'88 Chronology-New Jersey Generals Preview

Event Date: February 18th, 1988

Event Description: USFL Preview-Liberty Division

Source: Sports Scene

New Jersey Generals

1987 Record: 7-9 5th Place

Stadium: Giants Stadium     

Avg. Attendance: 40,311

Head Coach: Chris Palmer

Owner: Stephen Ross

Key players: QB Doug Flutie, QB Matt Robinson, RB Leon Perry, TE Sam Bowers, TE Paul Bergmann, G John Jewell, G Wayne Harris, DE James Lockette, LB Bobby Leopold, LB Jon Brooks, DB Dennis DeVaughn, DB Donnell Daniel, DB David Martin.

New Arrivals: QB Matt Robinson (USFL-Portland ’87), P Jim Miller (NFL-New York Giants ’87), RB Leon Perry (USFL-Orlando ’87), RB Rich Erenberg (NFL-Pittsburgh ’86), RB Jaime Covington (NFL-NY Giants ’87), TE Sam Bowers (NFL-Chicago ’87), OG Gerry Raymond (USFL-Portland ’87), G-T Bill Dugan (NFL-New York Giants ’87), OL Joe Silipo (NFL-Buffalo ’87), OL Ken Smith (NFL-Cincinnati ’87), OL Scott Zalenski (’85 draft pick), DE Kyle Clawson (’85 draft pick), LB Marcus Marek (NFL-Chicago ’87), DB Durwood Roquemore (NFL-Buffalo ’87), DB David Martin (NFL-Buffalo ’87), SS Troy West (NFL-Philadelphia ’87).

Sport Scene's Outlook: Another disappointing campaign in 1987 led the team to replace head coach Craig Morton with Chris Palmer. The addition of two-way player Gordie Lockbaum brings a sense of excitement as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

1984 Prediction: 10-6 2nd Place

'88 Chronology-Jacksonville Bulls Preview

Event Date: February 18th, 1988 

Event Description: USFL Preview-Liberty Division

Source: Sports Scene

Jacksonville Bulls

1987 Record: 7-9 6th Place

Stadium: Gator Bowl    

Avg. Attendance: 42,543

Head Coach: Mouse Davis

Owner: Fred Bullard

Key players: QB Vince Evans, QB Bob Gagliano, RB-WR Vincent White, FB-TE Todd Gerhart, WR Alton Alexis, WR Spencer Jackson, OC Tom Davis, OT Roy Simmons, NG Ron Simmons, DE Bruce Thornton, DE George Achica, LB Howard Carson, LB Ed Smith, LB John Nevens, DB Donald Dykes, DB Chester Gee, DB Don Bessillieu.

New Arrivals: P Larry Swider (USFL-Orlando ’87), PK Jeff Brockhaus (NFL-San Fran ’87), QB Vince Evans (NFL-LA Raiders ’87), QB Bob Gagliano (NFL-San Fran. ’87), QB Ken Hobart (CFL-Hamilton ’87), RB Bobby Howard (NFL-Tampa Bay ’87), RB Sam Harrell (NFL-Minnesota ’87), RB Robert Lavette (NFL-Philadelphia ’87), OG Rick Kehr (NFL-Washington ’87), OG Frank Frazier (NFL-Washington ’87), OL Steve Rogers (NFL-Kansas City ’87), OC Mike Weaver (’85 draft pick), DL Walter Carter (NFL-Tampa Bay ’87), DT Brad Smith (’85 draft pick), LB Ed Smith (USFL-Memphis ’87), LB Phil Forney (NFL-St. Louis ’87), DB Johnny Hill (’85 draft pick).

Sport Scene's Outlook: The merger with Denver has led to a complete makeover in Jacksonville. 

Look for the Bulls’ offense to continue to excel with Vince Evans and Bob Gagliano having replaced last years’ starter Ed Luther who was traded to Oakland.

If the defense improves over last years’ squad, Jacksonville should challenge for the division crown.

1988 Prediction: 10-6 1st place

'88 Chronology-Journeyman

Event Date: February 11th, 1988

Event Description: Bandits Sign Kelley

The Tampa Bay Bandits have signed veteran quarterback Mike Kelley and waived counterpart Nathaniel Koonce.

Kelley, 29, spent last season with the Memphis Showboats before moving on to the San Diego Chargers during the NFL strike games. Kelley started his career with the Bandits back in 1983 after geing drafted out of Geogia Tech.

Last season, Kelley passed for 987 yards with eight touchdowns and four picks while a backup to Walter Lewis. Kelley now joins Ben Bennett and Jimmy Jordan on the Bandits' roster.

