Donald Dykes - #26 - CB - SE Louisiana - Profile

PRO: "Donald improved as the season progressed," Michaels said. "He should benefit from the year of experience." ... took over as the starting RCB after Johnny Lynn was injured on the first day of training camp ... started all 16 games ... had 38 solo tackles and 30 assists ... finished the season strong with 5 interceptions in the last 9 games ... first NFL interception came in Monday night game against Miami ... also picked-off passes against New England, Los Angeles, Cleveland and at Miami ... his interception in the end zone at Miami with time running out preserved the Jets' victory ... was second on the club to Bobby Jackson in passes defensed with 12 ... named to Pro Football Weekly's most improved squad ... one of the fastest players on the Jets ... runs th 40 in 4.4 seconds ... played in all 16 games as a rookie and started first two after beating out veteran Ed Taylor ... was replaced by Lynn during second game ... spent rest of year as a special teamer and extra back in passing situations ... blocked two punts, including one that was recovered in end zone for TD .. also had a blocked PAT and field goal ... was fourth defensive back chosen in the 1979 draft.

COLLEGE: A four-year letterman in both football and track at Southeastern Louisianna ... had a track scholarship and was walk-on in football ... blocked 12 kicks and picked off six interceptions in his career ... four-time track All-America ... set school and Louisianna record with leap of 26-2 1/2 in long jump, which was the 17th best in the world in 1977 ... was NAIA indoor long jump champion as a freshman and NCAA Division II outdoor titleholder as a sophomore ... also excelled in triple jump (best of 53-3).

PERSONAL: Wife Gwenn ... majored in criminal justice ... studied at Southeastern Louisiana during offseason ... organized charity basketbal game in his hometown with the proceeds going to the United Way ... also worked part-time as a car salesman ... football and track standout at Hammond High in his hometown of Hammond, LA ... birthplace: Independence, LA.

From 1981 Jets yearbook