Sunday, June 2, 2019

1980 Profile: Fred Smerlas

Nose Tackle
No. 76
Boston College
"Another of the Bills' rookie wave. A second-round pick a year ago, he challenged Mike Kadish for the middle guard position until a knee injury finished the big rookie with three games to go. Smerlas and Kadish shared the job last year and may have the same arrangement this autumn, unless Smerlas suddenly comes on like the next Curley Culp.
Smerlas is a tough, aggressive player who certainly has size and strength. Born in Waltham, Mass., he was a three-year starter at Boston College and a two-time New England heavyweight wrestling champion in high school.
Smerlas enjoys weightlifting and camping. Together. He once bench pressed a 1,500-pound Grizzly 10 times in succession."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1980 Edition