Rams ’93 / Season Preview : Player Profiles

Flipper Anderson 83 Sixth Year Wide Receiver UCLA Although he has the highest average gain per reception (21.3 yards) of any active NFL player with at least 150 catches, Anderson’s productivity has diminished the last two seasons. He was the Rams’ third-leading receiver last year with 38 catches, but led the team with seven touchdown receptions.

Darryl Ashmore 77 First Year Offensive Tackle Northwestern Seventh-round pick in 1992 spent last season on injured reserve after injuring knee during camp. Was also injured briefly this summer but will back up at right tackle. All-Big Ten Conference and honorable mention All-American offensive lineman in 1991 after spending three seasons on defense.

Robert Bailey 28 Third Year Cornerback Miami A promising defensive back who made seven starts in 1992. Intercepted three passes, including a Steve Young pass that he returned 24 yards for a touchdown. Had 41 solo tackles. Appeared on TV soap opera, “The Young and the Restless” during the off-season.

Jerome Bettis 36 Rookie Running Back Notre Dame At 243 pounds, Bettis gives Chuck Knox the power runner he covets. Left Notre Dame after his junior season and was drafted 10th overall. Although an ankle injury limited his productivity in the second half of last season, he was second on the team in rushing with 825 yards in 154 carries.

Marc Boutte 96 Second Year Defensive Tackle Louisiana State Started 15 games as a rookie third-round draft pick. He led the team in forced fumbles with four and led all defensive linemen with six passes knocked down at the line of scrimmage. Had two forced fumbles and four solo tackles in a 31-17 loss to Minnesota.

Deral Boykin 21 Rookie Safety Louisville Picked in the sixth round. Started every game at Louisville last year and was fifth on team with 83 tackles. Was all over the place in college, playing running back and on return teams as a junior after transferring from Kansas, where he played defensive back.

Don Bracken 17 Eighth Year Punter Michigan Sat out 1991 after being released by Green Bay before season, but performed solidly for the Rams, averaging a career-high 41.1 yards per punt. Had 20 kicks downed inside the 20-yard line, tied for fourth in the NFC. Had longest punt in Rose Bowl history, a 73-yarder against Washington in 1982.

Jeff Brady 95 Third Year Linebacker Kentucky Claimed off waivers this week from Green Bay, where he played in eight games in 1992. Brady had seven tackles as linebacker but excelled on special teams, where he had nine--eight unassisted. Played in all 16 games for Pittsburgh in 1991. Began his career as a walk-on at Kentucky.

Bern Brostek 61 Fourth Year Center Washington Moved to center, the position at which he earned The Sporting News All-American honors in college, after spending 1991 season at guard. Started every game and missed only one series after losing a contact lens. Was Rams first-round draft choice (23rd overall) in 1990.

Richard Buchanan 89 First Year Wide Receiver Northwestern Made the team as a major long shot from Northwestern. Played in the World League of American Football, and in 1992, spent time with the Dolphins. Is Northwestern’s all-time leading receiver with 197 catches for 2,474 yards. Set school record with 94 receptions in one season.

Blair Bush 51 16th Year Center Washington Signed as Plan B free agent from Green Bay. Was long-snapper last season and played center for a series against Atlanta when Bern Brostek lost a contact lens. On special teams, he was in on five tackles (four solo). First-round pick (16th overall) by Cincinnati in 1978.

Pat Carter 88 Sixth Year Tight End Florida State Last year, his fourth season with the Rams after being traded by Detroit in 1989, was the best season of his career. He started every game, making 20 receptions for 232 yards and three touchdowns. Was named first-team All-American by The Sporting News his senior year in college.

Shane Conlan 56 Seventh Year Linebacker Penn State Gave Rams a scare when he hyper-extended his knee in the first practice of training camp. The three-time Pro Bowl selection and unrestricted free agent from Buffalo is expected to upgrade the team’s defense against the run, which was among the worst in the NFL last season.

Troy Drayton 84 Rookie Tight End Penn State Rams’ tight end of the future has a chance to contribute immediately. Began career as receiver before switching to tight end as a junior. Set school record in receptions for a tight end with 36 for 488 yards. Always sleeps in same T-shirt the night before game.

