RAMS ’90 : PROFILING THE RAMS

WILLIE ANDERSON * WR

Went from 11 receptions for 319 yards in 1988 to 44 receptions for 1,146 yards last season. Set NFL record for receiving yards with 336 yards on 15 receptions in an overtime victory over Saints. Was selected NFC offensive player of the week. Caught the winning touchdown pass in overtime against the New York Giants in conference semifinal game. A third-year player out of UCLA.

RICHARD ASHE * TE

Signed as a free agent in 1989 but did not play. Spent season on the Rams’ developmental squad. During his senior season at Humboldt State, Ashe started on offense and defense. At tight end, he caught five passes for 90 yards. At linebacker, he had 49 tackles and three sacks. Was a three-time all-conference player.

LATIN BERRY * DB

Gained 1,548 yards in four seasons as a running back at Oregon, but is making the switch to cornerback with the Rams. Injuries may place him in the secondary sooner than Rams had planned. Has excellent leaping ability. Was first Oregon athlete in 27 years to win three jump titles in the Pac-10 Conference. Holds Oregon school record in triple jump and shares record in the long jump. Was Rams’ third pick in NFL draft, 78th overall. Has run a 4.4 40-yard dash.

GEORGE BETHUNE * LB

Used mostly on special teams early in the season, he played more as the season went on. Finished the season with 10 tackles and two sacks. A seventh-round draft pick in 1989, he was three-year letterman at Alabama. Had 37 tackles and six sacks as a senior.

BERN BROSTEK * C

The heir to Smith at center. A first-round pick in the 1990 draft. Big, strong and fast, was a four-year starter at the University of Washington. As a senior, was a first-team All-American selection by The Sporting News. Can also play guard.

PAT CARTER * TE

Acquired in a trade with Detroit in 1989 as insurance because of Johnson’s hold out and Holohan’s injury. The two-year veteran was used mainly in short-yardage and goal-line situations last season. Did not have a reception last season, but should play more this year. AARON COX * WR

A hamstring injury cost him a starting spot last season and has slowed him again this season. Finished last season with only 20 receptions for 340 yards and three touchdowns. Had 12 receptions for 192 yards in two games when Ellard was injured last season. A first-round draft pick from Arizona State in 1988. Had 28 receptions for 590 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie.

ROBERT COX * OT

A solid reserve during his five years with the Rams. Could become a starter this season, depending on how quickly Slater is ready to play after his holdout. A versatile player who can play either tackle or guard. Played two seasons at UCLA after transferring from Chabot College.

ROBERT DELPINO * RB

A clutch receiver. Last season caught 34 passes for 334 yards and one touchdown. Also was the Rams’ second-leading rusher last season with 368 yards in 78 carries. Had 28 receptions for 267 yards and two touchdowns in his rookie season in 1988. A wide receiver at Missouri until his senior year, he continues to improve as a running back.

HENRY ELLARD * WR

An eight-year veteran, has become one of the best receivers in the NFL. Last season, led the team with 70 receptions for 1,382 yards and eight touchdowns. Had 14 receptions for 230 yards and one touchdown in the playoffs. Named to the Pro Bowl for the second consecutive season and the third time in his career. Holds the Rams’ single-season record for receptions with 86, set in 1988.

KEITH ENGLISH * P

Acquired in a trade witht he San Diego Chargers late in training camp. Was averaging 41.7 yards per punt for the Chargers. An All-Big 8 selection as a senior at Colorado in 1988. Averaged 44.7 yards per punt during his collegiate career.

JIM EVERETT * QB

One of the premier quarterbacks in the NFL. Holds Ram single-season passing records for passes attempted (518), passes completed (308), yards passing (4,310) and touchdowns (31). Last season, completed 304 of 518 passes for 4,310 yards, led the NFL in touchdown passes with 29 and was second in yardage and third in quarterback ratings. Has thrown for more than 8,000 yards over the last two seasons. Led the Rams to five come-from-behind victories last season. Was 29 of 51 for 454 yards in 20-17 overtime victory over the New Orleans Saints during the regular season.

