John Minds

Bio

Penn fullback Jack Minds had an idea. Drop kicking the football was not the most accurate means of converting points, so wouldn't it be much better to kick a stationary object? Thus, historians tell us Jack Minds converted the first kick from placement, a feat he often repeated during his career at Pennsylvania. Minds was capable of playing virtually any position on the field and handling the kicking chores with great skill.. As a punter, Minds specialized in boots to the coffin corner, frequently kicking from a running formation. The 5-11, 180-pound Minds was a three-year starter. With Minds in the lineup, Penn was 55-1, losing only to Lafayette, 6-4, in an 1896 contest. The Penn teams of 1894 and 1895 were undefeated National Champions. Minds played five positions at different points during his collegiate career. He operated at guard, tackle, end, halfback and fullback. His line play was aggressive, marked by his powerful leg drive. As a runner, Minds was twice chosen second-team All-America by Walter Camp. Then, as a senior in 1897, Minds merited Camp's first-team recognition and prompted Camp to admit he was among the strongest runners in the nation that year. Following graduation, Minds became a practicing attorney in Philadelphia.

Career Highlights

• 1897 Consensus All-America
• 1896 Second Team All-America
• 1895 Second Team All-America