Irv Eatman 75 Eighth Year Offensive Tackle UCLA Eatman came to the Rams as a free agent this season. He came into the league in 1986 with the Kansas City Chiefs after three seasons in the USFL. Eatman was traded to the New York Jets during the 1991 season. He missed the final four games last season with an ankle injury.

Henry Ellard 80 11th Year Wide Receiver Fresno State Ellard is one of 33 players in the league’s history to catch 500 or more passes. He starts the season as the Rams’ all-time record holder in receptions (532), reception yardage (8,816), most receptions in a season (86 in 1988) and combined yardage (10,744). He has started 37 consecutive games.

Jim Everett 11 Eighth Year Quarterback Purdue Before the season is over, Everett will most likely be atop most of the Rams’ all-time passing lists. Already is No. 1 in completions with 1,712 and needs 118 yards to pass Roman Gabriel’s yardage record of 22,223 yards. He needs 21 touchdown passes to surpass Gabriel’s total of 154.

Cleveland Gary 43 Fifth Year Running Back Miami Gary had his best season in 1992, leading the team in rushing and receiving. He ran for 1,125 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. He rushed for more than 100 yards in four games including a career-high 144 against Atlanta. Gary caught 52 passes for 293 yards and three touchdowns.

Sean Gilbert 90 Second Year Defensive Tackle Pittsburgh Gilbert, the third overall pick in the 1992 draft, led Ram rookies in tackles with 54. He was second on the team in sacks with five. He also recovered a fumble and caused another. Gilbert had 99 tackles including 21 for a loss in his final two seasons at Pittsburgh.

Leo Goeas 79 Fourth Year Offensive Guard Hawaii Came to the Rams from the Chargers in exchange for a 1993 fourth-round draft pick. He started five games for the Chargers last season. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and was a second-team All-American as a senior at the University of Hawaii. Had minor acting role in “Magnum P.I.”

Howard Griffith 30 First Year Running Back Illinois Member of three teams (San Diego, Buffalo, Indianapolis) since being drafted by Colts in ninth round in 1991. Spent time on Charger practice squad in ’92 after being released by Bills last October. Scored NCAA record eight touchdowns in game, and had two more TDs for college career than Red Grange.

Tony Hargain 47 Third Year Wide Receiver Oregon Recently obtained off waivers from Kansas City; had been projected to be fifth receiver with Chiefs. Best chance of helping Rams initially might be as a punt returner in the absence of Todd Kinchen, who is still trying to recover from an off-season knee injury.

Darryl Henley 20 Fifth Year Cornerback UCLA Henley had his best season with career highs in tackles (68) and interceptions (four). He had a single-game best eight tackles Nov. 18 against the Giants. He returned punts his first three seasons with the Rams. He was an All-American at UCLA as a senior, returning two punts for touchdowns.

Thomas Homco 57 First Year Linebacker Northwestern Free agent spent 1992 season with the Rams’ practice squad. Homco, 6-0 and 245 pounds, was a four-year starter at Northwestern and school’s fourth all-time leading career tackler with 333. Had 73 tackles and seven sacks in his senior season, when he was honorable mention All-Big Ten.

Steve Israel 31 Second Year Cornerback Pittsburgh Israel was the Rams’ second-round draft pick and spent the season on the special teams and as the fifth defensive back. He played in all 16 games, starting two--both against the Atlanta Falcons. He intercepted six passes, earning second-team All-American honors as a senior at Pittsburgh.

Robert Jenkins 72 Eighth Year Offensive Tackle UCLA Jenkins can play guard and tackle and spent much of last season on special teams. He started at left tackle in 1991 for the first three games but then went on injured reserve for a month because of a toe injury. Before the 1991 season, he changed his last name from Cox to Jenkins.

Ernie Jones 86 Sixth Year Wide Receiver Indiana Was obtained in preseason trade with Phoenix for a draft choice. Had 38 receptions for 559 yards (14.7 average) and four touchdowns last year. His best season was 1991, when he had 61 catches for 957 yards and four touchdowns. Was Indiana’s first football All-American in 20 years.

