RAMS ’89 : PROFILING THE RAMS

OFFENSIVE BACKFIELD RUNNINGS BACKS

GREG BELL

The workhorse in the backfield last year was a contract holdout through most of the exhibition season. A five-year pro, Bell rushed for 1,212 yards on 288 carries last season and led the team in touchdowns with 16. Also caught 24 passes for 124 yards. Traded to the Rams from Buffalo in 1987 deal that sent Eric Dickerson to Indianapolis.

CLEVELAND GARY

When the Rams’ made Gary their first-round draft pick last spring, they hoped the former University of Miami back would beef up their backfield. They’re still hoping. Gary has been a contract holdout.

GASTON GREEN

Started for part of exhibition season while Greg Bell was a contract holdout. Coming off a disappointing rookie season, where he carried the ball 35 times for only 117 yards, a 3.3-yard average. Has shown flashes of brilliance this season, rushing for 63 yards in the first half against Minnesota. Has shown flashes of mediocrity, fumbling twice in the third quarter against the Vikings. Became UCLA’s all-time leading rusher and was selected in the first round of the 1988 draft by the Rams.

QUARTERBACKS

JIM EVERETT

The four-year pro emerged as one of the Rams’ team leaders last year, passing for 3,964 yards. He completed 308 of 517 passes (59.6%), threw 31 touchdown passes and 18 interceptions. Finished sixth in balloting for the Heisman Trophy during his senior season at Purdue, where he led the nation in total offense.

STEVE DILS

A Band-Aid solution as backup quarterback. Two weeks ago, Dils was living the peaceful life of retired NFL quarterback, selling commercial real estate in Atlanta. But after reserve quarterback Mark Herrmann suffered a rib injury, the Rams called Dils, who they cut loose last season. In his first game back, he completed his only pass for nine yards in a 24-14 victory over Minnesota.

MARK HERRMANN

Fractured a rib on his left side when he was blindsided by Phoenix safety Tim McDonald in exhibition game and isn’t expected back until the middle of the month. Entered training camp as No. 2 quarterback behind fellow Purdue graduate Jim Everett.

ROBERT DELPINO

Suffered a shoulder injury during exhibition season. Battling for starting position in Rams’ muddled backfield. A two-year pro from Missouri, Delpino started three of 15 games he played in last year, gaining 147 yards on 34 carries.

BUFORD McGEE

Has a reputation as a fierce blocker. The five-year pro from Mississippi had only 16 carries but gained 117 yards. Started 12 of 16 games he played.

OFFENSIVE LINE GUARDS

DUVAL LOVE

The former Fountain Valley High School and UCLA star recently ended a contract holdout. The five-year pro started all 15 games he played in last year. Started three years at UCLA and was twice an All-Pac 10 selection.

TOM NEWBERRY

The three-year pro suffered a hamstring injury in off-season, which forced him to miss part of the preseason. Good speed for a lineman. Runs the 40 in 4.68 seconds. Can bench press 460 pounds and squat 740 pounds. Was taken in the second round of the 1986 draft out of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, an NAIA school.

WARREN WHEAT

A neck injury has sidelined the eighth-round draft pick from Brigham Young for part of the exhibition season. At 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, Wheat brings size and pass blocking to the Rams.

TACKLES

JACKIE SLATER

Begins his 14th season and anchors an experienced offensive line with Doug Smith (11 seasons) and Irv Pankey (nine years). Was third-round draft choice in 1976 from Jackson State.

ROBERT COX

A reserve, Cox was a contract holdout for most of the exhibition season. At 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, he brings size and versatility to the offensive line. Can play both tackle and guard. Spent two seasons at UCLA after transferring from Chabot Junior College.

IRV PANKEY

Entering his 10th season with the Rams. Adds size and savvy to an experienced Rams’ line. Started all 16 games last year. The Rams’ biggest lineman at 6-foot-5, 295 pounds.

WIDE RECEIVERS

WILLIE ANDERSON

With Aaron Cox out with a hamstring injury, Anderson is making a serious run at the No. 2 receiving spot behind Henry Ellard. Had 14 catches in the exhibition season, matching his total of all last year. A threat on deep patterns, Anderson averaged 29 yards a catch last season, the best on the team. Nicknamed “Flipper,” Anderson boasts a 36 1/2-inch vertical jump.

