Season Preview: Rams ’92 : Player Profiles

Flipper Anderson 83

Fifth Year Wide Receiver UCLA

Averaged 16.6 yards per catch in 1991 despite missing four games with two fractured transverse processes in his lower back. Career average of 22.4 yards per catch is highest among Rams with at least 122 receptions. Set NFL single-game record with 336 yards receiving against New Orleans in 1989.

Darryl Ashmore 75

Rookie Offensive Tackle Northwestern

Played defensive tackle in first three seasons at Northwestern before moving to the offensive line as a senior. Has run the 40-yard dash in 4.92 seconds. An All-Big Ten selection in 1991. Developed quickly as an offensive blocker, recording 49 knockdown blocks in first season at the position.

Robert Bailey 28

Second Year Cornerback Miami

Part of the talented young cornerback corps. Slowed by injuries, including a fractured right hand in the preseason and severed tip of his left ring finger against Detroit on Nov. 17, during rookie year. Underwent successful surgery to reattach severed portion.

Marc Boutte 96

Rookie Defensive Tackle Louisiana State

Quick off the ball and possesses good lateral movement. Played all positions on LSU’s defensive line. Recorded 236 career tackles for Tigers and had 12 sacks and 25 tackles for losses. Graduate of Boston High in Lake Charles, La., same school as former NFL star Charlie Joiner.

Don Bracken 17

Seventh Year Punter Michigan

Earned the job despite missing much of the preseason with an injury. Veteran punter with a career average of 39.7 yards per punt. Released by Green Bay before 1991 season and did not play last year. While at Michigan, he set a Rose Bowl record in 1982 with a 73-yard kick against Washington.

Bern Brostek 61

Third Year Center Washington

Began career as a center, was switched to guard last year, but is expected to return to center this season. Started eight games at left guard in 1991 while Tom Newberry moved to center. Was Hawaii state shotput and discus champion in his junior and senior years at Iolani High in Honolulu.

Blair Bush 51

15th Year Center Washington

Handled special team snapping duties for Green Bay in 1991. Signed by Rams as Plan B free agent in March, expected primarily to be team’s long snapper. Originally a first-round pick of Cincinnati in 1978. Started at center for Bengals in Super Bowl XVI. Traded to Seattle in 1983.

Paul Butcher 59

Sixth Year Linebacker Wayne State

Known for his aggressive special teams play. In competition with Roman Phifer for a starting outside linebacker job. Started three games in 1991 and finished season with 15 tackles, including five solo, against Atlanta. Filled in at inside linebacker frequently last year.

Pat Carter 88

Fifth Year Tight End Florida State

Scored first two touchdowns of career in 1991. Finished the season with eight catches for 69 yards. Former Sporting News first-team All-American selection. Has also played on kickoff coverage and return units with the Rams. Brought in as third tight end in short-yardage situations.

Jeff Chadwick 89

10th Year Wide Receiver Grand Valley State

Plan B free agent from Seattle signed in March. Began career with Detroit in 1983, when he caught 40 passes as a rookie. Recorded career-high 53 receptions with Lions in 1986. Signed with Seattle in 1989 after being waived by Detroit. Had 22 catches for Seahawks last year.

Aaron Cox 84

Fifth Year Wide Receiver Arizona State

Career low 15 receptions in 1991. Bothered by hamstring injuries for second consecutive season. Started five games with three multiple-reception games. No touchdown catches for second consecutive season, which could make 1992 a make or break year for him.

Chris Crooms 25

Rookie Safety Texas A&M;

Defensive MVP in 1992 Cotton Bowl. Has 4.49-second speed in 40-yard dash and closes well on receivers. Earned eight high school letters in football, basketball and track. Rated top prep defensive back in Texas coming out of high school. An All-Southwest Conference selection as a college senior.

Robert Delpino 39

Fifth Year Running Back Missouri

Led the team in rushing (688 yards) and was second in receiving (55 catches) in 1991. Scored 10 touchdowns to finish tied for sixth in NFL points with 60. Began career at Missouri as a wide receiver before switching to running back as a senior. Ram rookie of the year in 1988.

