Thursday, August 31, 2017

1978 Profile: Frank Lewis

Wide Receiver
No. 82
Grambling
"Thought by many Grambling insiders to be the best pro prospect to come out of the little football citadel. Lewis can be a running back or receiver. Art Rooney, Jr. of the Steelers called him another Gale Sayers long before Pittsburgh drafted him No. 1. Ex-pro star Lenny Moore says, 'You got to see him to believe him, he's got moves you won't believe.' He does a 9.4 hundred and 4.4 in the 40-yard dash.
Lewis is mainly a pass catcher, but averaged 17.2 yards a carry on 45 rushes in 1969. A hamstring pull held him back in 1970 but he still led the team in scoring for the third straight year. He's no stranger to Three Rivers Stadium fans because he scored three touchdowns there against Morgan State in 1970."

-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1971 Edition)

"One of the Steelers' most potent bomb theats, Frank was injured towards the end of 1972 and had to miss the playoffs. He catches the ball well and is very fluid."

-1973 Topps No. 456

"An outstanding receiver, Frank can also be a very effective punt returner and runner on the end-around play.
He was a wingback at Grambling and made Third Team Little All-America in 1970. Frank scored 42 touchdowns in college."

-1975 Topps No. 71

"A very consistent receiver for the Steelers, Frank is effective on the end-around play and can be used as a punt returner. He's extremely fast and an outstanding long-bomb threat."

-1976 Topps No. 261

"Frank is very effective on the end-around play and was used as a punt returner early in his career due to his running ability. He made the sensational catch in the 1975 Playoff game against the Colts that led to the Steelers' first score. Frank had a very effective season in 1975 with an average-per-catch of 18.1.
He scored 42 touchdowns rushing and receiving during his career at Grambling."

-1977 Topps No. 319

"Frank continues to maintain a high average-per-catch which has characterized his career. He needs 16 catches to move into the top 10 among all-time Steeler receivers.
Frank majored in recreation at Grambling."

-1978 Topps No. 431

Thursday, August 24, 2017

1978 Profile: Dennis L. Johnson

Defensive End
No. 75
"Delaware Dennis had the Redskins' longest run with an intercepted pass in 1975. He was credited with 116 unassisted tackles, 39 assists, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions during his three years at Delaware. He played offense and defense."

-1976 Topps No. 523

"Dennis gained a starting assignment for the Redskins in 1975 and has been a key member of the club's defensive front since that time. He was credited with three fumble recoveries, four and a half quarterback sacks and a key interception for the Redskins in 1976.
Dennis played in the Boardwalk Bowl twice during his college career at Delaware."

-1978 Topps No. 31

Sunday, August 13, 2017

1978 Profile: Marv Bateman

Punter
No. 7
Utah
"The AFC's fourth leading punter in 1977, Marv had a 42.8 average in 1976 to lead all of pro football. That season he also had the NFL's longest kick, a 78-yard boot against the Oilers.
Marv is interested in residential property sales."

-1978 Topps No. 286

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

1978 Profile: Dwight Harrison

Cornerback
No. 28
Texas A & I
"Dwight has played cornerback for five years since being shifted from wide receiver at the beginning of the 1973 season. He had a 40-yard runback of an intercepted pass in 1975.
Forestry and conservation are Dwight's career interests."

-1978 Topps No. 496