Sporting News, July 20, 1985
With the third USFL Championship showcasing the two best teams in the league tomorrow, it seems appropriate that the USFL today released their 1986 ALL-USFL team and League Awards. In a year where there seemed to be a larger gap than ever between contenders and pretenders, the awards and All-USFL teams clearly seem to indicate a talent gap between the top 4-5 teams and the rest of the league. Looking at the All-USFL’s 44 players, it should be noted that 27 of the players picked came from only 5 teams (Chicago, Michigan, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville and Philadelphia) while 7 non-playoff teams had 2 or fewer players named, including Washington, which was shut out as Craig James was edged out of a HB spot by Pittsburgh’s Mike Rozier.
The other key item to note is that within the 44 All-USFL players, there are several key players whose contracts end this year and who may be prime fodder for NFL poaching. This includes 3-time All-USFL fullback Maurice Carthon, Philly’s stalwart linemen Bart Oates and Irv Eatman, Birmingham G Buddy Aydolette, Jacksonville’s best defensive player-safety Buster Homer, Michigan’s David Greenwood, and league tackling leader, LA’s Danny Rich. That will be a story to follow up on as the hot stove portion of the summer and fall heats up. But, let’s start with a quick look at the 1986 All-USFL Team:
At QB we had a lot of contenders, but the awardees are Bobby Hebert (MGN), Rick Neuheisel (ARZ) and Doug Williams (JAX).
At RB we have no surprises with Kelvin Bryant (PHI), Joe Cribbs (BIR) and Mike Rozier (PIT)
At WR there were some tough choices, but the league looked at yardage, catches and scores to select Eric Truvillion (TBY), Derek Holloway (MGN), Dwight Clark (JAX), Trumaine Johnson (ARZ) and Jackie Flowers (CHI).
TE is not the most productive position in the USFL, but there were two who stood out, easily garnering the majority of votes were Lewis Gilbert (TBY) and Ricky Ellis (LA). It should be noted that both will be free agents this year.
On the O-line we have both road paving run blockers and brick wall pass protectors. The 3 tackles are Irv Eatman (PHI), Anthony Gardner (MGN) and Ernie Yates (BIR). At guard it is Duval Love (JAX), Matt Vaugh (ARZ) and Curtis May (OAK). And at Center, Philly’s Bart Oates gets his 3rd straight nod, joined by Jonathan Hicks of Jacksonville.
The Defensive Line is a who’s who of pass rushers and run cloggers. At DE we have 3-timer Junior Ah You (CHI), repeat awarded Reggie White (MEM), and newcomer Bob Barber (BIR). At DT it is Fred Nordgren of Tampa Bay, Denver’s Laval Short, and Arizona’s Earl Weaver.
At LB, tackling prowess seemed to determine the winners as all the tackle leaders made the squad: Danny Rich (LA), Marcus Marek (BOS), Sam Mills (PHI), Kiki DeAyala (HOU), and Sam Norris (CHI).
In the Secondary we have a mix of older vets and young guns. At Cornerback it is Raphel Cherry, the LA rookie star, David Martin of Denver, and Memphis rook Derrick Burroughs. At Safety we see David Greenwood (MGN), Joe Restic (BOS), Interception leader Willie Liles of Oakland and Buster homer of Jacksonville.
On Special Teams we find kicker Zenon Andrusyshyn (TBY), punter Sean Landeta (PHI), and return men Reggie Sanders (HOU) and Ron Osborne (PIT).
As for major awards, there were 6 given out this year, with the guideline that no player could win more than one award, allowing for recognition for more stars each year. Here are your winners:
USFL MVP: Kelvin Bryant, HB, Philadelphia: Bryant had a breakout season after not finishing in the top 3 in rushing in either of his first two years. He finished the year with 1524 yards, 14 scores and a 4.2 average. As the focalpoint of the Stars’ offense, he helped guide Philadelphia to a 12-4 record and their third consecutive division title.
Offensive Player of the Year: Eric Truvillion, WR, TBY. It was neck and neck between Truvillion and Bryant for MVP, and we are honestly surprised that in a pass-happy league it did not go to the wideout. Truvillion had a record-busting 1986, catching 93 balls for an astonishing 1,944 yards and unfathomable 25 touchdowns.
Defensive Player of the Year: Junior Ah You, DE, CHI. After 3 years of leading the league in sacks, the big man for the Blitz finally gets the recognition he richly deserves. He only needed to have his best season yet to do so. 22 sacks, 65 tackles, 17 tfl, and two safeties (with a third this past week in the Conference Finals).
Offensive Rookie of the Year: George Adams, RB, JAX. One of the big reasons the Bulls won the Southern Division and made their first postseason was the play of their rookie RB and the ability to balance his rushing with another Doug Williams 4,000 yard season. Adams, in his first year, ran for 1086 yards and 10 scores, but also participated in the passing game, catching 55 balls for 321 yards and another 5 touchdowns.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Brian Noble, LB, ARZ. The rise of the Wranglers was largely attributed to the offense, but their once-lightweight defense became a solid squad in large part due to the contributions of Brian Noble. In addition to 97 tackles, Noble added 3 interceptions, 7 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and one lone sack. The consummate roving LB, Noble was a run stuffing monster and a coverage killer on the TE and RB position.
Coach of the Year: Marv Levy, CHI. The rise of the Blitz from mediocre also-rans to the best record in the league was astonishing. Levy got the most out of his players, built a scheme around QB Vince Evans and a RB duo in Spencer and Murphy, and helped Chicago’s defense become fear-inspiring. The 2nd year coach with NFL experience at Kansas City, has his Blitz in the League Championship tomorrow, and could come away with the ultimate prize, a league championship.
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