Tuesday, May 27, 2014

1962 Bills Offensive Line Profiles

AL BEMILLER
Center
No. 50
Syracuse
Strong, tough and durable Al Bemiller took over as the Bills' starting center and played all 14 games in his rookie season. He's an outstanding blocker who truly distinguished himself on pass protection, thus quickly earning the respect of Buffalo football fans.
In his college days at Syracuse, Al was All-East and was voted 'the college center with the best potential.'


BILLY SHAW
Guard
No. 66
Georgia Tech
"A former All-American tackle at Georgia Tech, Shaw was switched to guard as a rookie last year and proved to be one of the outstanding linemen in the AFL. A native of Atlanta, he was the No. 2 draft pick of the Bills and was a regular almost from the day he reported to training camp.
Extremely fast, tough and mobile, Billy improved steadily during the season and became one of the league's finest stationary pass protection and 'play lead' blockers."

-1962 Fleer No. 16


CHUCK MUELHAUPT
Guard
No. 70
Iowa State
Chuck played all 14 games last year and fortified Buffalo's offensive line for a second season.
In Game 10 of the season against the Texans at the Cotton Bowl, he achieved rare recognition for a guard. With Buffalo holding a 23-20 lead in the fourth quarter, Chuck was playing on special teams when he recovered a Dallas fumble in the end zone for an insurance touchdown in what would be a 30-20 Buffalo win.


HAROLD OLSON
Offensive Tackle
No. 74
Clemson
For a second year, the 250-pound youngster out of Clemson fortified an improving Buffalo offensive line. Coach Saban has no worries about Chuck's reliability at his tackle position.
As a collegian, Harold clearly demonstrated his ability to block for Tiger passers.


KEN RICE
Offensive Tackle
No. 75
Auburn
"As a newcomer, Ken Rice of the Buffalo Bills took his place among the fine tackles in pro football. And he'll get better."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

"Football sages predict that Kenny will develop into the best offensive lineman in the league. Fast and agile despite his bulk, this former All-American from Auburn proved a rookie find last year. Kenny was named to the second AFL team on offense.
He proved his versatility by running back a couple of kickoffs for the Bills last year."

-1962 Fleer No. 17

1962 Profile: Glenn Bass

Split End
No. 88
East Carolina
"Remember the name of Glenn Bass, the Wilson County (North Carolina) whippet who may blossom into the top pass-receiving split end of the year. He nailed 50 aerials in 1961, playing only 11 games, and gained 465 yards. He spurned a baseball bonus to sign with the Chargers who released him at the start of '61.
He has the hands and speed to be a star, but needs the work and experience to develop into one."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

1962 Profiles: Ernie Warlick and Tom Rychlec

ERNIE WARLICK
Tight End
No. 84
North Carolina Central
"Ernie is in his third season with the team. He was chosen on the Negro All-American team for three seasons."

-1959 Topps CFL No. 25

"This is Ernie's fourth year with Calgary. He was named on the Negro All-American team for three years."

-1960 Topps CFL No. 30


TOM RYCHLEC
Tight End
No. 81
American International
"Improvement in blocking assignments will make Tom Rychlec a more valuable Bill in 1962. The Meriden (Connecticut) tight end has the best hands on the club and is second to none as a short-pass receiver. He caught 33 passes for 405 yards and scored twice in 1961. He's the man on the spot on that vital third down pass play, and usually comes up with the vital catch."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"Tom caught 33 passes for 405 yards as a tight end last year. One was a 61-yarder for one of his four touchdowns. The ex-Lion caught 45 passes for 590 yards to lead the Bills in 1960.
He's a strong, solid operator who specializes in decoys and fakes. The Bills use him mostly for the short pass at which he is adept.
He is another outstanding example of big good men coming from little colleges. The Lions drafted Tom after his graduation from American International College."

-1962 Fleer No. 15

1962 Bills Quarterback Profiles

JACK KEMP
Quarterback
No. 15
Occidental
"Jack is an outstanding example of the excellent players who develop in the nation's smaller colleges. At Occidental, he was Honorably Mentioned for the Little All-America for three years, 1954 through 1956, and was second in passing in the NAIA (small colleges) in 1956. In his senior year, he averaged more than 150 yards passing per game.
He played for the San Francisco 49ers last year."

-1960 Fleer No. 124

"Potentially one of the finest quarterbacks in the AFL, this heady signal caller began to come into his own last season.
Gaining pro experience after leaving Occidental, Kemp went from the Steelers to the Giants. He played in Calgary in 1959 and then was picked up by the 49ers in mid-season.
Since joining the Chargers, he has been an exceptional performer, leading his team to the Western Division title."

-1961 Fleer No. 155

"Kemp's accurate arm led the Chargers to the Western Division title. Chosen all-league quarterback, Jack led the AFL in passing with 3,018 yards, 51.8 % completions and 20 touchdowns."

-1961 Topps No. 166

"Unwanted by the Steelers, Giants and 49ers, Jack Kemp found a satisfactory haven with the Chargers in 1960 and showed his appreciation by gaining the AFL's passing championship. He was No. 3 in 1961, gaining 2,686 yards, second to George Blanda, the record-maker.
Now 27, Jack throws harder than any pro quarterback and he must have sure-fingered receivers for maximum success."'

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"After brief stays with the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants, and the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League, Jack hit it big with the Chargers.
One of the hardest throwing quarterbacks in pro football, Kemp completed 165 passes in 364 attempts for 2,686 yards, ranking third among AFL passers. In addition, he connected on a 91-yard pass play against Denver, the longest gain of the season by any AFL club.
He was the All-AFL quarterback in 1960 but ranked second in the balloting to George Blanda of Houston last year."

-1962 Fleer No. 79


JOHNNY GREEN
Quarterback
No. 18
Tennessee-Chattanooga
"Green shared the quarterbacking assignment last year, completing 56 of 126 passes, good for 903 yards. Although his touchdown aerials dipped from 10 in 1960 to only six last year, he was the toughest quarterback in the league to intercept. Only four of his passes were stolen, an excellent .039 percentage.
The veteran from Riviera Beach, California came from the Steelers in 1960. He broke into pro ball with the Toronto Argonauts."

-1962 Fleer No. 13


AL DOROW
Quarterback
No. 12
Michigan State
"Al was a star in football, basketball and track at Michigan State. He's a good passer and fast runner."

-1959 Topps CFL No. 15

"The top tosser of TD passes in '60 was Al Dorow, who clicked for a high of 26; Al also was No. 2 in the overall passing tables, surpassed only by the Chargers' Jackie Kemp. Considered the AFL's top option signal-caller, he also carried 124 times, more than any Titan back, rushed for seven touchdowns and hung up the No. 1 punting average of 44.0 on six kicks.
Out of Alameda, California, 30-year-old Al spent four years with the Redskins and two with the Eagles."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

PRO'S PRO
"Most quarterbacks prefer not to risk their necks by carrying the ball, but Al Dorow of the Titans revels in being chased. Maybe it's because he's just as dangerous running as he is passing. The bald New York field general was the second best passer in the AFL and led the loop in touchdown heaves, with 26. Until now he's always played behind top operators- Eddie LeBaron and Norm Van Brocklin. He's in his own class now."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1961 Football

"This durable signal caller has made his mark in college, NFL, Canadian and AFL football. After starring at Michigan State in 1950 and 1951, Dorow went into the service and led the powerful Bolling Air Force Base team. Then it was four seasons with the Washington Redskins, two with the Philadelphia Eagles and a year with the Toronto Argonauts.
He was the Titans' No. 1 choice for their quarterback job, and they were glad to get him."

-1961 Fleer No. 210

"No pro takes more of a beating than this quarterback, who loves to run with the ball as well as throw it. Al led the league in 1960 with 26 touchdown passes."

-1961 Topps No. 149

"Master of the rollout and the AFL's finest rushing quarterback is Al Dorow, the 31-year-old sharpshooter who knows his way around the course. He was the most active of running T-men in 1961, galloping 54 times for 317 yards, a per carry average of 5.9, more than a yard better than any of the top ten rushers. He was also the most overworked passer in the AFL, tossing 438 forwards and getting the most completions (197), totaling 2,651 yards.
Out of Alameda, California, he was exposed to six NFL (Redskins, Eagles) seasons."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"Dorow's ability to run, coupled with his great passing arm, has made him one of the most dangerous threats in pro football. His masterly executed roll-outs have caused no end of aggravation for opposing defense men. His field generalship ranks him as the league's top signal caller.
He finished fourth among AFL passers last year, completing 197 of 438 passes for 2,651 yards."