After the season, he joined the Chargers where he passed for 305 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. Kelley started one of the NFL strike games before being supplanted by Rick Neuheisel.

A sixth-round draft choice of the Atlanta Falcons in 1982, he has also played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League, along with his USFL stints which include stops in Tampa, Memphis and Oakland.

Koonce who has been with the Bandits on and off since he was drafted by the Bandits out of Florida A&M in 1983 has said that he will most likely retire after his most recent demotion.

'88 Chronology-Job Security

Event Date: February 10th, 1988

Event Description: Williams Confident

Source: Associated Press

'88 Chronology-Pivotal Position

Event Date: February 6th, 1988

Event Description: Stars Sign Pivot

Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Scott Campbell, signed with the USFL Baltimore Stars, less than a week after his NFL contract expired.

Campbell, a 6-foot-0, 195-pounder, started his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1984, before moving on to the Falcons. He was a fourth round draft selection by the Stars in the 1984 USFL draft. Campbell, who signed a two-year contract, will report to the Stars for practice Monday.

“We're very happy to have Scott Campbell join our team,”said Carl Peterson, the Stars president and director of football operations. “Adding Scott to our team will provide additional competiton at the quarterback position.”

The Stars are led by veteran pivot Chuck Fusina, but he has been out with an injured foot during most of the early season workouts. The team also has veteran Tom Rozantz and newcomer Scott Stankavage on their pre-season roster.

more to come......

'88 Chronology-Offensive Minded

Event Date: February 5th, 1988

Event Description: Packers Hire Infante

Source: Associated Press

'88 Chronology-Packer Pursuits

Event Date: February 3rd, 1988

Event Description: Infante Front Runner

Source: Ocala Star Banner

'88 Chronology-MVP

'88 Chronology-Super!

Event Date: February 1st, 1988

Event Description: Williams Wins SB MVP

Source: Associated Press

'88 Chronology-Award Winner

Event Date: January 27th, 1988

Event Description: Mora Wins Award

Source: Associated Press

'88 Chronology-Bonus Money

Event Date: January 26, 1988

Event Description: Walker Highest Paid

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'88 Chronology-The Crusader

Event Date: January  23rd, 1988

Event Description: Generals Ink Lockbaum

The USFL's New Jersey Generals signed former Holy Cross all-purpose player Gordie Lockbaum on Friday.

Lockbaum was a four-year starter for the Crusaders who played his first two seasons at defensive back, before becoming a two-way player in 1986.

In 1986, Lockbaum rushed for 827 yards on 144 carries, hauled in 57 passes for 860 yards and scored 22 touchdowns total. On the defensive side of things he had 46 tackles, one interception, a pair of fumble recoveries, and on special teams he finished with 452 yards on 21 kick returns.

During his senior season, he rushed for 403 yards on 85 totes, caught 77 passes for 1152 yards and piled up 2,041 total all-purpose yards.

Lockbaum finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting, and was selected to play in three college all-star games.

“Gordie is a special athlete who can really help usin a variety of ways and in every facet of the game”, said Generals President Jason Seltzer. Terms of the contract were not disclosed, but it is believed to be a two-year deal with a third-year option. New Jersey will be forced to cut one player to make room for Lockbaum on the 70-player roster.

more to come......

'88 Chronology-Fans For Football

Event Date: January 21st, 1988

Event Description: Meeting in St. Louis

Source: Associated Press

'88 Chronology-Bulls Sign Trio

Event Date: January 17th, 1988

Event Description: Bulls Sign Trio

The Jacksonville Bulls of the U.S. Football League announced the signings of three offensive players Monday, including former NFL halfback Bobby Howard.

Howard, 24, spent the past two seasons with the Tampa Bay Bucs where he was used in spot duty and on special teams. He was originally a late round draft choice by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1986 before moving on to Tampa as a free agent.

The Bulls also signed former Gamblers’ running back Sam Harrell and Idaho's all-time passer and ex-CFL pivot Ken Hobart.

Harrell, 31, was selected in the 1980 draft by the Minnesota Vikings. After leading the Houston Gamblers in rushing last season with 1,264 yards, he was picked up by the Vikings during the NFL strike. 

Hobart, 27, owns all of Idaho's career passing records and was the starting quarterback in the 1985 Grey Cup for the Hamilton Tiger Cats. Hobart began his pro career with the Bulls back in 1984, moved on to the Denver Gold in 1985, before jumping the CFL where he has played over the course of the past three seasons.

more to come......