Todd Kinchen 81 Second Year Wide Receiver Louisiana State Kinchen returned punts with great success in the Rams’ final game against Atlanta. On his first try, he went 61 yards for a touchdown. He later returned another punt 35 yards for another touchdown. He was only the sixth player in NFL history to return two punts in a game for touchdowns.

Sean LaChapelle 45 Rookie Wide Receiver UCLA Fifth-round draft pick. Was hampered by broken ribs and had only 30 receptions for 364 yards and one touchdown. Holds UCLA records for career receptions (137), single-season receptions (68), single-season touchdown catches (11) and single-season receiving yards (987).

David Lang 38 Third Year Running Back Northern Arizona Lang was used on special teams in 1991 then took over at fullback for the final 11 games last season after Robert Delpino was hurt. Lang carried 33 times for 203 yards and scored five touchdowns last season. He broke off a 71-yard run against Green Bay last season.

Tim Lester 34 Second Year Running Back Eastern Kentucky Lester appeared 10 games on special teams and as a blocking back last season. He gained 3,635 yards and scored 37 touchdowns in four seasons at Eastern Kentucky but missed most of 1989 with a knee injury. He was a teammate of fellow Ram Robert Bailey at Miami Southridge High School.

Keith Loneker 64 Rookie Offensive Guard Kansas Started as a pseudo-circus act and, for now, is a legitimate NFL player. Was third on training camp depth chart before veterans arrived. Is 6-3, 330 pounds, has a Kansas Jayhawk tattooed on his lower left leg and caught attention at the NFL scouting combine with an on-field cartwheel after drills.

Todd Lyght 41 Third Year Defensive Back Notre Dame Lyght was the Rams’ first-round pick in the 1991 draft. He was the NFC’s defensive player of the week against the New England Patriots Sept. 13 of last season when he had eight solo tackles and intercepted two passes. He also had an interception against Tampa Bay last season.

Chris Martin 53 11th Year Linebacker Auburn Martin was traded to the Rams in May from the Kansas City Chiefs for an undisclosed draft pick. He had 321 tackles on the last four seasons for the Chiefs. He has recovered nine fumbles and has 19.5 sacks in his career, which includes time with New Orleans, Minnesota and Kansas City.

Travis McNeal 82 Fifth Year Tight End Tennessee Chattanooga McNeal signed with the Rams as a free agent last September after playing for Coach Chuck Knox for three seasons at Seattle. He was used mostly on special teams last season but caught four passes for 79 yards in 12 games. He had a 72-yard reception against Tampa Bay in 1992.

Tom Newberry 66 Eighth Year Offensive Guard Wisconsin La Crosse Newberry is one of the most consistent players in the league, missing only one game in the last seven seasons. He had his streak of 73 consecutive games stopped in the final game of 1990 when he had to sit out because of an ankle injury. He made the Pro Bowl in 1988 and 1989.

Anthony Newman 26 Sixth Year Safety Oregon Newman has played safety and cornerback for the Rams. He tied for the team-lead in interceptions last season with four. He was second in tackles (71) and fumble recoveries (three). He recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in 1991.

Mike Pagel 14 12th Year Quarterback Arizona State Pagel came to the Rams two years ago as a free agent from Cleveland and has spent most of his time holding on field-goal and extra-point attempts. He is also a backup to Jim Everett. Pagel was eight of 20 for 99 yards with a touchdown last season. He has 49 career touchdown passes.

Jeff Pahukoa 69 Third Year Offensive Lineman Washington Twelfth-round pick in the 1991 draft, Pahukoa was used mostly on special teams last season. He was used most extensively in a game against New Orleans when he replaced Joe Milinichik, who left with a concussion in the second quarter.

Roman Phifer 58 Third Year Linebacker UCLA Starting outside linebacker who specializes in pass coverage. Ram media guide calls him “explosive.” Fifth on the team in tackles (51 solo), he had eight and a fumble recovery in a game against New England last season. Named after former Ram quarterback Roman Gabriel.