-1962 Fleer No. 57


WARREN RABB
Quarterback
No. 17
LSU
"Because he can think and throw so well, Warren Rabb enters the 1962 campaign as Buffalo's No. 1 quarterback. Appearing in only six games as a 1961 rookie, he saw less work than either M.C. Reynolds or Johnny Green but his training camp form has been excellent and he's the best bet for the future.
Considered a powerful runner who can avoid opposition red-dogging, he's a brilliant threat as a pass option performer and fits in with the club's rollout patterns."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"Warren is completely recovered from injuries suffered in a game with Dallas last November 12 that cost the Bills his services for the remainder of the season. He sustained the shoulder separation and a torn rib cage when he was belted out of bounds during a 2-point after touchdown try.
Up to his injury, Warren completed 34 of 74 passes for 586 yards and five touchdowns, a completion average of 46%. More important, he had but two passes intercepted.
Warren joined the Bills from the Lions, with whom he had signed in 1960."

-1962 Fleer No. 22

1962 Richie Lucas and Fred Brown Profiles

RICHIE LUCAS
Halfback-Safety
No. 11
Penn State
"Lucas played three positions last season after a disappointing rookie year in which he was handicapped by injuries. He was used as a quarterback, flanker and defensive halfback. Overall, Lucas completed 20 of 50 passes for a 40% completion average, 262 yards and two touchdowns.
He was outstanding in the Bills' 41-13 victory over New York on September 17, throwing a pair of touchdown passes and calling an excellent selection of plays as the Bills ran up their highest point total in two years. In his defensive effort, he intercepted two passes against Houston."

-1962 Fleer No. 19


FRED BROWN
Halfback
No. 46
Georgia
"Only a torn knee ligament prevented Fred Brown, the Atlanta antelope, from pacing all Bill runners in 1961. A slashing smasher who moves off and inside tackle with the power of a fullback, he wheeled for 192 yards on 53 carries and also turned in the longest kickoff return (93 yards) of the year.
He's considered the best running back from the University of Georgia since Charlie Trippi."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

1962 Bills Linebacker Profiles

ARCHIE MATSOS
Middle Linebacker
No. 56
Michigan State
"Speed and agility have brought Archie Matsos two seasons of All-Pro laurels as a middle linebacker. The Detroit-born diagnostician has led the club in individual tackles and his tremendous lateral movement has helped the play of his corner cohorts.
Archie is a busy Buffalo figure at sports dinners and the most popular off-season speaker."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"This Detroit dandy gained all-league recognition for the second year in a row. His marvelous maneuverability and fine speed enabled him to intercept eight passes in both 1960 and 1961.
A member of Michigan State's Rose Bowl team of 1956, the powerful midwesterner, who was equally at home at center, guard and tackle, was switched to middle linebacker by the Bills because of his ability to diagnose plays."

-1962 Fleer No. 20


MARV MATUSZAK
Linebacker
No. 55
Tulsa
Marv is always bad news for the opposition, whether crashing through the line for a passer or being in the right place to tackle a ball-carrier. He can spot where a play is going and is tough to decoy.
Selected to the Pro Bowl as a Steeler rookie in 1953 and again in 1957 as a 49er, Marv was named All-Pro in '57.


STEW BARBER
Linebacker
No. 64
Penn State
Although drafted as an offensive tackle, Stew more than ably stepped in as a starting linebacker. He made three interceptions during the year, the most notable coming in Game 11 of the season at Denver. With Buffalo holding on to a 16-10 fourth-quarter lead, Stew returned an interception 21 yards for a touchdown to help the Bills hold off the Broncos for a 23-10.


RALPH FELTON
Linebacker
No. 57
Maryland
Coming to Buffalo from Washington last year, Ralph played in all 14 games, made two interceptions and was named second-team All-AFL by UPI. Primarily a fullback during his college days at Maryland, Ralph has recovered from the knee injuries that threatened his career a few years ago.

1962 Bills Defensive Line Profiles

CHUCK MCMURTRY
Defensive Tackle
No. 73
Whittier
"The strongest of all in the AFL is presumed to be Chuck McMurtry, the All-Pro defensive tackle who dropped below 300 pounds and stepped up the quality of his play. Impossible to budge head-on, he's constantly scrapping with two blockers and rarely comes out a loser. He can pursue to the side with surprising speed.
Born in Chaneller, Oklahoma, he was a Little All-American at Whittier College."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook


SID YOUNGELMAN
Defensive Tackle
No. 76
Alabama
1960
At 6'3" and 255 pounds, Sid is hard to move out of position. He has great mobility despite his size, along with an outstanding ability to bring down ball-carriers and harass passers.
Captain of the Crimson Tide his senior year, Sid starred on defense in the 1953 Orange Bowl. He's a native of Brooklyn and a pro wrestler in the off-season.

"Sid Youngelman was acquired from the Browns to help the youngsters learn their defensive lessons, but the 29-year-old Brooklynite felt frisky enough to get voted an All-Star tackle. He was a sterling figure with the 49ers, Eagles and Browns before coming to the Titans.
Strong, durable and combative, he is combat-sharpened and wise to the ways of an oncoming offense."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Sid Youngelman is an old hand at the business- he's been a pro since 1955. Youngelman's measurements are 6-5 and 267 and have led him into occasional forays in wrestling, though some guys say he's grappling every time he puts on shoulder pads.
He's a Brooklyn boy who went to Alabama and played in two bowl games and captained the Crimson Tide his senior year. Drafted by the Forty-Niners, he made the merry rounds of the league. One year on the coast as a rookie regular on the defensive unit was followed by three with the Eagles. The Browns acquired him in 1959 and he played on their Front Four, but also played out his option and was quickly grabbed by the AFL. He's the strong force in the Titan forward wall, a strong pass rusher and plenty nimble at 29."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"One of the old pros of the new league. Sid played in three bowl games while starring at 'Bama, then performed for the San Francisco 49ers, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cleveland Browns.
Sid works as a school teacher in Brooklyn and appears as a professional wrestler in the Long Island area during the off-season."

-1961 Fleer No. 220

"No one can teach this 'Old Pro' any new tricks of defensive line play. Big Sid, who once tried pro wrestling, plays with the spirit of a rookie."

-1961 Topps No. 152

"Still scrambling with the enthusiasm of a rookie is ponderous Sid Youngelman, 30, who found a new career with the Titans. Considered a relief man after service with the 49ers, Eagles and Browns, his experience went a long way toward making him one of the AFL's most destructive defenders at tackle and end. The Brooklyn-born battler makes the middle of the New York wall a formidable barrier."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook


TOM SAIDOCK
Defensive Tackle
No. 71
Michigan State
"Because of his height [6'5"] and weight [265], Tom lines up in everyone's book as an outstanding tackle. He should prove to be a terrific asset to the Titans. Tom will be a hard man to fool because of the experience he gained playing pro ball for the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles.
Before turning pro, he attended Michigan State University and was named to the All-Big Ten team."

-1960 Fleer No. 64

"Military service interrupted Saidock's collegiate career at Michigan State. He left after the 1951 and 1952 seasons but came back to star in the 1955 campaign.
He played for two years for the NFL Philadelphia Eagles, then cast his lot with the new league where his height and speed soon made his presence felt."

-1961 Fleer No. 219

"In his own quiet way Big Tom did yeoman work in a defense that was not too strong. Saidock is a fine competitor who never slackens his drive."

-1961 Topps No. 155

"Rangy, rugged Tom plays football with exceptional savor and savvy.
This towering tackle had an interesting career with the Spartans. He played on their 1951 and 1952 teams, then put in three years in service before finishing his varsity term. Following his graduation from Michigan State in 1957, Saidock spent two years with the Eagles.
Off-season, he is a salesman. He is married and the father of a seven-year-old son."

