Carl Russ - #53 - LB - Michigan - Profile

PRO:Was acquired on waivers from Atlanta five days before the opener last year ...started as middle linebacker at Denver but had shaky beginning ...started again at Miami the following week and played well until spraining his knee ...had surgery onleftknee and all medical reports indicate he should beready to go..."He has the potential," says Michaels. "He was looking good until he was injured. He's also a good special teams' performer." ... aggressive hitter ...played both OLB and MLB with Falcons, backing up Tommy Nobis ...was converted fromdown lineman in college ...Atlanta's 13th pick in 1975.

COLLEGE:Went to Michigan on academic scholarship ...joined football team in sophomore year and earned grant-in-aid ... won three letters.

PERSONAL:Single ...honors graduate with plans for law degree ...has worked with young people in his hometown because he wanted todosomething for the kids and help repay the school for what it did for me." ...birthplace and hometown: Muskegon, Mich.

From 1977 Jets yearbook.