youngsters in the revamped Giant linebacking corps. Jim moves to the middle linebacking spot this coming season. Giant coaches love his hard-hitting aggressiveness.
JERRY HILLEBRAND
Linebacker
No. 87
Colorado
"For most of his three seasons with the Giants, Jerry Hillebrand wandered around like a displaced person. But he finally found a home for himself at middle linebacker last year, and he's going to be hard to move out now.
He was an end when the Giants made him their No. 1 draft pick for 1962. He spent a year on the taxi squad, then made the club as a corner linebacker. He was all set to replace Sam Huff at middle linebacker in '64 when a knee injury sidelined him for most of the year. He got his shot again last season when Lou Slaby was hurt.
At 6-3 and 240 pounds, Jerry rates as the strongest linebacker in the league."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
"Jerry was picked in the first round by the Giants in 1962 and has developed into a fine linebacker, playing both the middle and corner positions.
He had two interceptions in 1965 and scored a touchdown. This season he may do the placekicking, too."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 138
BILL SWAIN
Linebacker
No. 52
Oregon
Bill appeared in 14 games for the Rams in 1963, 14 games for the Vikings in 1964 and 14 games for the Giants last year. His lateral movement and uncanny ability to follow a play cause trouble for opposing running backs and his good hands make him a threat to intercept a pass.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
1966 Profile: Homer Jones
Split End
No. 45
Texas Southern
"Bursting on the scene in 1965 like a meteor was Homer Jones, who is taking over as the Giants' new split end. All Homer ever had to do was show that he could stick to his patterns; he has speed to burn. In what really amounted to his rookie year, he caught 26 passes for 709 yards and six touchdowns. His 89-yard touchdown romp against the Eagles was the season's longest reception.
Homer's best moves are the down-and-in, the fly pattern and the square-out-and-up. As one defensive back has stated: 'We play Homer just a little bit deep.'
He was the Giants' 20th draft choice for 1963, but he signed with Houston of the AFL instead. He was released after injuring his knee and asked the Giants for a trial. He got it and was kept on the taxi squad in '63 and '64."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
No. 45
Texas Southern
"Bursting on the scene in 1965 like a meteor was Homer Jones, who is taking over as the Giants' new split end. All Homer ever had to do was show that he could stick to his patterns; he has speed to burn. In what really amounted to his rookie year, he caught 26 passes for 709 yards and six touchdowns. His 89-yard touchdown romp against the Eagles was the season's longest reception.
Homer's best moves are the down-and-in, the fly pattern and the square-out-and-up. As one defensive back has stated: 'We play Homer just a little bit deep.'
He was the Giants' 20th draft choice for 1963, but he signed with Houston of the AFL instead. He was released after injuring his knee and asked the Giants for a trial. He got it and was kept on the taxi squad in '63 and '64."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
1966 Giants Cornerback Profiles
DICK LYNCH
Cornerback
No. 22
Notre Dame
"The perils of playing cornerback were probably best exemplified last season by Dick Lynch, who experienced some alternately good and bad Sundays.
'It's the most exposed position on defense,' he says. 'When you make a mistake, everybody knows it.' Dick didn't make too many, and he had standout days in the two Cardinal games, running 60 yards to a touchdown with a fumble recovery in one of them.
His four interceptions last year moved him into third place in that department among active players, with a total of 37 thefts. Dick has led the league in interceptions twice in his nine-year NFL career."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
"Dick came to New York from the Redskins in 1959. He has been a standout backfield performer with the Giants, leading the league in interceptions twice and setting a record of three touchdowns [in one season]. Last season, Dick tied for the team leadership with four interceptions."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 112
SPIDER LOCKHART
Cornerback
No. 43
North Texas State
"They call Carl Lockhart 'Spider' because of his wiry frame, but 'Raffles' might be more suitable because this one has bandit blood in him. As a rookie cornerback last season, he swiped four passes, tying Dick Lynch for the team high. He also showed quick reflexes and a ready aptitude for defense. He has good instincts, is a quick learner and a piercing tackler for someone who weighs 185 pounds.
Carl doesn't lack for nicknames - he's one of Emlen's Gremlins, the name given to defensive coach Em Tunnell's rookie defensive backs.
He was the Giants' 13th draft pick for 1965 when he came out of North Texas State."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
"Spider was one of the many Giant rookies last year. He started in the defensive backfield and responded with a team-leading four interceptions for 117 yards, a 29.3 average return! He also punted six times for a 44.5 average."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 125
CLARENCE CHILDS
Kick Returner- Cornerback
No. 48
Florida A&M
"Clarence was signed as a free agent in 1961. Used mostly to run back kickoffs, he led the league in that department in 1964 and included a 100-yarder in his record. Childs is now being used as a defensive back, where his speed is an asset."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 121
Cornerback
No. 22
Notre Dame
"The perils of playing cornerback were probably best exemplified last season by Dick Lynch, who experienced some alternately good and bad Sundays.
'It's the most exposed position on defense,' he says. 'When you make a mistake, everybody knows it.' Dick didn't make too many, and he had standout days in the two Cardinal games, running 60 yards to a touchdown with a fumble recovery in one of them.
His four interceptions last year moved him into third place in that department among active players, with a total of 37 thefts. Dick has led the league in interceptions twice in his nine-year NFL career."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
"Dick came to New York from the Redskins in 1959. He has been a standout backfield performer with the Giants, leading the league in interceptions twice and setting a record of three touchdowns [in one season]. Last season, Dick tied for the team leadership with four interceptions."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 112
SPIDER LOCKHART
Cornerback
No. 43
North Texas State
"They call Carl Lockhart 'Spider' because of his wiry frame, but 'Raffles' might be more suitable because this one has bandit blood in him. As a rookie cornerback last season, he swiped four passes, tying Dick Lynch for the team high. He also showed quick reflexes and a ready aptitude for defense. He has good instincts, is a quick learner and a piercing tackler for someone who weighs 185 pounds.
Carl doesn't lack for nicknames - he's one of Emlen's Gremlins, the name given to defensive coach Em Tunnell's rookie defensive backs.
He was the Giants' 13th draft pick for 1965 when he came out of North Texas State."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
"Spider was one of the many Giant rookies last year. He started in the defensive backfield and responded with a team-leading four interceptions for 117 yards, a 29.3 average return! He also punted six times for a 44.5 average."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 125
CLARENCE CHILDS
Kick Returner- Cornerback
No. 48
Florida A&M
"Clarence was signed as a free agent in 1961. Used mostly to run back kickoffs, he led the league in that department in 1964 and included a 100-yarder in his record. Childs is now being used as a defensive back, where his speed is an asset."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 121
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)