RON BROWN

Gold medalist in 400-meter relay at 1984 Olympics, came out of football retirement last year to rejoin the Rams. Playing in seven games, he caught two passes for 16 yards. Greatest contribution could come as a kickoff returner, however; his four career touchdowns on returns is a Rams record.

AARON COX

Cox, sidelined with a hamstring injury, was battling Willie Anderson for the No. 2 wide receiver position behind Henry Ellard. Caught 28 passes for 590 yards last year, an average of 21.1 yards a catch, second on the team to Anderson. Runs the 40 in 4.39 seconds and is considered an excellent route runner. Earned All-Pacific 10 honors as a senior at Arizona State.

HENRY ELLARD

The seven-year pro is coming off his best season, leading the Rams with 86 catches for 1,414 yards. A big-play threat as both a receiver and punt returner. Led the NFL in punt returns his first four seasons, but dropped in the last two seasons. Was a standout receiver at Fresno State, where he also was a top collegiate triple-jumper.

CENTERS

TONY SLATON

An experienced backup for Doug Smith at center. Entering his sixth year as a pro. Former USC All-America selection was signed by the Rams in 1984 after being waived by Buffalo.

DOUG SMITH

During his 11 years in the NFL, Smith has played four positions on the offensive line: left guard, center, right guard and right tackle. But it’s at center where Smith has excelled, earning five consecutive Pro Bowl berths. One of the most experienced linemen in the league along with teammate Jackie Slater (14 seasons).

TIGHT ENDS

PAT CARTER

Acquired in August from Detroit to try and solve depth problem at tight end. Carter, 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, was seldom used in the Lions’ new run-and-shoot offense. A three-year starter at Florida State, Carter had a difficult rookie year. He caught only 13 passes for 145 yards after suffering a back injury while lifting weights before camp.

PETE HOLOHAN

Missed much of the exhibition season with a knee injury, but returned and caught a three-yard touchdown pass against Minnesota. Tough on third and short-yardage situations. After Rams acquired him in a draft day trade with San Diego last year, he caught 59 passes for 656 yards and three touchdowns.

DAMONE JOHNSON

His long, exhibition-season salary holdout, along with Pete Holohan’s knee injury, left Rams without a tight end for part of the preseason. Caught 42 passes for 350 yards last year. Attended Santa Monica High School, where he played football and basketball.

DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD

CORNERBACKS

DARRYL HENLEY

Joins Rams after earning first-team All-America honors at UCLA. Will be counted on to return punts, after averaging 12.3 yards per return as a senior. On defense, he had seven interceptions in his college career, averaging 18.7 yards a return.

CLIFFORD HICKS

A two-year pro, Hicks’ main contributions last year were with special teams. Returned 25 punts for 144 yards, the most on the team. Played in only seven games with two tackles. Played two years at Oregon after transferring from San Diego Mesa.

JERRY GRAY

Was second on the team in tackles last year with 63. Also had 13 pass deflections and three interceptions. Moved to cornerback after earning All-America honors twice as a safety at Texas.

LeROY IRVIN

Currently serving a 30-day suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. Teams with Jerry Gray for solid cornerback tandem. Was tied with Gray for second on the team in interceptions with three. Also had 52 tackles and five sacks.

ANTHONY NEWMAN

Had 13 tackles and two interceptions as a rookie last year. Also had eight tackles on special teams. Played both cornerback and safety during college career at Oregon.

SAFETIES

VINCE NEWSOME

A six-year pro, Newsome had 33 tackles and a fumble recovery last season. Was an honorable mention All-America as a senior at the University of Washington. Was born in Braintree, England.

MICHAEL STEWART

Rolled up some solid numbers last year, his second in the NFL. Was tied with Mark Jerue for fourth on the team in tackles with 60. Also chipped in 14 tackles on special teams. Started 10 of 16 games and returned two interceptions for 61 yards.

JAMES WASHINGTON

A fifth-round pick from UCLA in 1988 draft. Played in 15 games and had 17 tackles. A standout at Jordan High School in Los Angeles, where he intercepted 31 passes and set a Los Angeles city record with a 95-yard interception return for a touchdown.