Henry Ellard 80

10th Year Wide Receiver Fresno State

One of the few consistent performers for the Rams in 1991. Led team in receiving with 64 catches for 1,052 yards and three touchdowns. Needs two touchdown receptions to move into second-place tie on Rams’ all-time list with Jack Snow. Has streak of five seasons with at least 50 receptions.

Jim Everett 11

Seventh Year Quarterback Purdue

Looking to rebound from worst season since becoming full-time starter early in 1987 season. Threw only 11 touchdown passes and gave up career-high 20 interceptions. Despite 68.9 rating, still managed to finish second in NFC passing yards (3,438) behind Mark Rypien (3,564).

Cleveland Gary 43

Fourth Year Running Back Miami

Limited to 10 games in 1991 because of hamstring and knee injuries. When healthy, averaged 3.6 yards per carry and appeared to have overcome fumbling problem that plagued him in 1990. Rushed for 72 yards in 16 carries in season finale against Seattle, one of his two starts of the season.

Sean Gilbert 90

Rookie Defensive Tackle Pittsburgh

Expected to improve the Ram pass rush immediately. Has outstanding size-speed ratio at 315 pounds and 4.8 seconds in 40-yard dash. Can bench press more than 400 pounds. Recorded 99 tackles and six sacks in senior year at Pittsburgh. Slowed by sprained ankle in preseason.

Kevin Greene 91

Eighth Year Linebacker Auburn

Will return to his preferred position, left outside linebacker, this season. Recorded only three sacks in 1991 after being switched to defensive end for much of the year. Averaged more than 15 sacks at left outside linebacker in previous three seasons. Can bench press 430 pounds.

Shawn Harper 67

Rookie Offensive Tackle Indiana

Nicknamed “Renegade” because of intensity during practices and games. Regarded as an exceptional run blocker with good range and mobility. Top blocker at Indiana for Hoosier star runner Vaughn Dunbar. Cousin of NBA player Herb Williams. Has worked as a private investigator.

Bill Hawkins 70

Fourth Year Defensive End Miami

Healthy again after injury-plagued 1991 season. Rib and back problems limited him to six games. Has three career sacks, all coming in 1990 when he appeared in 15 games. Had arthroscopic surgery on left knee in 1989 after suffering a partially torn ligament and fracture against San Francisco.

Darryl Henley 20

Fourth Year Cornerback UCLA

Finished with three interceptions and 56 tackles in 1991. Started 14 games and led Rams with 13 passes defensed. Returned 13 punts for an 8.5-yard average. Missed all of training camp and first seven weeks of 1990 season with severe abdominal strain, but came back to start six games.

Steve Israel 31

Rookie Cornerback Pittsburgh

Has run a 4.26-second 40-yard dash. Regarded by Ram Coach Chuck Knox as one of the fastest players available in 1992 draft. Second-team All-American in 1991. Held out for much of camp because of contract negotiations. Returned 24 kickoffs for a 24-yard average as Pittsburgh senior.

Robert Jenkins 72

Seventh Year Offensive Tackle UCLA

Started eight games at left tackle in 1991 after five seasons as a reserve. Hyperextended toe suffered in third week of season forced him to miss five games. Returned as a starter for final five games. Can play both guard and tackle. Changed his name from Robert Cox before 1991 season.

Damone Johnson 86

Eighth Year Tight End Cal Poly SLO

Had 32 receptions for 253 yards and two touchdowns while starting all 16 games in 1991. Has been regular starter since 1988, when he posted career-best 42 receptions and six touchdowns. A good blocking tight end. Played wide receiver at Cal Poly SLO for two seasons before moving to tight end.

Larry Kelm 52

Sixth Year Linebacker Texas A&M;

Recorded team-high 105 tackles in 1991 while starting 15 games at middle linebacker. Has rebounded well from torn ligament in left knee suffered in final 1990 exhibition game against Washington. Dedicated to weight training and spends extra time studying films.

Todd Kinchen 81

Rookie Wide Receiver Louisiana State

Regarded as a top possession receiver because of excellent hands. Fourth on LSU career reception list with 112 catches. Had 53 receptions for a 16.1-yard average and five touchdowns as a senior. Returned two punts for touchdowns in 1991. Brother Brian plays for Cleveland Browns.

