Any discussion of Harvard's two straight Ivy football championships starts with the defense, the team's consistent strength. The Crimson held opponents to 14 points a game this year, and no one contributed more to that effort than linebacker Joe Azelby.

The three-year starter led the team in tackles and assists each season, and he ranked among the leaders in interceptions, fumble recoveries and sacks. "Anytime there was a big hit, you'd just assume Joe'd be there," defensive back John Dailey says.

Azelby made a hit with the scouts as well, and May I he became Harvard's first NFL draft choice in three years when the Buffalo Bills picked him on the 10th round. He signed, he went to minicamp and in late June or early July he'll report back. He's confident that he can make the team with "a lot of hard work and a couple of breaks.

He made it right from the beginning at Harvard. In his first start--against Holy Cross on the second week of the 1981 season--he intercepted a pass and blocked a punt. That year he earned second team All-Ivy and All-ECAC honors.

Named to the All-Ivy and All-ECAC first teams his junior and senior years, Azelby this season won the Bulger-Lowe Award, given annually to the best defensive and offensive players in New England.

"He is a legitimate great player, and he would be at any school," Defensive Coordinator George Clemens says. "Yet, he understands his role and his position here; he's got respect for everyone on and off the field."

His attitude and his ability made him a clear choice to be Harvard's 110th captain. "Joe was the easiest choice for captain that we've had for a long time," Dailey says. "He's basically a player's type of captain. Everybody likes the kid."

The Economics concentrator from Dumont. N.J. battled a sprained ankle early in the pre-season, fought it off to play in the opener, then injured his shoulder in the second game. But he came back, and it was Azelby who nabbed two interceptions late in the Princeton contest to save that pivotal game.

His clutch performances have played a major part in two Ivy titles. If--or, considering Azelby's past, when--he makes the Bills, the Patriot, had better beware.