'88 Chronology-Migration

Event Date: January 16th, 1988

Event Description: Cards Head West

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'88 Chronology-Trial and Error

Event Date: January 12th, 1988

Event Description: Cade Trial Continues

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'88 Chronology-Camp Competition

Event Date: January 8th, 1988

Event Description: Outlaws Sign Ex-Jayhawk

The Oklahoma Outlaws have signed Kansas City Chiefs' third-string quarterback Frank Seurer to a two-year deal the team announced yesterday. 

The team now has three quarterbacks on their roster, including ex-NFLers Glenn Carano and Rick Neuheisel, as the team prepares for the opening of training camp.

Head coach Woody Widenhofer said Seurer would compete for the starting job alongside Carano and Neuheisel.

“If you can get the rights to a player who has already made an NFL team you have someone of proven quality,”Widenhofer said. “The problem there is that Kansas City has a lot of money invested in Kenney and Blackledge, that’s why Seurer became available.” Widenhofer said.

Seurer, 25, was drafted by the Los Angeles Express in 1984 after starring at Kansas. The five year veteran played for the Express for two seasons before leaving for the National Football League.

'87 Chronology-Homecoming

Event Date: January 8th, 1988

Event Description: Stars Sign Boone

Former Tampa Bay Bandits running back Greg Boone is heading to the Baltimore Stars after spending last season with the Tampa Bay Bucs during the NFL strike games. Boone played in a pair of replacement games.

Boone led the Bandits with 1,070 yards rushing with three touchdowns last season. Boone spent five seasons with Tampa Bay from 1983-87 after starring at Duke University. Boone is a native of Maryland and graduated from Bel Air high school.

In addition the Stars also agreed to terms with veteran kicker Tim Mazzetti, tight end Mark Raugh, lineman Mike Katolin, as well as a slew of defensive players including defensive backs Scott Woerner and Mike Lush.

'88 Chronology-Open Draft

Event Date: January 7th, 1988

Event Description: USFL Open Draft

All-America lineman Chad Hennings of Air Force and all-star defensive backs Eric Allen and Chuck Cecil were among 50 players selected by the twelve United States Football League teams Wednesday in the last five rounds of the college draft.

Eric Allen was selected alongside Hennings, who has a committment to the U.S. Air Force, by the Houston Gamblers in the first two rounds of the open draft and Cecil was in the third round round.

Quarterback Stan Humphries of Northeast Louisiana, who led the team to the 1987 NCAA Division I-AA championship game, was selected by the Birmingham Stallions in the third round.

There were 200 players chosen in the territorial and open phases of the draft. Each USFL team now has 20 players on its drafted list and will begin the difficult task of trying to sign them. For the complete list of those draft players go here.

The USFL opens its regular season on February 25th. 

'88 Chronology-Still the Official Drink of the VUSFL!

 

'88 Chronology-Pivotal Changes

Event Date:January 5th, 1988

Event Description: Luther Traded

Jacksonville coach Mouse Davis reported on Monday that seven players have been cut from the USFL squad and two others, including last years’ starting quarterback Ed Luther has been traded.

Davis said Luther was traded to Oakland in exchange for veteran linebacker Howard Carson. Luther became expendable when the team signed veteran Vince Evans, who is more adept at running the the teams’ Run and Shoot offense.

The Bulls coach said the seven players released were running backs Joe McCall and Cedric Jones, quarterbacks Buck Belue and Ron Sally, tight end Mark Raugh, fullback Mark Schellen, wide receivers Frank Lockett and Dwayne Dixon and linebacker Andy Hendel.

The team also announced the retirements of receiver Tommy Vigorito, tight end Robert Young and linemen Ed Gantner and Jeff Toews.

The Bull's roster stands at 59, with the next cut set for next Monday when each USFL roster must not exceed 55 players.

'88 Chronology-Red Miller

Event Date: January 4th, 1988

Event Description: Miller Honored

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'88 Chronology-Tampa Bay Bandits Territorial Draft