David Lang 38

Second Year Running Back Northern Arizona

Did not carry the ball in 1991 but is expected to add quality depth to the backfield this season. Made contributions as a rookie on special teams, averaging 16.2 yards on 12 kickoff returns and recording eight special teams tackles. Led Northern Arizona in rushing (521 yards) as a senior.

Tim Lester 34

Rookie Running Back Eastern Kentucky

Earned a spot on the roster with strong preseason performance. Good blocker with 4.6-second speed in 40-yard dash. Set national collegiate record with teammate Markus Thomas by combining to rush for more than 7,000 yards, the first same-backfield duo to do so.

Todd Lyght 41

Second Year Cornerback Notre Dame

Rookie season started slowly because of early-season injuries. Started last eight games at left cornerback and finished with 37 tackles and one interception. Had season-high eight tackles against Atlanta. Was the fifth pick overall in the 1991 NFL draft.

Joe Milinichik 71

Sixth Year Guard North Carolina State

Limited to five games in 1991 because of shoulder surgery. Expected to return at full strength and again provide strong pass blocking. Came to the Rams as a Plan B free agent in 1990. Skills are better suited for Rams’ offensive scheme than Detroit’s run-and-shoot attack.

Tom Newberry 66

Seventh Year Guard Wisconsin La Crosse

Will return to left guard after switching to center to start 1991 season. Two-time All Pro is considered one of NFL’s top linemen. Has missed only three games in six years and started 73 in a row between 1986 and 1990. NCAA Division III shotput and discus champion in 1984 and 1985.

Anthony Newman 26

Fifth Year Safety Oregon

Can play cornerback and safety. Used primarily in passing situations and recorded 31 tackles with an interception in 1991. Had season-high six solo tackles against Atlanta. Recorded two interceptions in 1988 and 1990. Was a 1984 draft pick (26th round) of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Mike Pagel 14

11th Year Quarterback Arizona State

Beat out Chuck Long in 1991 training camp for No. 2 job after joining the Rams as a free agent. Started 54 games between 1982 and 1990 with the Colts and Browns after record-setting career at Arizona State. Set Pac-10 record in 1981 with 466 yards passing against Stanford.

Jeff Pahukoa 69

Second Year Guard/Tackle Washington

One of final cuts in 1991, was re-signed to practice squad and later activated twice for total of seven games. Appeared on special teams and in short-yardage situations. A 12th-round pick obtained from Denver in the Gaston Green trade. Played every position on offensive line at Washington.

Gerald Perry 64

Fifth Year Offensive Tackle Southern

Coming back from knee surgery after suffering cartilage damage against Detroit Nov. 17. Before injury, started nine games at left tackle. Came to Rams in draft-day trade with Denver for Gaston Green. Was a No. 2 pick by Denver in 1988. Also played basketball at Southern.

Roman Phifer 58

Second Year Linebacker UCLA

One of the Rams’ better pass-defending linebackers. In close competition with Paul Butcher for starting job. Played in 11 games as a rookie before breaking his fibula against San Francisco Nov. 25. Had two sacks and 21 solo tackles in 1991. Was a first-team All-Pac 10 selection as a senior at UCLA.

Mike Piel 95

Fifth Year Defensive Tackle Illinois

Battled shoulder injuries throughout 1991. Partially dislocated shoulder in third game of season. Came back to play in two games before undergoing rotator cuff surgery that ended his season. Former El Toro High and Saddleback College standout. A third-round pick in 1988.

Jim Price 87

Second Year Tight End Stanford

Finished third among Rams in receptions as a rookie with 35 despite missing final five games with fractured right fibula. Caught Jim Everett’s first two touchdown passes of season against San Diego Nov. 13. Began career with Rams on practice squad in 1990. Played baseball one year at Stanford.

Gerald Robinson 97

Sixth Year Defensive End Auburn

Tied with former Auburn teammate Kevin Greene for team lead in sacks with three. Former first-round draft choice of the Vikings signed with Rams as a Plan B free agent before 1991 after two seasons with the Chargers. Finished with 16 tackles in 15 games. Did not miss a game because of injury.