-1962 Fleer No. 66


LAVERNE TORCZON
Defensive End
No. 87
Nebraska
"The Browns are still unhappy about losing LaVerne Torczon to the service. Drafted by Cleveland in 1956, he first got in his military duty and then decided to become a Bill in 1960.
One of the finest crashing ends, his destructive style has gained him two-time All-Pro recognition. Born in Columbus, Nebraska, LaVerne still has a sufficient number of seasons remaining to continue his harassment of passers."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"LaVerne Torczon is captain and defensive end of the Buffalo Bills, a leader who inspires by example, one of the league's most dependable performers the last two years."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

"This All-Leaguer from Nebraska is one of the greatest defensemen in football. He is tremendously versatile, playing equally as well at guard or defensive end.
The Bills' captain was a unanimous selection at end in 1960 and as a linebacker in 1961. He made the All-Big Seven two years and was selected as Nebraska's most valuable player in his senior year. He lost his NFL shot with the Browns when he was called into service in 1957 and was signed by Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Big Four in 1959."

-1962 Fleer No. 21


MACK YOHO
Defensive End
No. 82
Miami-Ohio
Having played every game for Buffalo in the AFL's first two seasons, Mack is a powerful if underrated part of the feared defensive line of the Bills. As a rookie, he returned an interception 15 yards for a touchdown at Denver and kicked a 48-yard field goal at Houston.
Mack won All-Mid-Atlantic honors as a lineman on both offense and defense.

1962 Profile: Elbert Dubenion

Flanker
No. 44
Bluffton
"The flash with the 'golden wheels' is Elbert Dubenion, the Griffin (Georgia) galloper whom many claim is the fastest of all halfback-receivers. He averaged 40 yards with his eight TDs in 1961, and might have tallied more if he had run 'more intelligently.' He must gain experience in cutting and committing himself.
Elbert averaged 10 yards per rush, gained 461 yards as a receiver and 329 as a kickoff returner."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"Elbert Dubenion was a bright spot in Buffalo's offense last year. The flanker back the Bills have tabbed as 'the fastest in pro football' scored six touchdowns on pass receptions, grabbing 31 aerials for 461 yards. Nearly all of his touchdowns came on long runs, his longest being a 72-yarder on a pass play.
When the Bluffton Express was busy as a ball carrier he was hard to stop. In 17 rushes he picked up 173 yards for a 10.2 average, the best in the league."

-1962 Fleer No. 14

1962 Profiles: Willie West and Joe Cannavino

WILLIE WEST
Cornerback
No. 47
Oregon
Always dangerous on pass defense, Willie brings his elusive maneuvers to the Buffalo secondary this year.
Last year he returned 11 punts 98 yards, an 8.9 average, and returned 16 kicks for 340 yards, a 21.3 average. On opening day last year against the Giants at Yankee Stadium, Willie recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter for the first score of the game.


JOE CANNAVINO
Cornerback
No. 27
Ohio State
"Back to Buffalo comes Joe Cannavino, originally drafted in 1960 by the Bills who shipped him on to Oakland. The Cleveland-born defender will scrap for a defensive halfback job, aiming at proving his value as a cornerman. He was the Raiders' most valuable at stealing passes (5) in 1961. Joe has the speed and quick-hitting stride to fit in with the offensive unit as a halfback or flanker."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

1962 Profiles: Cookie Gilchrist and Art Baker

COOKIE GILCHRIST
Fullback
No. 34
"Gilchrist is from Tarentum, Pennsylvania. He played with Sarnia and Kitchener in the O.R.F.U. and then with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for two years. He went to Regina for one season before coming to the Argos in 1959.
A great scorer, he can play fullback or tackle. Gilchrist is a fine athlete."

-1962 Topps CFL No. 134


ART BAKER
Fullback
No. 33
Syracuse
"Those who are paid tackle him claim Art Baker runs harder than any other AFL fullback. Added determination can make him a standout and improve on his 1961 per carry average of 3.3. Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, he was a powerful line smasher at Syracuse and was also immovable on defense, being drafted No. 1 by the Eagles, who desired him for their defensive platoon.
Art went on the wrestling circuit after the '61 season."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"The former Syracuse fullback, in his rookie season in the AFL, drove for 498 yards in 152 rushes to rank seventh among the leading ground gainers. In addition to his hard running ability, Baker contributed to the Bills' offense by his machine-like blocking, paving the way for big runs by fellow backs.
He averaged five yards per carry in three collegiate seasons with the Orange."

-1962 Fleer No. 12

1962 Profiles: Billy Atkins and Wayne Crow

BILLY ATKINS
Safety-Kicker
No. 20
Auburn
"The man who gets the biggest 'boot' out of the game is Billy Atkins, the Millport (Alabama) mechanic who established AFL records in 1961 with 84 punts and a 45 per punt average. He led pass interceptors (10) last year and dashed for 87 yards on two running attempts from a fake kick formation.
Billy was an All-Pro selection as a safetyman."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"Billy Atkins of the Buffalo Bills led the AFL in two departments in 1961- interceptions, with 11, and punting, with a 45-yard average. The former Forty-Niner and Auburn star had his greatest season in pro ball."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

"An All-Southeastern Conference halfback in college, this Birmingham, Alabama speedster switched to defense in the pros and he was rewarded last year by making the second All-Pro team in the AFL. A brilliant kicker, Bill led all the Bills' punters in 1961 with a 45.0 yard average for 84 kicks.
A star in the East-West and College All-Star contests after graduating in 1957, Atkins joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1958. Two years later he joined the Bills."

-1962 Fleer No. 18


WAYNE CROW
Safety-Punter
No. 22
California
Wayne was used by Oakland mostly as a defensive back as a rookie in 1960 and on offense as a halfback last year, serving as the Raiders' punter both seasons. His 72-yard punt in 1960 was the AFL's longest that season, and in 1961 he averaged 41.5 yards on 63 punts, his longest 77 yards. Wayne's 490 yards rushing in '61 placed him eighth in the AFL.
In his college career at California, Wayne was both a quarterback and a halfback.

1962 Profile: Lou Saban

Head Coach
"Lou played his collegiate football at the University of Indiana. While there he was rated an All-Big 10 fullback, All-Big 10 quarterback and Most Valuable Player and was captain of the team in 1943.
Professionally, Lou played with the Cleveland Browns for four years, was captain of the team for four years and was All-Pro for two years. Cleveland won league championships all four years.
Saban brings to the Patriots many years of coaching experience, the most recent of which was the heading coaching assignment at Western Illinois University. Last year he was named 'Coach of the Year' in his conference. He also was assistant to Otto Graham in last year's College All-Star Game, the collegians against the Baltimore Colts."

-1960 Fleer No. 55

"This 39-year-old All-NFL linebacking genius of the Browns in the late '40s has more than a working knowledge of offense as well, having been a quarterback and fullback at the University of Indiana. He served as head coach at Case Tech and Western Illinois and was an assistant at the University of Washington. He received his degree from Baldwin-Wallace.
Lou believes a successful pro club must have size, speed and a passing attack before defense and offense can be placed in perspective."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"He's ready to prove that the Patriots made a mistake in dropping him as he assumes his second AFL coaching assignment. Lou refuses to fool himself concerning the qualifications of his players and analyzes their credentials objectively.
A former fierce linebacker with the Browns, he was widely heralded for his ability to read opposing offenses. Now 40, he was a quarterback and fullback at Indiana and has accumulated a vast of knowledge of defense and offense. Lou previously served as the head mentor at Northwestern, Western Illinois and Case Tech and was an assistant at the U. of Washington."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

Monday, May 26, 2014

1962 Buffalo Bills Outlook

"Far too many seams need to be sewn before the Buffalo Bills can be granted stature. Threads hang loosely in both platoons with the severest tears in the ground attack, the defensive front wall and the defensive backfield.
There's not enough power in the offensive backfield, either, and stronger and faster runners are a necessity. Warren Rabb, who throws and think better than rivals M.C. Reynolds and Johnny Green, will be the quarterback. But no matter who takes over the T, he'll have to search for running cooperation. Fullback Art Baker developed slowly in '61 and halfback Wilmer Fowler, in just one play last season, is questionable. Fred Brown is a trifle shy at rounding the corners and there could be too much faith placed in yearling Glenn Glass, a sparkler as an option man.
Pass receivers and interior linemen are the Bills' better employees. Elbert Dubenion is the fastest of all flankers. Perry Richards and Glenn Bass, acquired from San Diego, are tabbed for split end duty. The tight flankers are Tom Rychlec and Monte Crocket.
The interior - Harold Olson and Ken Rice, tackles; Chuck Muelhaupt and Billy Shaw, guards, and Al Bemiller, center - is young, strong and has the advantage of starting the season as a group. They were caught in many mistakes in '61, always the curse of the youthful pro.
A defensive end is needed to go along with LaVerne Torczon. Mack Yoho is too light to sustain the weekend pounding without relief. Jim Toons, a fierce rookie from little North Carolina A & T, is by far the best of those on display in training. Chuck McMurtry and Jim Sorey return to tackle.
Archie Matsos, Stew Barber and Ralph Felton form a firm trio of linebackers but even they must sit down once in a while. Look for Yoho to join this threesome if Toons takes over at end.
Trouble looms at the corner halfback poles. Joe Cannavino, an ex-Raider, is one possibility and so is Jim Crotty, a late-'61 arrival. The safety spots will be occupied by Billy Atkins and Jimmy Wagstaff. Here, too, another is needed and it could be Fowler if he's not required as a runner, or possibly Richie Lucas.
Summing up: a thin line of quality is much too insufficient and too much of a load for coach Lou Saban. Buffalo will remain in fourth place, a shade below the New York Titans."