DERRICK FAISON * WR

A free agent from Howard University, where he played from 1986-89. Set the school record for career touchdown receptions with 21, 15 of which were 60 yards or longer. Played basketball and competed for the track team in 1990.

BRETT FARYNIARZ * LB

A pass rushing specialist who came on strong at the end of the season. Had three sacks against the New York Jets in Game No. 15 and was named NFC defensive player of the week. Finished with 20 tackles and two fumble recoveries. Signed as a free agent in 1988 and was the only free agent to make the Ram roster.

CLEVELAND GARY * RB

A first-round draft pick in 1989 out of the University of Miami. A holdout for most of training camp last season. Played sparingly during regular season. Gained 163 yards in 37 carries and scored one touchdown. Also a good receiver. As a senior at Miami, had 57 receptions for 794 yards and four touchdowns.

JERRY GRAY * S

Led the team with six interceptions last season and was second on the team with 79 tackles. Selected to his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl and was the game’s most valuable player last year. Has 39 interceptions in five seasons. A two-time All-American selection at Texas, where he played free safety.

GASTON GREEN * RB

Still a question mark after two seasons with the Rams. A first-round draft pick in 1988, but in two seasons, has played little and has gained only 190 yards. Robinson has said that Green will play more this season. Showed promise in the preseason opener, gaining 115 yards. However, had 116 yards in the 1989 preseason opener and gained only 73 yards during the regular season.

KEVIN GREENE * LB

Was holdout for much of 1990 training camp. One of the premier linebackers in the NFL and the Rams’ best pass rusher. Had 16.5 sacks in 1988 and 16.5 in 1989. The team’s defensive leader. Was selected to the Pro Bowl last season for the first time. Fourth on the team with 64 tackles. Forced three fumbles and recovered two last season. Also had 15 tackles and three sacks during the playoffs. A fifth-round draft from Auburn in 1985, he played sparingly his rookie season. Began getting more playing time in 1986 and responded with seven sacks. Had 7.5 sacks in 1987.

BILL HAWKINS * DL

The Rams are hoping he will become the pass rusher they envisioned when they drafted him in the first round in 1989. Will line up on the same side as linebacker Kevin Greene, the Rams’ top pass rusher. Last season, Hawkins injured his knee Dec. 11 in his first professional start. A three-year starter at Miami of Florida.

DARRYL HENLEY * CB

A second-round draft pick in 1989, he was the nickel back last season and finished with 21 tackles and one interception. Also was the team’s punt returner, averaging 9.4 yards per return. A first-team All-American selection at UCLA as a senior. Had seven interceptions and also returned two punts for touchdowns as a senior.

PETE HOLOHAN * TE

A 10-year veteran, was acquired in a trade from the Chargers in 1988 and has been a valuable addition. Last season, his second with the Rams, had 51 receptions for 510 yards and two touchdowns despite missing most of training camp with a knee injury. The receiver that Everett usually looks for in the clutch. Of his 51 receptions, 26 were for first downs and 10 of those came on third down. In 1988, had 59 receptions for 640 yards and three touchdowns.

BOBBY HUMPHERY * CB

Acquired in a trade with the New York Jets during the offseason and adds experience to a young secondary. A seven-year veteran from New Mexico State, where he was a wide receiver. Was switched to cornerback after the 1985 season and became a starter in 1988. Twice was selected AFC defensive player of the week in 1988.

ALFRED JACKSON * CB

Missed six games last season because of a groin injury and played mostly on special teams. He’s expected to play more this season and will battle for a starting spot. A fifth-round draft pick from San Diego State in 1989. Started his collegiate career as a cornerback, but was moved to wide receiver as a sophomore.

DAMONE JOHNSON * TE

A holdout through much of the 1990 training camp. Got off to a slow start last season after missing all of camp. Caught 25 passes for 148 yards and five touchdowns. In 1988, had a standout season with 42 receptions for 350 yards and six touchdowns, and established himself as the team’s No. 1 tight end. A fifth-round draft pick in 1985, played sparingly until 1987.

