Tag Archives: indianapolis colts

Coryatt, Quentin “Q”

Cards: StarPics 1992, ActionPacked Rookies 1992, GameDay 1992
Received: TTM 1992, 1993, C/o The Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts in 1992 had certainly positioned themselves well in the draft possessing the #1 and #2 pick overall after receiving the Buccaneers #1 pick (second overall) after trading them with Chris Chandler. The Colts would take Steve Emtman #1 and then get Coryatt #2 in the draft. – Neither of them would ever make the Pro Bowl over their career, while a lot of talent was left on the board with Sean Gilbert, Troy Vincent,Marco Coleman, Chester McGlocton, Dale Carter and Robert Jones all coming off the board in the first round alone after these two.  (Overall probably the most recognizable name from this draft would probably become wide receiver Jimmy Smith.) Coryatt would be a devastating linebacker at A&M especially when paired with Aaron Wallace in the famed ‘Wrecking Crew’. A vicious hitter, Quentin received recognition as the SWC defensive player of the year in 1991.

After being taken by the Colts second overall he’d find himself moved around the middle three over the next 6 seasons for the franchise and play in every position. Injuries would limit his contributions in 1992, starting 7 games and making 54 tackles at LILB. While 1993 would show perhaps a glimpse of his talent as Quentin racked up 150 tackles at MLB, he’d move to RLB the next two seasons and make roughly 140 tackles. Another injury plagued 1996 would limit his contributions to 7 games and 32 tackles, and while he’d play 15 games in 1997 and have a pretty good season with 2 picks, 2 sacks, 2 FF and 59 tackles- he’d be allowed to leave via free agency in 1999 and play 4 games with the Dallas Cowboys in 1999 and retire.

I remember when I got Quentin’s autographs through the mail. I really wanted to get the Action Packed Rookies 1992 card signed and sent back for that and the Game Day. After I got the autograph back- a year or two later he sent me a form letter indicating that he was forming his own fan club called the “Q Club” for all his fans, but by this point I was pretty much done for a bit collecting TTM.

Unfortunately Coryatt had flashes of brilliance and indeed was a worthy draft choice- but probably at not such a lofty number. There was a sense the Colts drafted him based on his highlight tape- not on if he fit their defensive scheme as Coryatt was constantly being moved around the linebacking corps. I think Quentin would be remembered differently if he had been drafted in the 3rd round perhaps, but his performance certainly doesn’t necessarily quantify him as a bona fide bust. Quentin however is still considered a local legend at Texas A&M, and recently reunited with many of his former teammates at the school as honorary captains.

G/Gs  82/77      Tac  442       Sac  8.5       Fum   7      Int 3       Yds 9        Avg 3.0       Td 0         Lg 6

One of Coryatt’s vicious hits: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1vCZ6zt4Es&feature=related

 

Simmons, Stacey

Card: Action Packed Rookies 1990
Acquired: TTM 1992, C/o The Orlando Thunder
See Also: Stacey Simmons (2)

Drafted in the 4th round of the 1990 draft by Indianapolis, Stacey Simmons was a long bomb threat and return man for the Florida Gators. He’d spend one season with the Colts, starting 1 game, making 3 receptions for 25 yards against the Chiefs in in week 5 and 1 catch for 8 yards against the Giants that year.  Contributing primarily on special teams, Stacey had 19 kick returns for 348 yards, but would fail to make the roster of the Colts in 1991.

Signed by the Orlando Thunder of the WLAF in 1992, Stacey would make 6 catches for 55 yards for the Thunder.   While I was scanning through the player rosters I missed Stacey on my original run through that season. Being the obsessive compulsive geek I was, it drove me nuts enough that I wrote the Thunder for his autograph. The Thunder kindly forwarded my card to the 49ers, whom he had recently signed with, and he signed my card there. Simmons would continue to play football in the Arena leagues for the Tampa Bay Storm, winning 2 championships with them.

Since football Simmons has become a shrewd businessman opening up his own training facility in Florida that specializes in boot camps for many sports, conditioning, and speed. (staceysimmons.com).

G  N/a       Rec  6     Yds   55      Avg   9.2      Td 0      Lg  15

Clark, Ken

Card: ProSet Update 1990
Acquired: TTM 1992, Colts Blitz

At the time of his graduation, Ken Clark finished at Nebraska right behind hallowed Mike Rozier in total rushing yardage (3037 yards) as an I-back in the Cornhusker offensive attack (since surpassed).  In 1988, Clark had a 256 yard rushing performance against the undermanned OSU Cowboys and his 1497 rushing yards in 1988 were second in school history (since surpassed).  Ken over his college career would also finish as a two time Big 8 selection in 1988 and 1989.

The Colts would tab him with an 8th rounder in 1990 and he’d step in playing on special teams a bit in a largely anonymous rookie season. Ken would help out any way he could in 1991, with a career high 366 yards on the ground, and 33 receptions.  The Colts needed help at both tight end and running back- so he fit in as an H-back largely that season starting 7 games. The problem is he put the rock on the ground 4 times in 147 touches that season. His 1992 would find Clark knee deep in the depth chart. He’d only start 2 games but make the most of it with 134 yards and 5 receptions, and also do some kick return duty- but by 1993 Ken would be out of the NFL. In 2008 Ken would be inducted into the Husker Hall of Fame.

G/Gs 34/12     Rush 161     Yds  510     Avg  3.2    Td 0     Lg  25 |
Rec 43    Yds 314     Avg 7.3     Td 0     Lg 23