-1962 Pro Football Handbook


"Relatively settled at quarterback for the first time and well-stocked with muscle and speed in all other places, this club should give loyal hometown fans something to shout about.
The Buffalo Bills have all the ingredients of a winning professional football team- an enlightened owner who doesn't flinch when writing checks, a hustling general manager with a desirable coaching and playing background, a personable new coach with modern ideas and a flock of muscular players ideally blended between the young and the old.
But anybody going out on a limb to pick them for first place had better bring a ladder. The Bills have lacked the most important ingredient of all- an established quarterback. And, in the eyes of Buffalo fans, they have committed the most horrifying sin of all- they don't win at home. In two years their record is five and nine in league competition. That's not going to lure support forever, though Buffalo fans have been very patient and will keep flocking to War Memorial Stadium ... mainly because things have to get better with all that talent hanging around.'
'We have some noteworthy problems,' says Coach Lou Saban with caution, 'but we have a good, young nucleus of players. We could be very troublesome to clubs who figure as contenders.'
What Lou actually means is ... if Warren Rabb comes through at quarterback ... if they locate an outside runner ... if they can plug the secondary holes at the corner spots ... if Elbert Dubenion learns to run pass patterns ... if a tight end who can block pops up ...
Rabb has priority. 'He can throw,' Saban lauded, 'and he's a thinker. In addition, at 6-4, 205 pounds, he's a powerful running threat.'
The former LSU teammate of Billy Cannon sat moldering on Detroit's bench for a couple of years and was hampered by joining the Bills late in 1961. All their hopes aren't centered on him, though. They have greater than ever protection at the vital signal-calling spot with M.C. Reynolds, a former Cardinal star, and Johnny Green, who lacks mobility but has the surest arm of all.
The outside running will come from Fred Brown, who was hurt intermittently in '61, No. 2 draft choice Glen Glass and surprise signee Dean Look, a Michigan State All-American of a few years back who quit a baseball career for the gridiron.
The inside running is supplied by Art Baker, who could be great if he put his mind to it, and Wray Carlton. They have to go with Dubenion again as the flanker because he's the kind who can bust a game open. As Monte Crockett gains experience- he had only one year of college ball- he may prove himself at tight end.
The Bills were inconsistent offensively last year because at one time they had seven rookies in the lineup: deep end Glen Bass, tackle Ken Rice, guard Billy Shaw and center Al Bemiller, with Rabb, Brown and Baker in the backfield. The lineup is potentially the best in the AFL. One of these days they'll settle down.
The heritage left by Buster Ramsey, the deposed coach, was a fine defense that generally kept the Bills within scoring range of their opponents. LaVerne Torczon and Chuck McMurtry were powers up front. Tom Day will be put at a tackle slot to get a better pass rush. Mack Yoho may be shifted from end to linebacker, though the cast already there- Ralph Felton, Arch Matsos and Stew Barber- was as good as any in the league.
The secondary was troublesome when Richie McCabe suddenly quit and Jim Wagstaff was hurt. Only Billy Atkins, an All-AFL choice and the Bills' MVP, held up. A trade brought Joe Cannavino from Oakland, and Jim Crotty, picked up as a free agent when the Redskins let him go, was a late-season revelation. Some of those offensive halfbacks, plus Richie Lucas, could get into the act, too.
Owner Ralph Wilson has been the model of patience waiting for the Bills to straighten out. GM Dick Gallagher has hustled players so fast that no one has had a chance to get complacent. No one worked harder than Ramsey, but Buster was stubborn in some of his judgments and tried to do too much himself. Saban is an organization man. He had his disappointments as coach of the Patriots, but he impressed Wilson in one respect- his teams kept beating Buffalo. That got him the job.
He has the talent to play with. If everything falls right, the Bills will do more than make trouble for the contenders: they'll be among them."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

OFFENSE
"Ends: The future is still ahead for kids like Glenn Bass and Monte Crockett, both with great speed and little background. But the Bills right now are more interested in the present.
Rating: Fair
Tackles: Ken Rice and Harold Olson have all the equipment plus youth on their side. Rice, especially, is headed for All-Pro honors. Don Chelf is the swing man.
Rating: Very Good
Guards: The Bills are looking for a running mate for Billy Shaw, who was a bright rookie last year. It might be Orlando Ferrante from the Chargers or rookie Jim LeCompte. They can go back to Chuck Muelhaupt. All have good size.
Rating: Fair
Centers: Al Bemiller is due to become one of the standout centers in the AFL.
Rating: Good
Quarterbacks: First call goes to Warren Rabb, who lacks only experience. R.C. Reynolds has that. Johnny Green has the best arm of the trio.
Rating: Fair
Halfbacks: Fred Brown's injuries last year leaves the race wide open, but he can do.
Rating: Fair
Flankers: Despite his blazing speed, Elbert Dubenion still hasn't perfected his pass routes.
Rating: Good
Fullbacks: Art Baker showed signs of stardom late in the season.
Rating: Good
Strength: All those rookie of last year  (four on the front line) are maturing. The line from tackle to tackle looks better. Weakness: The passing game is erratic, the Bills lack a top-notch outside runner and there's no sustained threat among the receivers.
Rating: Fair"

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

DEFENSE
"Ends: There's a strong chance they'll make a linebacker out of Mack Yoho and move one of the tackles, like Tom Day, over to team with the highly rated LaVerne Torczon.
Rating: Good
Tackles: Chuck McMurtry is the strong man of the league, and Jim Sorey is just as big, with Day pushing the latter for a starting job. No one runs on them.
Rating: Very Good
Linebackers: Ralph Felton made a big difference in the club after joining them last year. He steadies kids like Stew Barber with his experience. Archie Matsos is still a fireball in the middle, and now Mack Yoho joins the linebacker corps, with Barber the swing man.
Rating: Very Good
Halfbacks: This is the spot they've got to plug. They have high hopes for Jim Crotty after what he showed in late exposure, and Joe Cannavino had a good rep in Oakland.
Rating: Fair
Safeties: Billy Atkins was a standout for the Bills a year ago, and Jim Wagstaff, when in top shape, is every bit as good. Richie Lucas has to some place, too.
Rating: Very Good
Strength: There's a tough front four, first developed by Buster Ramsey, and the linebackers behind them mop up. Atkins keys the secondary. Weakness: If Yoho is moved, the Bills need another lineman, and the halfback situation is spotty.
Rating: Very Good"

