Yale's Offensive Ends Marting and Weinstein Lend Talent and Experience to Explosive Eli Air Attack

While the legend of Brian Dowling and Calvin Hill expands into mythological proportions, Yale's offensive chorus line remains relatively unknown to sports fans outside New Haven.

Two members of this supporting cast, senior ends Bruce "the Tree" Weinstein and Del Marting, would rate star status at most colleges. Regardless of Dowling's presence, they pose a dangerous threat to the Harvard secondary.

Marting labored in anonymity before latching onto the 66-yard touchdown pass that crunched Harvard last fall. He also scored the first Yale touchdown against the Crimson when he pounced on a fumble in the end zone.

Drills with Brian

A native of Gates Mills, Ohio, Marting commuted to Cleveland Heights several times each week this summer to run passing drills with Dowling. His timing greatly improved, the 6'2", 205 lb. speedster now rates as Dowling's favorite receiver. Despite missing the Princeton game with a bruised knee, Marting tops the Bulldogs' catching corps with 24 receptions for 393 yards and five touchdowns.

Dowling's passing improved even more than Marting's catching during the summer workouts, according to the receiver. "He is much stronger and doesn't lob the ball anymore," Marting says.

Marting pooh-poohs the professional scouts who claim Dowling's three-quarter delivery and his tendency to scramble from the pocket will limit his effectiveness as a pro. "Brian is a great athlete and he can adjust his style if necessary," Marting insists.

Weinstein, an amiable giant at 6'5", 235 lbs., has ideal size for a pro tight end, and the scouts have been following his progress with interest. A crushing blocker, "the Tree" has excellent speed and sticky hands. He was Yale's top receiver last year, catching 16 passes for 318 yards and four touchdowns.

College Offers

A High School All-American, Weinstein was besieged by '50 or 60" college offers. He made trips to Notre Dame, Duke, and the University of Florida before finally choosing Yale.

Weinstein has no regrets about Yale, but wonders how he would measure up playing big time college football. For the same reason, he is seriously considering turning pro.

Weinstein and Marting grow cautious when the conversation switches to Saturday's contest. "We are confident in ourselves, but not over-confident," reports Weinstein. "We have great respect for Harvard."

"Harvard's defense will certainly be the best we have faced this season," adds Marting. "Their linebackers are quick and that Conway strikes like lightning in the backfield."

With Marting and Weinstein flashing through the secondary and Dowling lofting an occasional bomb, Yale expects to create some fireworks of its own this Saturday.