Sport: TIME'S All-America Team: The Pick of the Pros

OF the estimated 15,000 seniors who played football in college this fall, only 442 will be drafted by 26

teams of the National Football League next February. Herewith the scouts' ratings of the best players at each offensive and defensive position:

DEFFENSE

QUARTERBACK. John Reaves, Florida, 6 ft. 3 in., 210 Ibs. A classic dropback passer with a quick release. Reaves has the height to see over charging linemen, the muscle to shake off tacklers and the poise to spring the big play under pressure. If only because so many pro clubs have weaknesses at quarter back, two other passers will also be drafted high: Pat Sullivan, Auburn, 6 ft.. 188 Ibs., and Gary wichard, C.W. Post, 6 ft. 2 in.. 217 Ibs. Many ∧B∧worry that Heisman Winner Sullivan is a mite too small to mix it up with the big boys. Noting the∧exceptionally long stride he takes when setting up one scout figures that Sullivan is

5 ft. 6 in. when he's throwing.' Nevertheless. his accurate arm and play calling

skills mark him as an early round draft choice. Despite his small college background. Wichard (TIME, Dec. 6) has the size and the statistics (41 touchdown passes in three seasons) that the pros prize. RUNNING BACKS. Ed Marimiro, Cornell.

6 ft. 2 2 in., 214 Ibs., and Bobby Moore. Oregon. 6 ft. 2 in.. 212 Ibs. In the year of the runner. Marinaro ran farther than anyone, setting no fewer than five N.C.A.A. rushing records. Mindful of the success of Yale's Calvin Hill with the Dallas Cowboys, the scouts discount the fact that the Big Red's Machine played in the supposedly soft Ivy With every defense keying on explain the scouts, he had "to have something special to compile those≪ records." The experts praise his durability and elusiveness, as well as "tha∧t l∧something that can't be taught: the knack of picking and cutting his way through! the line." Moore is "one of the most graceful big men you'll ever see, a real high-stepper, a streaker in the mold of O.J. Simpson." He has the speed (4.5 sec. in the 40-yd. dash) to break away for the long gainer and the sure hands that may prompt the pros to switch him to wide receiver. Other runners admired by scouts are Jeff Kinney, Nebraska, 6 ft. 2 in.. 210 Ibs.. Jim Bertelsen, Texas, 5 ft. 1 1 in., 190 Ibs., and Johnny Mus.so. Alabama, 5 ft. 11 ½ in., 199 Ibs.

WIDE RECEIVERS. Terry Beasley, Auburn, 5 ft. 1 1 in.. 185 Ibs., and Tom Gatewood. Notre Dame, 6 ft. 2 in., 208 Ibs. Small by pro standards, Beasley, who was Sullivan's No. 1 target at Auburn, is described as a tough little monkey with great ball concentration." He is a master of the sideline pass. Despite injuries and Notre Dame's lack of an experienced quarterback this season. Gatewood is still the prime pro prospect he was when he grabbed 77 passes for 1,123 yds. in 1970, "If he grabs the ball anywhere within the 10 yd. line." says one scout, "he usually takes it in."

Other experts, though, question Gatewoods speed, and would vote for three less publicized receivers: Jerome Barkum, Jackson State, 6ft. 41n. 210 Ibs.. Mike Siani, Villanova, 6 ft. 3 in., 190 Ibs. and Tom Reynolds, San Di ego State, 6 ft. 2 in., 195 Ibs.