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football


1962 Buffalo Bills Preseason Roster
20 Billy Atkins (CB-K) Auburn
33 Art Baker (FB) Syracuse
64 Stew Barber (T) Penn State
88 Glenn Bass (E) East Carolina
50 Al Bemiller (C) Syracuse
-- Jake Bodkin (LB) South Carolina
26 Dewey Bohling (HB) Hardin-Simmons
46 Fred Brown (HB) Georgia
-- Joe Cannavino (DB) Ohio State
30 Wray Carlton (FB) Duke
77 Don Chelf (T) Iowa
*  Dave Cloutier (HB) Maine
80 Monte Crockett (TE) New Mexico Highlands
*  Jerry Croft (G) Bowling Green
-- James Crotty (HB) Notre Dame
78 Tom Day (T-G) North Carolina A & T
*  Tom Dellinger (HB) North Carolina State
60 John Dittrich (G) Wisconsin
44 Elbert Dubenion (FL) Bluffton
57 Ralph Felton (LB) Maryland
-- Orlando Ferrante (G) USC
23 Wilmer Fowler (HB) Northwestern
*  Jerry Frye (LB) South Carolina
*  Glenn Glass (HB) Tennessee
18 Johnny Green (QB) Tennessee- Chattanooga
*  Carey Henley (LB) Tennessee- Chattanooga
*  Russ Hepner (HB) Bowling Green
*  Frank Imperiale (HB) Southern Illinois
*  Fred Jackunas (C) Detroit
*  Bill Johnson (LB) Southeast Louisiana
*  Jim LeCompte (G) North Carolina
11 Richie Lucas (QB) Penn State
56 Archie Matsos (LB) Michigan State
42 Don McDonald (DB) Houston
73 Chuck McMurtry (DT) Whittier
*  Collice Moore (G) North Carolina State
70 Chuck Muelhaupt (G) Iowa State
74 Harold Olson (T) Clemson
*  Tom Pennington (E-K) Georgia
*  Ted Plumb (E) Baylor
17 Warren Rabb (QB) LSU
14 M.C. Reynolds (QB) LSU
75 Ken Rice (T) Auburn
84 Perry Richards (E) Detroit
81 Tom Rychlec (TE) American International
*  Tom Sestak (E) McNeese State
66 Billy Shaw (G) Georgia Tech
79 Jim Sorey (DT) Texas Southern
*  Mike Stratton (E) Tennessee
*  Jim Toons (E) North Carolina A & T
87 LaVerne Torczon (DE) Nebraska
*  Dave Viti (E) Boston
22 Jim Wagstaff (S) Idaho State
*  Jim Webster (DB) Marquette
*  Manchester Wheeler (QB) Maine
*  Paul White (HB) Florida
71 Mack Yoho (DE) Miami-Ohio

* rookie

-1962 Pro Football Handbook


OFFENSE
Ends
Glenn Bass (Eastern Carolina)
Monte Crockett (New Mexico Highlands)
Tom Rychlec (American International)
Tom Pennington (Georgia)

Tackles
Ken Rice (Auburn)
Harold Olson (Clemson)
Don Chelf (Iowa)
Jerry Croft (Bowling Green)

Guards
Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech)
Orlando Ferrante (USC)
Chuck Muelhaupt (Iowa State)
Jim LeCompte (North Carolina)
John Dittrich (Wisconsin)

Centers
Al Bemiller (Syracuse)
Frank Jackunas (Detroit)

Quarterbacks
Johnny Green (Tennessee-Chattanooga)
Warren Rabb (LSU)
M.C. Reynolds (LSU)

Halfbacks
Fred Brown (Georgia)
Glen Glass (Tennessee)

Flankers
Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton)
Bucky Bolden (Morris Brown)

Fullbacks
Art Baker (Syracuse)
Wray Carlton (Duke)

DEFENSE
Ends
LaVerne Torczon (Nebraska)
Mack Yoho (Miami-Ohio)
Tom Sestak (McNeese State)
Jim Toons (North Carolina A & T)

Tackles
Chuck McMurtry (Whittier)
Jim Sorey (Texas Southern)
Tom Day (North Carolina A & T)
Tom Saidock (Michigan State)

Linebackers
Archie Matsos (Michigan State)
Ralph Felton (Maryland)
Stew Barber (Penn State)
Bill Johnson (Southeast Louisiana)
Jake Bodkin (South Carolina)
Paul Hodge (Pittsburgh)

Halfbacks
Jim Crotty (Notre Dame)
Joe Cannavino (Ohio State)
Wilmer Fowler (Northwestern)
Paul White (Florida)

Safeties
Jim Wagstaff (Idaho State)
Billy Atkins (Auburn)
Richie Lucas (Penn State)
Tom Dellinger (North Carolina State)

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football


OFFENSE
QB- Warren Rabb (LSU) 17, Johnny Green (Tennessee-Chattanooga) 18, M.C. Reynolds (LSU) 14
HB- Richie Lucas (Penn State) 11, Fred Brown (Georgia) 46, Dewey Bohling (Hardin-Simmons) 26, Wayne Crow (California) 22
FB- Cookie Gilchrist*, Art Baker (Syracuse) 33, Wray Carlton (Duke) 30
SE- Glenn Bass (East Carolina) 88, Tom Pennington (Georgia)*
T- Harold Olson (Clemson) 74, Jerry DeLucca (Middle Tennessee State) 72
G- Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech) 66, George Flint (Arizona State)*
C- Al Bemiller (Syracuse) 50, Frank Jackunas (Detroit)*
G- Tom Day (North Carolina A & T) 60, Orlando Ferrante (USC) 68
T- Stew Barber (Penn State) 64, Ken Rice (Auburn) 75, Don Chelf (Iowa) 77
TE- Ernie Warlick (North Carolina Central)*, Monte Crockett (New Mexico Highlands) 80, Tom Rychlec (American International) 81
FL- Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton) 44

DEFENSE
DE- Mack Yoho (Miami-Ohio) 82, Jim Toons (North Carolina A & T)*
DT- Sid Youngelman (Alabama) 76, Tom Saidock (Michigan State) 71
DT- Jim Sorey (Texas Southern) 79, Tom Sestak (McNeese State)*
DE- LaVerne Torczon (Nebraska) 87
LB- Marv Matuszak (Tulsa) 55, Ralph Felton (Maryland) 57
MLB- Archie Matsos (Michigan State) 56
LB- Mike Stratton  (Tennessee)*, Stew Barber (Penn State) 64
CB- Joe Cannavino (Ohio State) 27
S- Jim Wagstaff (Idaho State) 22, Richie Lucas (Penn State) 11
S- Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20, Carl Charon (Michigan State)*
CB- Booker Edgerson (Western Illinois)*, Jim Crotty (Notre Dame) 25

SPECIALISTS
K- Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20
P- Wayne Crow (California) 22
KR- Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton) 44
PR- Glenn Bass (East Carolina) 88

* rookie


1962 Buffalo Bills Profile Summary
Head Coach - Lou Saban

QB - Jack Kemp (Occidental) 15
QB - Johnny Green (Tennessee-Chattanooga) 18
QB - Al Dorow (Michigan State) 12
QB - Warren Rabb (LSU) 17
HB - Richie Lucas (Penn State) 11
HB- Fred Brown (Georgia) 46
FB - Cookie Gilchrist 34
FB - Art Baker (Syracuse) 33
FL - Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton) 44
SE- Glenn Bass (East Carolina) 88
TE - Ernie Warlick (North Carolina Central) 84
TE - Tom Rychlec (American International) 81
C- Al Bemiller (Syracuse) 50
G- Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech) 66
G - Chuck Muelhaupt (Iowa State) 70
T- Harold Olson (Clemson) 74
T - Ken Rice (Auburn) 75

DT - Chuck McMurtry (Whittier) 73
DT- Sid Youngelman (Alabama) 76
DT - Tom Saidock (Michigan State) 71
DE- LaVerne Torczon (Nebraska) 87
DE- Mack Yoho (Miami-Ohio) 82
MLB - Archie Matsos (Michigan State) 56
LB- Marv Matuszak (Tulsa) 55
LB - Stew Barber (Penn State) 64
LB - Ralph Felton (Maryland) 57
CB - Willie West (Oregon) 47
CB - Joe Cannavino (Ohio State) 27
S - Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20
S - Wayne Crow (California) 22
S - Richie Lucas (Penn State) 11

K - Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20
P - Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20
P - Wayne Crow (California) 22

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Other 1961 Bill Profiles

JOHNNY GREEN
Quarterback
No. 18
Chattanooga
"None of the '61 rookie hopefuls at the Bills' training camp carried quarterback credentials, enough evidence to tab veteran Johnny Green as No. 1 at the T job. The 24-year-old Riviera Beach (California) rifle came from the Steelers early in '60 and went on to top all Bill aerialists, tossing 10 TD bombs and gaining 228 yards."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"He can throw and he can run. That's what coaches dream of in a quarterback, and that's what Green has to offer. With the height and weight to take a chance at running the ball, he worries would-be rushers because of his accuracy on the long throw.
A three-year regular at Chattanooga, Green broke into pro ball with the Toronto Argonauts, then switched to the Pittsburgh Steelers."

