Wednesday, May 31, 2017

1978 Profile: Mario Clark

Cornerback
No. 29
Oregon
"Potentially an outstanding cornerback. Clark intercepted seven passes in his second year, which is outstanding considering that the Bills have no pass rush. He has started every game since the Bills drafted him in 1976.
Clark could become the Bills' land baron if O.J. leaves any over. He majored in architecture and real estate at Oregon, where he had 13 career interceptions and was the first Pacific 8 freshman ever named National Player of the Week. Clark was born in Pasadena, California, near the Rose Bowl, but never played there for lowly Oregon.
He's a bachelor whose hobbies include music, reupholstering furniture and intimidating quarterbacks."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1978 Edition

"A very reliable performer for the Bills, Mario shows improvement in every game. Named to the NFL All-Rookie Team in 1976, he was credited with defensing 18 passes.
Mario was an All-Pacific 8 selection of both AP and UPI at Oregon. He was an honorable mention AP All-America with 13 career interceptions.
Mario's hobbies include reupholstering furniture."

-1978 Topps, No. 57

Thursday, May 25, 2017

1978 Profile: Sherman White

Defensive End
No. 83
California
"What went wrong? The second player taken in the 1972 draft, he had it all, the scouts said, but where did it go? White shouldn't feel too badly, though. Walt Patulski was drafted ahead of him, by Buffalo, and never did a thing, really. White was drafted by Cincinnati, never was one of Paul Brown's favorites and was traded to Buffalo before the 1976 season.
Born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, White was a basketball player in high school and played only two games of football before attending college. He rapidly developed into an All-American as a University of California senior.
White lives in Oakland and works with disadvantaged youth in the off-season."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1978 Edition

Saturday, May 13, 2017

1978 Profile: Paul Seymour

Tight End
No. 87
Michigan
"How many starting tight ends do you know that could survive while catching only two passes a season? It's possible. Paul Seymour caught that many a year ago and is in no danger of not starting in Buffalo. The reason? He is a bludgeoning blocker.
Reuben Gant, his 'backup,' caught 41 passes. When the Bills want to throw, they bring in Gant and throw to him. If Chuck Knox decides to play Gant more regularly, Seymour will play tackle. But he WILL play.
Born in Detroit, Seymour is one of the finest linemen in University of Michigan history. He was drafted in the first round in 1973, just ahead of DeLamielleure. His brother Jim was a Notre Dame wide receiver who played in the NFL."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1978 Edition

"Although his receiving statistics are impressive, Paul's value to the Bills is more as a strong and devastating blocker. A consistent player week after week, he has started 69 of 70 games at tight end since being converted from tackle.
Paul plays the guitar."

-1978 Topps, No. 424

Thursday, May 4, 2017

1978 Profile: Reggie McKenzie

Guard
No. 67
Michigan
"Buffalo doesn't suffer from a Mac attack. The town has its Big Mac and he's a good friend of the Juice. McKenzie was voted the NFL's best blocking lineman by a Wisconsin group in 1973 when O.J. rushed for 2,003 yards. He was All-Pro in '73 and '74, but recent honors have gone to his running mate Joe DeLamielleure. McKenzie takes great pride in the accomplishments of the Bills' offensive line as a unit. He's a very intense performer.
Reggie has a good eye for beauty; he married Miss Massachusetts of 1974, Gthellean Hicks. Born in Detroit, he was recruited by Michigan after an assistant football coach saw him punch out a kid after losing a high school wrestling match. Really! Reggie doesn't wrestle anymore."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1978 Edition

"Reggie has now started 85 consecutive regular-season games for the Bills over the past six campaigns. He continues to refine the skills which earned him All-Pro and All-Conference honors in 1973 and 1974. Winner of the Wisconsin Pro Football Writers' Award as the NFL's top blocking lineman of 1973, Reggie is an intense competitor with pride in the accomplishments of the Bills' offensive line as a unit. He has outstanding speed off the snap.
Reggie's wife was voted as Miss Massachusetts of 1974."

-1978 Topps, No. 323