Earlie Thomas - #45 - CB - Colorado State - Profile

PRO: Among the premier cornerbacks in the NFL, Thomas has kept improving each year ... is a first-rate one-on-one coverage specialist and has bolstered his zone work ... makes the big play ... had two interceptions lastyear ... has never been known for interception work since opposing QBs tend to throw away from him ... his last minute theft preserved a 9-7 victory over New England last year, blunting Jim Plunkett's final drive ... his steal ofthe ball from PaulWarfield in 1971 led to a 14-10 Jet upset in the Orange Bowl ... is considered to be all-pro material ... as a rookie, against the Rams, he was tested 11 times by Roman Gabriel and gave up no catches ... has extremely long arms... closes down strongly on runs to his side ... drafted 11th in 1970.

PERSONAL: Married ... wife, Kathy ... sons, Garrett, 5, Ryan, 2%... isa former Denver Golden Gloves light-heavyweight champion ... majored in entomology, the science of insects, and is completing his masters degree in it ... his dissertation ison aweevil parasite... Hometown: Denver, Colo.

From 1974 Jets yearbook.