-1961 Fleer No. 133


JOE KULBACKI
Halfback
No. 43
Purdue
"Keeping busy fielding punts and kickoffs in '60 was Joe Kulbacki, team leader in both departments. The 23-year-old Irvine (Pennsylvania) speedster gained 226 yards on 13 kickoffs and added 100 yards with 12 punts, many of which of which he refused to play 'safe' with a fair catch signal.
An all-purpose performer, Joe can also turn in a dependable defensive job."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook


DEWEY BOHLING
Halfback
No. 26
Hardin-Simmons
"The best of all Titans on the ground was Dewey Bohling, the 24-year-old halfback out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. A disciple of Baugh's while at Hardin-Simmons, Dewey dashed off 438 yards in 1960, 12th best in the AFL. He also caught 30 passes for 268 yards, converting four of them into touchdowns.
Dewey had a previous trial with the Steelers."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"When a coach takes over a new team, he likes to have players he knows around him. So Sammy Baugh went after a four-year veteran of his college teams at Hardin-Simmons, a man he knew was a bouncy, jolting runner. Bohling had carried the mail and the fight for Baugh well in college, and he did exactly that for his old coach during their debut year in New York."

-1961 Fleer No. 214


ART BAKER
Fullback
No. 33
Syracuse
"Art signed with the NFL Bills in preference to the NFL Eagles, who made him a No. 1 draft pick. Speedy and powerful, he has run 100 yards in 10.1 seconds."

-1961 Topps No. 163


PERRY RICHARDS
Split End
No. 84
Detroit
"Playing with the Detroit Lions and the St. Louis Cardinals, Perry has shown flashes of fine talent as an offensive end. When Detroit rocketed to the championship in '57, he gave them valuable assistance as a rookie receiver.
He's got good size and sure hands, and now after four years of playing pro he should be in a position to lend a valuable lift to a brand new organization."

-1961 Fleer No. 130


TOM RYCHLEC
Tight End
No. 81
American International
"A mighty big man from a small school, Rychlec was an All-New England, All-East and Little All-American selection while in college. In 1956, he led the nation's collegians in pass catching, with 45. After the 1957 College All-Star Game in Chicago, he was signed by the Detroit Lions.
This outstanding end was high on coach Buster Ramsey's 'must get' list when the Bills were formed."

-1961 Fleer No. 137

"One of the few pro ends who was equally outstanding as a blocker and pass-catcher, Tom is fast and aggressive. He led the Bills in 1960 by catching 44 passes."

-1961 Topps No. 164


PHIL BLAZER
Guard
No. 60
North Carolina
"Fast, intelligent and mobile, this excellent blocking lineman was the only Atlantic Coast Conference gridder selected for the 1959 College All-Star squad. Captain of the Tar Heels, he played in the North-South Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl, where his powerful play as an offensive guard caught the eye of professional scouts for both leagues.
His gentle, handsome features make it hard to believe he's such a rugged competitor on the field."

-1961 Fleer No. 139


BILLY SHAW
Guard
2nd Round
Georgia Tech
Coach Ramsey is confident this young man out of Georgia Tech can be the type of tough and mobile guard who can fortify Buffalo's offensive line. Whether leading the way on a running play or protecting the quarterback on a passing play, Billy is a former All-American tackle ready to become an outstanding pro guard for many years to come.


KEN RICE
Offensive Tackle
1st Round
Auburn
"This huge, agile tackle was everyone's All-American in 1960. Ken was the first draft choice of both the AFL Bills and the NFL St. Louis Cardinals."

-1961 Topps No. 162


STEW BARBER
Offensive Tackle
4th Round
Penn State
This 250-pounder out of Penn State is known to scouts for the excellent pass-blocking he provides for quarterbacks. Stardom is predicted for Stew, who always works extremely hard to improve his performance.


GENE GRABOSKY
Defensive Tackle
No. 78
Syracuse
"Sidelined early in the season with an unfortunate knee injury, Gene came back strongly for the last two games and did an excellent job on defense. However, the knee continued to bother him and minor surgery was undertaken this winter which has corrected the condition.
He is looked to this year as an important factor in strengthening the Bills' defense which is already one of the best in the league."

-1961 Fleer No. 143


MACK YOHO
Defensive End
No. 71
Miami-Ohio
"Canadian professional fans have reason to remember Yoho. His toe won the 1959 playoff game between Ottawa and Montreal. Mack was picked up by Ottawa coach Frank Clair after starring for Ara Parseghian at Miami, where he earned All-Mid-Atlantic Conference honors as an offensive tackle and defensive end.
The Bills used him exclusively at defensive end last year."

-1961 Fleer No. 138

"Mack is one of the most underrated defensive linemen in the league. Especially good at rushing opposing passers, he is a mobile, powerful tackler."

-1961 Topps No. 165


JOE SCHAFFER
Linebacker
No. 67
Tennessee
A rugged competitor who played every game last year, Joe returned an interception 19 yards. His intense desire inspires Buffalo's linebacking corps.
Joe was an outstanding tackle at Tennessee. Captain of the Volunteers in 1959, he was selected All-Southeastern Conference that year.


RALPH FELTON
Linebacker
No. 57
Maryland
"Ralph keeps on the move during a game. He switches back and forth as he figures out the plays and usually is a thorn in the side of quarterbacks who look to outwit him. Ralph is also deadly on pass defense."

-1960 Topps No. 129

"The Redskins traded this proficient linebacker to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1958. Released just after the start of the season, Ralph migrated right back to Washington.
He has become the anchor of the Skin linebacking corps. Bad knees threatened to end his career a couple of seasons ago.
At Maryland, the seven-year veteran was known primarily for his offensive play at fullback."

-1961 Fleer No. 115


RICHIE MCCABE
Cornerback
No. 45
Pittsburgh
"Richie has the greatest top-level experience in the league. The 27-year-old Pittsburgher, one of the lightest men in football at 168, played five years in the NFL with the Steelers and the Redskins. As a kid, he was a water boy for the Steelers, and owner Art Rooney remembered this when Richie finished his schooling at Pitt. Normally introverted, he talks constantly to his opponents during the game to divert them from concentrating on pass catching."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

PRO'S PRO
"As a kid around Pittsburgh, McCabe used to carry the water bucket for the Steelers, so it was only natural he should wind up as one of their defensive halfbacks when he finished his football career at Pitt. He also played with the Redskins in his five-year tenure in the NFL.
Still young and spry at 27, Richie is the studious type, slim and bespectacled (off the field), with a gift for diagnosing opposition plays. He's a teacher in the off-season."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1961 Football

"Richie got his first pro football lessons as a waterboy for the Pittsburgh Steelers. One of the top pass defenders in the loop, he was voted an AFL All-Star."

-1961 Topps No. 161


BILLY KINARD
Cornerback
No. 24
Mississippi
Billy is a dependable veteran who can run with the fastest offensive ends while rarely making a mistake. Playing in every game last year, this 1956 second round pick was a respected defensive back with both Cleveland and Green Bay before joining the new league. Billy was a rookie standout returning kicks, including one for 56 yards, averaging 28.0 yards.
Lettering four years at Ole Miss, he played in the Sugar Bowl in '53 and '55 as well as the '56 Cotton Bowl. Billy is the brother pro football stalwarts Bruiser Kinard and George Kinard.


JIM WAGSTAFF
Safety
No. 22
Idaho State
"Jim Wagstaff's previous exposure to coach Buster Ramsey got him a job with Buffalo. He went to Idaho State, where his finest achievement was breaking the Rocky Moutain Conference pole vault record; he topped 14 feet consistently. The leaping ability impressed the Detroit Lions, who had reached into the Rockies for such other great defenders as Jack Christiansen and Jim David, and they drafted him in 1958.
An injury spoiled his rookie season and in 1959 he was shipped to the Cardinals- just for decoration, it turned out. He became a free agent last fall after the Bills were in camp. Ramsey remembered the kid from Idaho with steel springs in his legs and picked him up. Among the rewards for the Bills was a 38-yard touchdown jaunt with a stolen pass that broke a second-quarter tie with the Patriots and sparked Buffalo to a win in their December meeting.
Jim teaches school back home in Idaho to help support his growing family- three little ones. He also goes in strong for hunting and fishing in the Rockies."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football


BILL SHOCKLEY
Place Kicker-Halfback
No. 29
West Chester
1960
Bill was the biggest football star at small West Chester during his collegiate career. He's the kind of man teams from the new league are looking to from little-known sources of campus gridiron talent.
A bruising halfback, the Titans will most likely utilize Bill's ability as a place kicker. Every club needs those successful kickoffs, field goal attempts and conversions for a winning season. Bill can also serve with distinction on the other side of the field with daring and with blazing speed on punt and kickoff returns. And he still can be called on for halfback duty.

