John Ebersole - #55 - DE-LB - Penn State - Profile

PRO: "Had his finest year in the pros," says Michaels. "The extra responsibility of playing with the three rookies brought out a better quality in Ebersole" .., Michaels labels Ebersole not as a killer but as an intelligent player who is equally effective against the run and the pass ... took over at middle linebacker in fourth game vs. 49ers and started until sprained ankle forced him to miss season finale ... finished third on club in total tackles behind linebacker mates Greg Buttle and Bob Martin with 56 solos and 93 assists ... recovered three fumbles, knocked down four passes, had one QBsack and made one interception which set up TD against Buffalo ... has become a regular over the last four seasons ... tough player who will play hurt ,.. has missed only three games in seven years ... in 1974 tied for club lead with three interceptions ... has good hands.

COLLEGE:Played two years on offense and two on defense ... helped lead Nittany Lions to second place in national defense rankings ... earned game ball vs. Kansas State when he played with dislocated shoulder ... played in Gator and Orange (twice) bowls.

PERSONAL:Married Janice Lee Montgomery ... daughter Lauren Michelle 4 and son Lee Andrew 2 ... holds degree in health and physical education ... owns Ebersole Beverages, Inc birthplace arid hometown: Altoona, Pa PRONOUNCED: EB-er-soul.

From 1977 Jets yearbook