'85 Chronology-Camp Carthon

Event Date: July 16th, 1985

Event Description: Giants Start Camp

Source: UPI

Maurice Carthon heard some good news when he reported to New York Giants' training camp Monday and found out he'll be treated like any other player.

That's just how Carthon wants it, although he certainly could use a rest after blocking Herschel Walker's way to 2,148 yards the past five months for the USFL's New Jersey Generals.

“I'm not babying this guy a bit,” Giants coach Bill Parcells said. “Nobody makes this team by default.”

Parcells has experience with players coming from the USFL. Last year the Giants signed guard Chris Godfrey and cornerback Kenny Daniel. They both made the team, and Godfrey became a starter midway through the season and helped stabilize the offensive line.

“I hope to fill the role of fullback and challenge Rob Carpenter for the job,” said Carthon, a 6-foot-1, 255-pounder. “But I know I have to go out and earn the job. It's no relief just being here and I don't think it will be a relief until Sept. 8th when we play Philadelphia and I'm in the starting backfield.”

Carthon, 24, gained 1173 yards on 244 carries for the Generals this year, while being used primarily as Walker's blocker. 

Carthon's biggest problem making it in the NFL will be the wear-and-tear he has absorbed the last several months. What he has going for him is a familiarity with the Giants' terminology and his attitude.

As a rookie out of Arkansas State, Carthon played for New Jersey coach Chuck Fairbanks. Giants offensive coordinator Ron Erhardt was an assistant under Fairbanks with the New England Patriots and their offenses are similar.

It was under Fairbanks and later Walt Michaels that Carthon developed from a college wishbone fullback who could block well on running plays but had little experience in a passing offense.

“A couple of years ago, Chuck Fairbanks told me the kid had real good ability, he was just green,” Parcells said. “Having been a wishbone fullback in college he might have gotten caught in the wash. The day after the (Generals') season was over he called me up and said 'I'm ready to go.' I like that, he's that kind of kid.”

Carthon knows what he's up against.

“I talked to some of my teammates with the Generals who came over from the NFL,” he said. “They said I'll get tired about the eighth game. Nobody gave me any encouraging words.”

The Giants Tuesday were still without unsigned quarterback Phil Simms, first-round draft choice George Adams and second-round pick Stacy Robinson. Simms and Robinson, a wide receiver from North Dakota State, are expected to reach agreement soon but little progress has been made in signing Adams, a running back from Kentucky.