[Papa John]

I can't find any stats at all for James Loften's freshman year.  At first I thought he must have been before they allowed freshman to play, but the rule changed in 1972 and he graduated in 1977.  I noticed that his sophomore and junior years were not terrific, though.  One would hardly have known what he was going to be like in 1977 once he had Bill Walsh as coach.  But another late blooming, great WR.

As you noted, Lofton had no stats in 1974, and in 1975, he had 3 receptions for 74 yards, 0 TD. He was a bit before my time (my freshman year was 1980), but I seem to recall hearing that he didn't even play WR in high school and was more of a track athlete than anything else. A late bloomer, indeed!

[Papa John]

I can't find any stats at all for James Loften's freshman year.  At first I thought he must have been before they allowed freshman to play, but the rule changed in 1972 and he graduated in 1977.  I noticed that his sophomore and junior years were not terrific, though.  One would hardly have known what he was going to be like in 1977 once he had Bill Walsh as coach.  But another late blooming, great WR.

As you noted, Lofton had no stats in 1974, and in 1975, he had 3 receptions for 74 yards, 0 TD. He was a bit before my time (my freshman year was 1980), but I seem to recall hearing that he didn't even play WR in high school and was more of a track athlete than anything else. A late bloomer, indeed!