"Bill Shockley was the big man at small West Chester Teachers and shows promise of doing major things in the AFL. He was No. 4 in total points, scoring 86, and was first in points after touchdown, notching 47. A bruising halfback and forceful runner, he averaged 4.2 yards. Now 23, the Malverne (Pennsylvania) marvel also was among the most active at returning kickoffs, taking back 17 for 411 yards."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"This Little All-America star holds all his school's scoring records, including 15 touchdowns in a season, 42 points after touchdowns in a season, and 132 points in a season. Bill was an all-around star, sought also by big league baseball teams.
Despite his size, Bill does one of the heavy jobs in pro ball: kicking off, conversions and field goals. He was fourth among Titan ball carriers in ground gained and led the scorers with 86 points."

-1961 Fleer No. 213

1961 Profile: Billy Atkins

Safety-Place Kicker
No. 20
Auburn
"The most active of all pro punters in '60 was Birmingham's Billy Atkins whose 89 boots totaled 3,468 yards. Booting Billy, 26, was first exposed to pro fire as a 49er and turned in a creditable job as a defensive back. As a Bill he intercepted five passes and also tallied 45 points on 27 extra points and six field goals."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Speed and alertness are the factors most sought after in the secondary, and this All-Southeastern Conference star possesses both.
A conference selection in 1956 and 1957, with an All-America nomination in 1957, Atkins participated in the East-West Shrine Game and the College All-Star contest, then joined the San Francisco 49ers as a valuable defense man. Last year he switched to the Bills where he proved a valuable kicker as well."

-1961 Fleer No. 141

1961 Profile: Chuck McMurtry

Defensive Tackle
No. 73
Whittier
"Among defensive AFL tackles, few had the range, speed and perseverance of Chuck McMurtry, an All-League selection. This 310-pounder out of Whittier, California climbed all over interior linemen, stymied running attacks and was unpopular with forward passers. Twenty-three-year-old Chuck never let up during the season and figures to be as menacing in '61."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"When Buffalo's Chuck McMurtry develops Bud McFadin's competitive edge, he'll be in the same class. Chuck is the heftiest man in the game, almost impossible to move. He came into camp last year weighing 315 pounds, but coach Ramsey boiled him down to a playable 290 and he was the pleasantest surprise of the season. He hits hard- harder than necessary some foes complain. What the Bills didn't expect was his ability to move.
Chuck had played at little Whittier College and made the East-West Game, but he was still pretty much of an unknown quality (or quantity). In his early stages with Buffalo, the inexperience of the 22-year-old Giant was transparent. He could be trapped and knocked off his pins- you didn't dare challenge him head-on. But he came fast as the season progressed."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

1961 Rookie Profile: Billy Majors

Safety
9th Round
Tennessee
"The rookie most likely to earn a '61 post is Billy Majors, the ninth draft choice who bears a famous football name. An outstanding safetyman at Tennessee, he switched from a '59 tailback to a '60 safety slot, and was a sure-shot tackler and a buzz saw against a passing attack.
Billy is also valuable as a returner of kickoffs and punts."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

1961 Profile: Dan McGrew

Center
No. 52
Purdue
"A blocking force with the efficiency and downfield fierceness of a guard is Dan McGrew, the 23-year-old Martins Ferry (Ohio) phys ed instructor who was drafted originally by the Lions. Dan's long snaps are easy to handle and constantly on target for the punter and the place kicker."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"What's his nickname? Why Dangerous Dan, naturally. And that's just what he is- a dangerous, devastating blocker.
This veteran of Big Ten football has a burst of speed rare in so big a man. His snapbacks are strong and accurate, so vital on punt and point-after-touchdown attempts.
In the off-season, he's a qualified physical education instructor for the State of Ohio."

-1961 Fleer No. 140

1961 Profile: Elbert Dubenion

Flanker
No. 44
Bluffton
"The only other halfback who's as spectacular as Abner Haynes is Elbert Dubenion of the Buffalo Bills. He went to little Bluffton College and scored 53 touchdowns. He was supposed to be the 'sleeper' of the Browns in 1959, but a bad knee suffered in the College All-Star camp sidelined him for the year.
The Bills, who play him as flanker back, rate him the fastest man in the game. He scored six touchdowns on runs of 40 yards or more last season. With a year of experience, he might set the league on fire in 1961- just like Abner Haynes in 1960."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"Speed and more speed. That's what pro football demands, and that's what Elbert brought to the Bills. Easily the fastest man on the squad, he is among the fastest in either league.
Running from his flanker back position, Elbert has forced the opposition to over shift to thwart his running. In his rookie year, he improved greatly as a pass receiver, adding to his offensive threat."

-1961 Fleer No. 136

"Teammates rate him the fastest man in pro football. Elbert was voted the Bills' most valuable offensive player. He is a two-way threat as a rusher and pass-receiver."

-1961 Topps No. 159

1961 Profile: Richie Lucas

Quarterback
No. 11
Penn State
"Runner, passer, pass-receiver - all were the '60 duties of Richie Lucas, the 22-year-old class guy out of Glassport, Pennsylvania. Richie worked at quarterback and halfback, and proved to be among the most versatile in the loop. His fine running and pass-catching abilities may earn him a flanking back slot in '61."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"A sensational quarterback at Penn State, Lucas made many an All-American first team in 1959. He was also the top draft pick of the newly formed Buffalo AFL team in 1960 and it took club owner Ralph Wilson to get his signature.
A brilliant passer, as well as a fine runner, Lucas was shifted to halfback so that the Bills could capitalize on both talents."

-1961 Fleer No. 135

1961 Profile: Wray Carlton

Fullback
No. 30
Duke
"First of the Bills in '60 rushing figures was Wray Carlton, the 25-year-old Wallace (North Carolina) walloping fullback. Wray racked up 533 yards and seven touchdowns as a ball-carrier, and gained 477 yards on 29 pass receptions, good for four tallies, helping him lead the club scorers with 66 points."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"This product of the South boasts some of the highest credentials a pro coach can bestow. Of the former Duke star, Bill coach Buster Ramsey said, 'He has speed, power, is a real good blocker and can catch the ball.' Very few backs have been able or willing to do all four, claims Ramsey, who picked up Carlton in an astute trade with Boston for defensive tackle Al Crow."

-1961 Fleer No. 134

"A rugged workhorse, Wray carried the ball 137 times and caught more passes (29) than any other fullback in the AFL. He had a four-yard rushing average and scored 11 touchdowns in 1960."

-1961 Topps No. 160

1961 Profile: LaVerne Torczon

Defensive End
No. 87
Nebraska
"Few will argue about calling LaVerne Torczon, the Platte Center (Nebraska) bone-crusher, one of the AFL's superior defensive ends. Now 25, he lost his NFL shot with the Browns when called into service after gaining an All-America berth in '56. A unanimous All-AFL end selection, his crashing style dissolved many blocks.
The Bills' captain, his spirit generates throughout the squad."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"The ends playing alongside these behemoths at defensive tackle are generally more modest in scale. They're like LaVerne Torczon, the captain and field leader of the Bills, a mere snip of a 240-pounder who was all-league last season. He's with the Bills because general manager Dick Gallagher remembered him from a trial with the Cleveland Browns (where Gallagher was a coach) four years ago. Torczon was a 210-pounder then and a linebacker. He had played center, guard and tackle for Nebraska, although he never played organized football until he went to college. The 25-year-old school teacher from Platte Center, Nebraska didn't make the Browns, but they admit they could use him at defensive end right now."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"Opposing backs avoided this defensive bulwark's end as much as possible. Torczon is adept at spilling interference.
He was chosen on the AFL's first All-Star team."