David Rocker 92

Second Year Defensive Tackle Auburn

Started three games in 1991 after being signed Nov. 13 off of Houston’s practice squad to bolster injury-depleted defensive line. Finished with 12 tackles and a fumble recovery in six games. A finalist for the Lombardi Award in senior season at Auburn. Brother Tracy plays for the Redskins.

T.J. Rubley 12

Rookie Quarterback Tulsa

No stranger to Anaheim Stadium after leading Tulsa to Freedom Bowl victory in 1991. Holds Tulsa records for attempts (1,336), completions (682), yards (9,324) and touchdowns (73). Youngest of seven sons, four of whom played quarterback for same high school in Davenport, Iowa.

Jackie Slater 78

17th Year Offensive Tackle Jackson State

Will continue to add to his Ram record 222 appearances. Only player in Ram history to play 16 seasons and should become only 10th player in NFL history to play at least 17 seasons with one team. Only current Ram to have played for Chuck Knox during the coach’s 1973-77 tenure with Rams.

Scott Stephen 50

Sixth Year Linebacker Arizona State

Graduate of Manual Arts High in Los Angeles was last-minute free-agent acquisition after being waived in final cut by Green Bay. Started all 16 games for the Packers at right linebacker last season, making 91 tackles (59 unassisted) with 1 1/2 sacks and one interception.

Michael Stewart 23

Sixth Year Safety Fresno State

Hard hitter finished second on team with 81 tackles. Started all 16 games and had two interceptions. An eighth-round pick in 1987, has started 27 consecutive games and 56 in career. Was a 29th-round draft pick of the Milwaukee Brewers after his freshman year at Fresno State.

Troy Stradford 21

Sixth Year Running Back Boston College

Versatile free agent acquired after being waived by Kansas City on final cut. Played in 10 games last year, rushing just one time for seven yards, catching nine passes for 91 and returning 22 punts for 150 yards and 14 kickoffs for 292 yards. Was consensus all-rookie choice with Miami in 1987.

Fred Strickland 53

Fifth Year Linebacker Purdue

Started 10 games in 1991 and finished with 29 tackles. Has missed 17 games in past three seasons because of injuries. Was team’s second-round pick in 1988 after a record-setting career at Purdue. Holds Purdue record with 321 career tackles. Led Big Ten in tackles (130) as a senior.

Pat Terrell 37

Third Year Safety Notre Dame

Set career highs in 1991 with 74 tackles and four passes defensed. Recorded career-high nine solo tackles against New Orleans Sept. 15. Named to Football News All-Rookie team in 1990. Active with March of Dimes and D.A.R.E. Member of Notre Dame’s 1988 championship team.

Vernon Turner 30

Third Year Wide Receiver Carson Newman

Top Ram punt returner in 1991. Averaged 8.7 yards per return and also returned 24 kickoffs for a 19.0 average. Caught three passes for 41 yards and one touchdown. Former running back at Carson Newman. Signed by Rams August,1991, after being waived by Buffalo.

Alvin Wright 99

Seventh Year Defensive Tackle Jacksonville State

Top tackler among Ram defensive linemen in 1991 with 45 despite missing three games with sprained shoulder. Started 50 consecutive games before injury suffered against New York Giants Sept. 8. Had career-high 68 tackles in 1990. Signed as a free agent in 1985.

Robert Young 76

Second Year Defensive End Mississippi State

Considered one of the steals of the 1991 draft. Started 13 games as a rookie and recorded 42 tackles after being selected in the fifth round. Moved from defensive tackle to defensive end, where he showed potential as a pass rusher. Finished with 170 tackles in college career.

Tony Zendejas 10

Eighth Year Kicker Nevada Reno

One of few bright spots during 1991 season. Made 17 of 17 field-goal attempts to become only kicker in NFL history to go entire season without a miss. Has made 23 consecutive field goals dating to 1990, one short of NFL record of 24 in a row held by Kevin Butler of Chicago.