TIME'S All-America Team: The Pros Pick 'Em

IN 1958, when TIME first asked the pro-football scouts to pick the top college players at each position, the experts agreed that Billy Cannon, L.S.U.'s much-publicized All-America halfback was just about the best ball carrier around. Their other favorite runner, though, was a surprising star from a lesser-known school: Dick Bass of College of the Pacific. Both players fulfilled their promise by running off with all-pro honors. This year, as in the past, the scouts' choices include a number of Saturday's heroes chosen for All-America honors, as well as a few small college unknowns who figure to be pro superstars. The 1972 pick of the field:

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK. Bert Jones, Louisiana State, 6 ft. 3 in., 205 lbs. In Baton Rouge they call Jones "the Rifle." "The Howitzer" would be more appropriate; a classic dropback quarterback who sets up as quickly as Joe Namath, he has the strength to throw the long bomb and the accuracy to make it count. Pro scouts note admiringly that while leading the Southeastern Conference in passing this season. Jones gave up only seven interceptions in 199 attempts. Son of former Cleveland Brown Receiver "Dub" Jones, the Rifle is already so well versed in pro pass patterns ("He's been throwing to his dad since he was eight years old," says one scout) that some experts think he might be a starter in his first year in the pros. Other strong-armed quarterbacks who figure to be chosen in the early rounds of the draft are Gary Huff, Florida State, 6 ft. 1 in., 186 lbs., Joe Ferguson, Arkansas, 6 ft. 1 in., 182 lbs. and Don Strock, Virginia Tech, 6 ft. 5 in., 205 lbs. this season. He has, says one scout, the "quick eyes to see the field, pick a hole and go like hell." Cunningham is known as "Sam Bam" for his devastating blasts up the middle, and he is also an "exceptional blocker and capable pass catcher." Other running backs whom the scouts like include Chuck Foreman, 6 ft. 3 in., 200 lbs., Miami, and consensus All-America Greg Pruitt, Oklahoma, 5 ft. 9 in., 176 lbs., who will probably be turned into a wide receiver and kick-return specialist.

WIDE RECEIVERS. Johnny Rodgers, Nebraska, 5 ft. 10 in., 171 lbs., and Steve Holden, Arizona State, 6 ft. 2 in., 195 lbs. Rodgers, the 1972 Heisman Trophy winner, has "all the moves"--and then some. Hummingbird-quick, he ranks among the nation's college leaders in receiving, scoring and punt returning. Though some scouts have reservations about his size and durability, most agree that "he will be dangerous wherever you play him." Holden "easily has the best hands in the country." His feet are not bad either; prized for his ability to run deceptive pass patterns, he also is a shifty punt returner. "He runs like a scared halfback," observes one scout approvingly.

TIGHT END. Charles Young, Southern Cal, 6 ft. 4 in., 228 lbs. Tabbed as "an aggressive receiver who catches anything near him," Young has the speed to run deep patterns and the size to be a bruising blocker on sweeps. "On a pro club that needs a tight end," says one scout, "Young could start the first game next season." Among other good prospects, the experts are particularly high on Billy Joe DuPree, Michigan State, 6 ft. 4 in., 216 lbs.

GUARDS. John Hannah, Alabama, 6 ft. 3 1/2 in., 277 lbs., and Pete Adams, Southern Cal, 6 ft. 4 in., 258 lbs. Hannah, as befits a man who is a champion shot-put and discus thrower, flings a mean block. An immovable wall on pass protection, he pulls out on running plays and leads blockers downfield like a Mack truck in overdrive. In short, he is "an exploder." Adams figures to follow a long line of Trojan linemen--including Roy Yary of the Vikings, Bob Suihus of the Jets, and veteran Ron Mix--who have prospered in the pros. Though less spectacular than Hannah, he is just as effective. "You don't see much of him," reports one scout, "but the guy he's supposed to block is rarely left standing."

TACKLES. Paul Seymour, Michigan. 6 ft. 5 in., 250 lbs., and Jerry Sisemore, Texas, 6 ft. 4 in., 255 lbs. Like his brother Jim, the former Notre Dame receiver who is now with the Chicago Bears, Seymour has "quickness of feet" to complement his size. A converted tight end, he adapted so well to the position of tackle this season that scouts praise him as "a real destroyer" Sisemore is equally quick, a crisp, crunching blocker with good mobility. "He is a beast," says one admiring expert, "a tough s.o.b. who hounds people--I mean he really gets after them."

CENTER. Tom Brahaney, Oklahoma, 6 ft. 2 in., 231 lbs. By pro standards, college centers are generally so small that coaches are in the habit of plugging up the middle with a converted guard or tackle. Brahaney, the pivotal lineman in the Sooner's vaunted Wishbone-T attack, is an exception. More than proficient in the basic skills ("quick, great snapper, tremendous on pass protection"), he is a growing boy who, the scouts say, can easily pack on ten or more pounds between seasons. Given that extra beef, predicts one scout, "Brahaney will develop into a top-grade starter"

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