Tom (Corky) Tharp - #45 - DB - Alabama - Profile

In Corky the Titans have an experienced defensive performer. Playing the deep or safety position, Tharp has the keen football instincts to anticipate offensive maneuvers, plus the speed enabling him to move quickly to break up pass plays. He intercepted only 2 aerials in 1960, but he spent most of the season batting balls out of the reach of opposing receivers. The fiery Alabaman from Birmingham had been a glowing star in the Canadian league for three years before joining the Titans. At the University of Alabama, he won laurels as a stickout running quarterback in Coach Harold (Red) Drew's Split T offense. Corky was voted All-South and All-Southeastern Conference rating in both 1953 and 1954. The father of a 5-year-old daughter and a year-old son, Tharp operates a thriving home improvement business between football seasons.

From 1961 Jets yearbook.