LARRY KELM * LB

Expected to start at inside linebacker. Played only six games last year because of injuries, but still had 38 tackles and an interception. A fourth-round draft pick in 1987, he saw limited action his rookie season. Played in all 16 games in 1988 and finished with 36 tackles, three pass deflections and two interceptions. A two-year starter at Texas A&M;, he was an all-Southwestern Conference selection as a senior.

MIKE LANSFORD * K

One of the most consistent kickers in the NFL. Made 23 of 30 field goals and all 51 of his conversion attempts last season. Finished with a career-high 120 points. Made eight of 10 field goals between 40-49 yards. Longest was 48 yards. Four of his seven misses were from 50-plus yards. His 702 career points is a Ram record.

TONY LOMACK * WR

A ninth-round draft pick from Florida. Had 38 receptions for 578 yards during his four-year career with the Gators. As a senior, returned 18 kickoffs for 436 yards. During his career, returned 30 kickoffs for 710 yards and 25 punts for 104 yards.

CHUCK LONG * QB

Signed as a free agent during the offseason. In 1986, was Detroit’s first-round draft pick after outstanding career at Iowa. Finished second to Bo Jackson in the Heisman Trophy ballot in 1985. Started 21 games for the Lions between 1986-88. Best season was 1987 when he completed 232 of 416 passes for 2,598 yards and 11 touchdowns. Had elbow surgery following the 1988 season and spent nine weeks on injured reserve in 1989. Played in only one game last season.

DUVAL LOVE * OG

A holdout in training camp a year ago. Lost his starting job only to regain it on the last game of the season. A 10th-round draft selection in 1985, started all 15 games in 1988. Was a three-year starter at UCLA and was twice named all-Pac 10. A graduate of Fountain Valley High School.

MIKE McDONALD * LB

The team’s long-snapper for punts, field goals and PATs and also plays on special teams. Had five tackles on special teams last season. Coach John Robinson considers him the best deep snapper he has ever coached. Played under Robinson at USC.

BUFORD McGEE * RB

A solid blocker and deceptive runner. Carried the ball only 21 times for 99 yards last season. The six-year veteran from Mississippi is also a good receiver. Last season caught 37 passes for 303 yards and four touchdowns.

JOE MILINICHIK * OG

Signed as a Plan B free agent during the offseason. Was a starter the last two seasons for the Detroit Lions. A third-round draft selection by the Lions in 1986. Spent the 1986 season on injured reserve with an elbow injury. A four-year starter at North Carolina State and an honorable mention All-American in 1985.

TOM NEWBERRY * OG

A second-round draft pick in 1986. Has started all but two games for the Rams since. Named to the Pro Bowl each of the last two seasons. Also named first-team all-NFL the last two seasons. One of the strongest linemen in the league, can bench-press 460 pounds and squat 740 pounds. A two-time all-NAIA selection at Wisconsin-La Crosse.

ANTHONY NEWMAN * S

Played both safety and cornerback last season. Finished with 45 tackles and was a standout on the special teams. A second-round draft pick in 1988, he played in 16 games as a rookie and intercepted two passes. A two-time all-Pac 10 selection at Oregon. Intercepted three passes in one game as a junior.

VINCE NEWSOME * S

0An eight-year veteran. Led the team with 89 tackles. Was named NFC defensive player of the week after returning an interception 81 yards for a touchdown against Green Bay in 1989. Also had nine tackles in that game. Started the first six games in 1988 before suffering a herniated disc. Missed the remainder of the season. Had three interceptions in 1985 and three in 1986.

IRV PANKEY * OT

Begins his 10th season. Third among Ram linemen in experience behind Slater and Smith. Missed two games with a back strain, the first time he has missed a game since 1983 when he sat out the season with a torn Achilles’ tendon. A second-round draft pick from Penn State in 1980.

