Tuesday, September 19, 2017

1978 Profiles: Joe Devlin and Elbert Drungo

JOE DEVLIN
Offensive Tackle
No. 70
Iowa
With excellent athletic ability and body strength, Joe solidifies the Buffalo offensive line at his tackle spot.
Joe was a three-year starter for Iowa and was a first-team Sporting News All-American. His performance earned him an invitation to the Blue-Gray Game.


ELBERT DRUNGO
Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Tennessee State
"Last season, his second year as a pro, Elbert Drungo earned a starting job on the offensive line. Used as a backup tackle in his rookie year, in addition to working on special teams, he took over at right guard and did an excellent job.
Despite his size (6-5, 250 pounds), Drungo has outstanding speed and quickness for a guard. Of course, he can still be used at tackle if necessary.
The Oilers' third draft choice in 1969, Drungo was an All-Conference tight end for three seasons at Tennessee State."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

"One of the few bright spots on the Oiler offensive line. Elbert missed three full games but had a solid year.
He came to the Oilers as a third round draft choice and potential tackle. He had mostly played tight end in college, for which he earned All-Conference honors three years running and Pittsburgh Courier (all-black) All-America honors as a senior.
Elbert was a backup tackle as a rookie but became a starting guard in 1970. Fast, strong and quick, he could go back to tackle if needed. He played every game in his first two years.
He is nicknamed 'Sonny.' From Columbus, Mississippi, where he was born, he's married."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1972 Edition)

"A solid pass protection blocker and good lead blocker, Elbert can play either guard or tackle. He was the Oilers' outstanding offensive lineman in 1971.
Elbert likes to draw."

-1974 Topps No. 388

"Elbert has good speed and strength and is a solid pass protector. Possessed with the ability to play either tackle or guard, he was selected as the Oilers' Outstanding Lineman for the 1971 season.
Elbert was an all-conference tight end for three years at Tennessee State and played linebacker as a college freshman. He was an All-America choice as a junior and senior. He ran back a kickoff 25 yards in 1970."

-1975 Topps No. 474

Sunday, September 10, 2017

1978 Profile: Eddie McMillan

Cornerback
No. 41
Florida State
"An All-NFL rookie selection in 1973 by UPI and Pro Football Weekly, Eddie was also the Rams rookie of the year. He climaxed his career by playing in the North-South and American Bowl Games.
Eddie runs the 100-yard dash in 9.6 seconds."

-1976 Topps No. 388

"An All-Rookie selection for the Rams in 1973, Eddie was a starter in all but four games in his three seasons in Los Angeles.
At Florida State, he began his senior year by returning the opening kickoff of the season 96 yards for a touchdown. Eddie has outstanding speed- he ran the 100-yard dash in 9.6 seconds while at Florida State."

-1978 Topps No. 244