DEFENSIVE LINE

LINEBACKERS

RICHARD BROWN

The former Westminster High School standout has been a factor at inside linebacker during exhibition games. Was cut by the Rams during last year’s camp. Returned a fumble 19 yards to set up a touchdown in 24-14 exhibition victory over Minnesota. A two-year starter at San Diego State, Brown was one of the biggest surprises in the 1987 training camp when he signed as a free agent.

BRETT FARYNIARZ

Signed as a free agent last season. Played in 15 games and registered 10 tackles and one sack. Earned second-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors at San Diego State.

KEVIN GREENE

Emerged as a force among outside linebackers in the league last year. His 16 1/2 sacks were second only to Reggie White of Philadelphia. Can line up as a down lineman or as a pass rusher. A former intramural flag football player, Greene was walk-on at Auburn and eventually earned a starting spot.

LARRY KELM

Had 36 tackles last year, his second season in the league. Also had 10 tackles on special teams. Was picked in the fourth round of the 1987 draft from Texas A&M.;

MIKE McDONALD

Moves to center on deep-snap situations. Coach John Robinson considers him the best deep snapper he has ever coached. Played under Robinson at USC and attended Burroughs High School in Burbank.

MEL OWENS

Fully recovered from sprained ankle he suffered in practice midway through last season, causing him to miss the rest of the year. Before the injury, the eight-year pro started four of seven games he played, but made the most of his playing time, with 21 tackles and five sacks. Before last season, he missed only two games in career due to injury and had played in 76 consecutive games.

BRIAN SMITH

At 6-foot-6, Smith looks more like a small forward than a tall linebacker. Former Auburn standout uses height to deflect passes. One of two linebackers taken in the second round along with Frank Stams of Notre Dame.

FRANK STAMS

The Rams’ second-round pick from Notre Dame was drafted as an outside linebacker but has moved inside in some of the Rams’ alignments. Made his first big impression in the Rams’ 23-20 exhibition victory over Phoenix when he blocked a punt to set up a touchdown.

FRED STRICKLAND

Coming off a solid rookie season. Had 43 tackles and four sacks in 16 games as a reserve. Was a second-round pick out of Purdue, where he set a school record for tackles with 321.

MIKE WILCHER

Had 59 tackles last season. His 7 1/2 sacks were third on the team behind Kevin Greene (16 1/2) and Doug Reed (11 1/2). Was drafted by Rams in the second round from North Carolina, where he replaced Lawrence Taylor, the Giants’ Pro Bowl linebacker.

DEFENSIVE TACKLES

BILL HAWKINS

The Rams hope their recently signed No. 1 draft pick from University of Miami will be worth every cent of the reported four-year, $1.9-million contract he signed late in exhibition play. Hawkins, 6-foot-6, 265 pounds, helped the Hurricanes win a national title in 1987.

SHAWN MILLER

Coming off one of the best seasons in five-year career. Finished with 35 tackles and four sacks for a net loss of 28 yards. Was the defensive player of the year in the Pacific Coast Athletic Assn. as a senior at Utah State.

MIKE PIEL

Second-year player is having a solid exhibition season. Selected in third round of 1988 draft out of Illinois. Was a second-team junior college All-America at Saddleback College in 1984.

DOUG REED

Started all 16 games last year and finished with 31 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery. Earned junior college All-America honors at San Diego City College before transferring to San Diego State.

ALVIN WRIGHT

A starter in every game last year, Wright registered 52 tackles and two sacks. It was his best season after compiling only 29 tackles in his first three years in the league. Signed as a free agent with the Rams in 1985, but spent the year on the injured-reserve list with a neck injury.

KICKERS

DALE HATCHER

Punted in seven games last season, averaging 39.8 yards. Has never averaged more than 43.2 yards a punt in his four-year pro career, but specializes in hang time. Played in Pro Bowl in 1985, his rookie season.

MIKE LANSFORD

Showed solid range last season, his seventh in the league. The former Washington standout was six of eight between 40 and 49 yards and was eight of 10 from 30 to 39 yards. His longest kick was 49 yards.