MIKE PIEL * DL

Became a starter the eighth game of last season, then dislocated his elbow five games later. Returned four weeks later for the playoffs, but reinjured the elbow during the NFC championship game. Finished season with four sacks, most of any defensive lineman. A third-round draft pick in 1988 from the University of Illinois. Missed the 1988 season with a neck injury. Also played at Saddleback College.

DOUG REED * DL

A starter through the first 11 games but missed the remainder of the season with an ankle injury. Had 30 tackles and three sacks before the injury. A six-year veteran, and the senior member of the defensive line. Was fourth-round draft pick from San Diego State in 1983. Started all 16 games in 1988 and had 31 tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery. Earned Junior College All-American honors while at San Diego City College.

JACKIE SLATER * OT

A 15-year veteran. Had an extended holdout during training camp. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, has played in 194 consecutive games and, barring injury, will pass Merlin Olsen (208) as No. 1 on the team’s all-time list for consecutive games. A third-round draft pick from Jackson State in 1976. Olsen, Charlie Cowan and Joe Scibelli are the only others to play 15 seasons with the Rams.

BRIAN SMITH * DL

Spent most of the 1989 season on the developmental squad, but was activated when Reed was injured. Listed as a linebacker. Was used as a defensive end and finished with two sacks. Has put on 26 pounds since last season. A second-round draft pick from Auburn in 1989. Started at outside linebacker as a senior at Auburn.

DOUG SMITH * C

Considered one of the top centers in the NFL. Signed as a free agent in 1978. Has been selected to play in six consecutive Pro Bowls. During his 12 seasons, has played left guard, right guard, right tackle and center. One of only three centers the Rams have had in the last 25 years (Ken Iman and Rich Saul).

FRANK STAMS * LB

A second-round draft pick in 1989, he was slowed because of injuries in his rookie season. Started three games and played on special teams, finishing with 27 tackles and three pass deflections. Will move to inside linebacker this season. First-team All-American as a senior at Notre Dame. Started his collegiate career as a fullback, but moved to linebacker after his sophomore season. Had seven sacks as a senior.

MICHAEL STEWART * S

A three-year veteran, he was third on the team with 72 tackles last season. Had two interceptions during the regular season, one of which he returned 41 yards for a touchdown. Also had an interception against the New York Giants in the playoffs in the divisional playoff game, which he returned 29 yards to set up the team’s first touchdown. An eighth-round draft pick in 1987, he moved into the starting lineup for the last nine games in 1988.

FRED STRICKLAND * LB

Will start at inside linebacker, where he is rapidly becoming a force. Finished fifth on the team with 63 tackles despite missing four games because of injuries. Also had two interceptions and two sacks. A second-round draft pick in 1988, he played in all 16 games as a rookie and finished with 43 tackles and four sacks. At Purdue, set a school record for career tackles with 321.

PAT TERRELL * S

A second-round draft pick from Notre Dame. A two-year starter for the Fighting Irish, he had 53 tackles and five interceptions as a senior. Returned one interception 54 yards for a touchdown against Pittsburgh. Was a first-team All-American selection as a senior.

CURT WARNER * RB

Signed as a Plan B free agent during the offseason. Was an outstanding runner for the Seattle Seahawks, gaining 6,705 yards during seven seasons, including three 1,000-yard seasons. Gained only 631 yards last season. Has had two knee operations.

MIKE WILCHER * LB

A fixture on the Ram defense since becoming a starter in 1985. Finished second on the team with five sacks last season. Also had 44 tackles. A second-round draft pick from North Carolina in 1983. Very strong against the run. Has started 74 of the last 76 games and has had at least five sacks in each of the last five seasons.

ALVIN WRIGHT * DL

Developed into a solid nose tackle and has started every game the last two years. Solid against the run. Was tied for fifth on the team with 63 tackles. Had seven tackles in three games. Also had three sacks. Signed by the Rams as a free agent in 1985, but missed the season because of a neck injury. Had 52 tackles and two sacks during the 1988 season.