Event Date: January 4th, 1988

Event Description: Tampa Bay Territorial Draft

Source: League Office

'88 Chronology-Orlando Renegades Territorial Draft

Event Date: January 4th, 1987

Event Description: Orlando Territorial Draft

Source: League Office

'88 Chronology-Oklahoma Outlaws Territorial Draft

Event Date: January 4th, 1988

Event Description: Oklahoma Territorial Draft

Source: League Office

'88 Chronology-Oakland Invaders Territorial Draft

Event Date: January 4th, 1987

Event Description: Oakland Territorial Draft

Source: League Office

'88 Chronology-New Jersey Generals Territorial Draft

 Event Date: January 4th, 1988

Event Description: New Jersey Territorial Draft

Source: League Office

'88 Chronology-Memphis Showboats Territorial Draft

Event Date: January 4th, 1988

Event Description: Memphis Territorial Draft

Source: League Office

'88 Chronology-Jacksonville Bulls Territorial Draft

Event Date; January 4th, 1988

Event Description: Jacksonville Territorial Draft

Source: League Office

'88 Chronology-Houston Gamblers Territorial Draft

Event Date: January 4th, 1987

Event Description: Houston Territoria Draft

Source: League Office

'88 Chronology-Birmingham Stallions Territorial Draft

Event Date: January 4th, 1987

Event Description: Birmingham Territorial Draft

Source: League Office

'88 Chronology-Baltimore Stars Territorial Draft

Event Date: January 4th, 1987

Event Description: Baltimore Territorial Draft

Source: League Office

'87 Chronology- '88 Schedule Released

Event Date: December 26th, 1987

Event Description: USFL Schedule Released

The sixth United States Football League season opens February 25th, when the Oklahoma Outlaws host the Houston Gamblers, the league announced Saturday.

The 10-team, 16-week regular-season schedule includes 80 games and ends Monday, June 12th. The USFL championship game will be played July 2nd in Baltimore, Maryland.

Down from 12 teams in 1987, the USFL will feature two five-team conferences in 1988. The Liberty division includes the Baltimore Stars, New Jersey Generals, Jacksonville Bulls, Orlando Renegades and Tampa Bay Bandits.

The Independence division consists of the Birmingham Stallions, Memphis Showboats, Houston Gamblers, Oakland Invaders and the Oklahoma Outlaws who have re-located from Arizona. Also, the Jacksonville Bulls and Denver Gold merged and the Portland Breakers folded due to financial problems.

New head coaches include Darrel “Mouse” Davis who takes over in Jacksonville replacing Lindy Infante who turned down a front office position with the Bulls to pursue potential NFL options. Long-time NFL assistant Woody Widenhofer is the Outlaws’ new head coach replacing Frank Kush who retired.

On the television front, ABC, ESPN and the RCA Satellite System will carry 16 weeks of USFL games. ABC will televise Sunday afternoons and provide playoff and championship coverage. 

ESPN, which entered into a new three-year agreement with the USFL after the 1985 season, will offer Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday night games. The league champion Showboats open defense of their title against Tampa Bay on Monday, Feb. 29th.

more to come.....

'87 Chronology-Coin Flip

Event Date: December 23rd, 1987

Event Description: Walker Likes Rams

Source: Associated Press

'87 Chronology-Fresh Start

Event Date: December 23rd, 1987

Event Description: Outlaws Name Coach

Source: UPI

The Oklahoma Outlaws of the United States Football League have named Woody Widenhofer as their head coach.

Widenhofer joins Oklahoma after a 16-year career as an assistant under Steeler head coach Chuck Noll. He was assistant head coach for two seasons and defensive coordinator for another five years. He joined the Steelers in 1973 as linebacker coach at which post he helped to develop such pros as Jack Lambert and Jack Ham.

He was a member of the defensive staff which developed the famous Steel Curtain. During his tenure with the Steelers, they won four Super Bowl championships but Widenhofer's biggest accomplishment might have been adjusting the Steel Curtain to the new 3-4 defense. In 1982, Pittsburgh ranked second in the NFL in sacks and fourth in interceptions while establishing a new team record for fewest rushing yards allowed per game, 84.7.

"Leaving Missouri after three years was a big decision for me. I always thought it would take a super situation to even make me think about moving and the Oklahoma Outlaws present such a situation," he said.

J. Walter Duncan, the Outlaws’ new owner, said, “When we evaluated our overall picture, we decided to go for someone who had worked many years in pro football and who had worked in a college environment. In Woody Widenhofer, we have exceeded our goals and expectations,” Duncan concluded.

Widenhofer added, “I'm convinced the Oklahoma Outlaws are a first-class program. The owners want to win and win fast. I'm impressed with the administration and the personnel department and I'm looking forward to working with them.”

Story-(UPI Modified)

'87 Chronology-Mouse Moves

Event Date: December 22nd, 1987

Event Description: Roster Moves

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'87 Chronology-Barroom Blitz

Event Date: December 22nd, 1987

Event Description: Kelly Tussle

Source: Associated Press

'87 Chronology-Cardinal Sins

Event Date: December 19th, 1987

Event Description: Football Roundup

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'87 Chronology-Bullish on Mouse

Event Date: December 18th, 1987

Event Description: Mouse Moves

Source: Register-Guard

'87 Chronology-Courtesy Call

Event Date: December 17th, 1987

Event Description: NFL Honorees

Source: Lakeland Ledger