1977 Profile: Tom Ruud

Linebacker
No. 54
Nebraska
"Ruud appeared in 14 games in 1976 as a backup outside linebacker and special team player. He returned six short kickoffs 68 yards, an 11.3 average. Tom was credited with 26 tackles (19 unassisted) and one fumble recovery last year.
The Bills' top draft choice in 1975, Ruud started three games in 1975 after arriving late at training camp due to contractual problems. He appeared in all 14 games that year.
A unanimous All-Big Eight selection in 1974, Tom also earned Associated Press All-American honorable mention. He led the Cornhuskers with 104 tackles that fall while adding three fumble recoveries and two pass interceptions. Tom was an All-Academic Big Eight choice in both 1973 and 1974 and finished his career with 209 tackles. He played in the Senior Bowl.
A business major interested in banking and public relations, Tom lists music, hunting, fishing and skiing as his hobbies. He has five sisters and a brother."

-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-Radio-TV Guide

1977 Profile: Darnell Powell

Running Back
No. 35
Chattanooga
"The first running back taken by the Bills in the 1976 college draft, Powell appeared in 11 games before injuring his elbow, which required corrective surgery. He was used on special teams and as a backup at both fullback and halfback. Powell had a nifty 20-yard run against the Houston Oilers. He will be given a good shot at fullback this year.'
Powell rushed for over 1,500 yards in three years at Chattanooga. He led the team with 618 yards as a junior when he was also the top kickoff returner with 482 yards in 20 returns, including a 90-yarder for a touchdown. His total offense for three years neared 2,400 yards."

-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-TV-Radio Yearbook

1977 Profile: Bob Patton

Center-Long Snapper
No. 65
Delaware
"Bob appeared in 12 games last fall, joining the Bills squad after Willie Parker was injured. He was used as a backup center and was the snapper on punts and placement kicks. He impressed the coaches with his aggressiveness and with his improvement during training camp and was one of the final cuts. He re-signed as a free agent.
The mainstay of a strong Delaware offensive line, Patton played at both guard and center before starting all games at center in 1975. He lettered for three years and consistently graded very high with his quickness and agility, two big assets. He can center the ball for punts and field goals.
Bob won eight letters in high school."

-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-Radio-TV Guide

1977 Profile: Willie Parker

Long Snapper-Center
No. 61
North Texas State
"Parker missed the final 12 games of the 1976 season with a knee injury after appearances in 30 straight games with the Bills. His versatility is a major asset- he can play guard or center and is used as a snapper on punts and placement kicks and is a strong special teams player.
He was drafted third by San Francisco in 1971 and spent most of that season on the 49ers reserve squad. He was on the LA reserve list for a full year before being picked up by Buffalo for a future draft choice in September 1973.
Parker was a second team All-Missouri Valley Conference choice as a junior and a first team selection as a senior.
He went back to Texas last winter after spending the two previous off-seasons in Orchard Park. He has passed his insurance examination."

-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-Radio-TV Yearbook