Gerald Robinson 97 Seventh Year Defensive End Auburn As designated pass rusher, he had five sacks last season, tying him for second on team with Sean Gilbert. Didn’t miss a game due to injury for the second consecutive season. Vikings’ first-round pick (14th overall) in the 1986 draft. Acquired as Plan B free agent from San Diego in 1991.

David Rocker 92 Third Year Defensive Tackle Auburn Challenging starter Marc Boutte for more playing time. Missed the final 14 games of last season after injuring knee. Signed off Houston’s practice squad in November, 1991, he played his way into starting lineup after three weeks. Houston’s fourth-round pick in 1991.

Henry Rolling 59 Sixth Year Linebacker Nevada Rolling, one of Rams’ acquisitions of the off-season as an unrestricted free-agent from San Diego, is expected to help bolster the defense. Strong against the run and the pass, according to Rams’ media guide. Division I-AA All-American and Big Sky defensive player of the year in 1986.

T. J. Rubley 12 Second Year Quarterback Tulsa Spent ’92 as inactive third quarterback after strong exhibition season, but is expected to be Jim Everett’s backup this year. Completed 24 of 40 passes for 256 yards in ’92 exhibition season. Holds Tulsa records for pass attempts (1,336), completions (682), yards (9,324) and touchdowns (73).

Jackie Slater 78 18th Year Offensive Tackle Jackson State Slater has played in more games (238) than any Ram in history and if he plays in all 16 games this season, he will have moved into fifth place in the all-time NFL list and first among offensive linemen. Was named the Rams’ most valuable player last season.

Michael Stewart 23 Seventh Year Safety Fresno State Physical strong safety who specializes in tying up receivers at the line of scrimmage. Broken forearm forced him to miss five games last season, but he was credited with 42 tackles. Played at Bakersfield Community College before transferring to Fresno State. Drafted in the eighth round in 1987.

Fred Stokes 60 Seventh Year Defensive End Georgia Southern Returns to Rams after four years in Washington with hopes that he will improve the pass rush. In last four seasons, he has 20 sacks, nine fumble recoveries, one interception and a safety. Made three sacks in wild-card game against Minnesota and was named the NFC defensive player of the week.

Pat Terrell 37 Fourth Year Safety Notre Dame Skilled pass coverage player who is moving from free to strong safety and battling Michael Stewart for the starting position. Even if he doesn’t start, he will receive significant playing time in long-range passing situations when the team will use two strong safeties.

Leon White 55 Eighth Year Linebacker Brigham Young Used on special teams and short-yardage situations after spending first six years of career with Cincinnati. Intercepted Bobby Hebert pass in the end zone and returned it 40 yards against New Orleans. Third in special teams tackles. Owns a stereo store in north San Diego County.

Russell White 44 Rookie Year Running Back California Third-round pick who has a chance to get significant playing time. Powerful runner with good quickness, he also is a strong receiver. The only running back in Cal history to have three 1,000-yard seasons, he holds the school’s career rushing record with 3,246 yards in 627 carries.

Tony Woods 91 Seventh Year Defensive End Pittsburgh Claimed off of waivers Wednesday from the Seattle Seahawks. Was a first-round draft choice in 1987 as a linebacker. Played linebacker for three seasons, then was moved to end in 1990. Started 15 games in 1992, had 47 tackles and three sacks. An All-American at Pittsburgh.

Robert Young 76 Third Year Defensive End Mississippi State Impressive mini-camp performance boosted Young’s stock and chances of starting. Had six tackles, including a sack, in game against Atlanta. Played in 10 games and had 20 tackles. Shifted from defensive tackle to end during 1991 season. Fifth-round pick in the 1991 draft.

Tony Zendejas 10 Ninth Year Kicker Nevada Best in the business from 45 yards and in during the past two seasons. Made 15 of 20 field goal attempts last season and now ranks seventh on the all-time NFL accuracy list at 74.5%. Has made 11 of 15 from 50 or more yards, but didn’t attempt any from that distance last year.