-1961 Topps No. 157

1961 Profile: Archie Matsos

Middle Linebacker
No. 56
Michigan State
"Eight intercepted passes in '60 helped 26-year-old Archie Matsos gain All-League recognition. He has marvelous maneuverability and his fine speed enabled him to average 17.8 yards per return with his pass thefts. This Detroit dandy guards his middle linebacking post so well that he's assured of steady employment for the next few seasons."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Archie Matsos, the middle guard for the Bills, justified every All-Pro vote he got in 1960, and he got them all. The gregarious Greek- a charming, witty talker- is a burning competitor who caused Buffalo coach Buster Ramsey to exclaim after Archie's show in a game against Denver last September, 'One of the greatest jobs I have ever seen in football.' Buster isn't a guy who goes in for superlatives easily. He's used to the very best, and he had it when he coached the defense for the Detroit Lions, who have a middle linebacker named Joe Schmidt.
With his jokes and constant chatter, Archie is the opposite of silent Joe. But's he like the Lion leader as a middle man of the defense- a lot of heart and a lot of hustle.
When he showed up at the Bills' training camp last year, Ramsey figured, 'He's just not big enough for a linebacker.' The scales stopped at 205 pounds. But Matsos made a place for himself in the first contact drill when he rattled a couple of fullbacks with driving tackles. His modest (by football standards) size had a compensating factor. Archie is probably the quickest of all AFL linebackers. He intercepted eight passes last fall to rank third in the league and returned them an impressive 142 yards, surpassed only by David Webster of Dallas.
The Chief, as the Bills call him, is from Detroit and played three years at Michigan State as a center, guard and linebacker. But he never scored a touchdown until he plucked off a pass against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first quarter of their November meeting and raced 20 yards into the end zone to inaugurate a 32-3 rout of the Western Division champs. Not a bad beginning.
As a collegian, Matsos never attracted much attention. The other linebacker for the Spartans was All-American Dan Currie, now of the Green Bay Packers. Archie is 26 years and has an insatiable yen to travel- during the fall, in the direction of the ball."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"Archie was on the Michigan State Rose Bowl team in 1956, the highlight of three years under Duffy Daugherty. The powerful midwesterner played at center, guard and tackle while an undergraduate and quickly adapted to his roles of middle linebacker and defensive quarterback for the Bills.
He is extremely valuable because of his speed, maneuverability and ability to diagnose plays."

-1961 Fleer No. 142

"An All-League middle linebacker, Matsos is Buffalo's defensive quarterback. He intercepted eight passes in 1960 as the Bills led the loop in pass defense."

-1961 Topps No. 158

1961 Profile: Buster Ramsey

Head Coach
"Recognized as a top defensive teacher, he was boss of the Lions' line for eight years before taking the head post at Buffalo.
Born in Townsend, Tennessee, he was that state's outstanding scholastic lineman before moving to William & Mary, where he was an All-America guard for two years. Buster played five seasons with the Cardinals, shining as an elite linebacker, and he retired as a player in mid-'51.
Cooking, bridge and dancing are his main off-the-field pursuits."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Buster Ramsey knew what would work against pro offenses- his Bills led the AFL in total defense. It should have been expected. When he was defensive coach for Detroit, it perennially featured the finest defense in the game. And Buster quickly drilled Buffalo into being the stingiest unit of the new league; the Bills also led in pass interceptions.
Buster is a blustery mountaineer from the heart of the Smokies in East Tennessee. He came out of the hills to sedate William and Mary College and became an All-American guard. After three years as a CPO in World War II, he was a linebacker with the Chicago Cardinals and made All-Pro. As a player he was extremely aggressive, and he transferred those qualities to coaching, which he took up full time in 1952 at Detroit. Buster was with the Lions eight seasons and developed the greatest defensive stars in the game- Joe Schmidt, Yale Lary, Jack Christiansen, Jim David. 'The Lions had a great defense,' he says, 'because we left nothing to chance. We really worked at it.'"

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

1961 Buffalo Bills Outlook

"The fight to finish behind Houston in the East is expected to be a close-to-the wire thing. Buffalo's Bills are good-field no-hit; the Titans of New York are good-hit no-field and the Boston Patriots are a little of this and that, needing size, speed and a complete collapse by the other three clubs in their division to escape a cellar berth.
Too much defense and a promising group of yearlings suggest that the Bills have the best shot at the runner-up slot. Coach Buster Ramsey's group had the best defensive figures in last year's AFL taffy pull and there's no reason to doubt that this stubbornness will continue. The need, however, is for a tip-top quarterback and an offensive line that will create some daylight.
Johnny Green, Richie Lucas and Northwestern's John Talley, a rookie, are the scramblers for quarterback, each with specific recommendations, particularly Talley, who can throw as deep as anyone now on the pro rolls. Halfback and fullback candidates are plentiful and powerful, particularly Syracuse's Art Baker and Fred Brown of Georgia. Both should give a bit more foot to a sluggish running attack. They will battle holdovers Wray Carlton and William Fowler, and Ramsey may be placed in the happy position of alternating pairs of runners. There's no question of the flanker-back position; it belongs to Elbert Dubenion.
The pass-catching ends come in size, speed and ability, and the development of a bull's-eye thrower will determine the offensive success of the Bills. In addition to Dubenion, other top-rate receivers are ends Tom Rychlec, Monte Crockett, Dan Chamberlain and Al Hoisington. First-year challengers are Wake Forest's Bob Allen, Tommy Causey of Louisiana Tech and Villanova's Tony Varrecchione.
Up front is where the Bills took a beating in '60, and it is where they must produce the juice that makes for a respectable attack. Rookies to get some careful priming for offensive line jobs are tackles Ken Rice, Auburn, and Stu Barber, Penn State. At center may be Al Bemiller of Syracuse. Bill Shaw of Georgia Tech and Barber will be tested at guard.
There's little wrong with the defense, from line to deep safetymen, and a freshman will have a difficult time getting his name in the starting lineup. Most likely to catch on, however, are tackle Harry Rakowski, The Citadel; halfbacks Billy Majors, Tennessee, and Ken Webb, Houston; and linebackers Jerry Frye, South Carolina, and Lou Reale, U. of Buffalo.
Those rib-rocking defensive ends, LaVerne Torczon and Mack Yoho, middle linebacker Archie Matsos and halfbacks Billy Atkins, Jim Wagstaff, Richie McCabe and Jack Johnson are seven rather obvious reasons why a defensive rookie candidate will find himself steeped in worry and overtime. The Bills are bold and obstinate defensively, an overwhelming reason for selecting them to finish no worse than second."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook


OFFENSE
"Ends: Tom Rychlec, an old Lion, is the steadiest of the bunch as the tight end. Monte Crockett is coming on to challenge Dan Chamberlain for the spread-end position.
Rating: Good
Tackles: This could be the most improved spot on the team if those rookie tackles like Shaw and Barber pan out. Harold Olson will be with the club from the start and he'll help.
Rating: Fair
Guards: Don Chelf and Phil Blazer are incumbents but face a stiff fight to hold off new talent, which includes the rookie tackles. More speed is badly needed to do the job.
Rating: Fair
Centers: Dan McGrew is experienced but don't be surprised if Al Bemiller beats him.
Rating: Fair
Quarterbacks: The big question mark. Buffalo still predicts greatness for Richie Lucas.
Rating: Poor
Halfbacks: Wilmer Fowler has the inside track, but Fred Brown will probably alternate.
Rating: Fair
Flankers: Elbert Dubenion could prove one of the truly exciting players.
Rating: Very Good
Fullbacks: Wray Carlton gets plenty of support from the hard-blocking, plunging Art Baker.
Rating: Good
Strength: The running has perked up with the addition of Brown and Baker to spell Carlton and Fowler. Dubenion is always a breakaway threat. Weakness: The Bills put too much reliance on rookies to bolster the interior line blocking. And the quarterbacks have to prove themselves.
Rating: Fair"

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1961 Football

DEFENSE
"Ends: LaVerne Torczon was All-Pro and the leader of the line, with Mack Yoho running him a close second. They can do it all by themselves, but Harry Rakowski will help."
Rating: Very Good
Tackles: If Gene Grabosky's knee is okay after surgery, that's some pile of beef the enemy must buck when he's paired with Chuck McMurtry. And Jim Sorey's just as big.
Rating: Very Good
Linebackers: Archie Matsos was the class of the league's linebackers last season, an inspirational performer. The Bills plan to try out some kids at the corners, which means that Jack Laraway (his shoulder mended) and Joe Schaffer will have to step lively.
Rating: Good
Halfbacks: Richie McCabe and Billy Kinard are pro-tested vets who make few mistakes and have the spryness to keep up with fast ends. A swing man would help here.
Rating: Good
Safeties: Billy Atkins' retirement would hurt if prize prospect Billy Majors hadn't happened along. Jim Wagstaff at the other safety is going to be one of the best.
Rating: Good
Strength: The forward wall is stingy against the run. Matsos is all anyone could ask for in a middle linebacker, and the secondary is airtight against passes. Weakness: Coach Buster Ramsey hopes to shore up the corner linebackers and wants another top defensive back.
Rating: Very Good"

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1961 Football

"If the Bills find their quarterback in Richie Lucas or Johnny Green, they'll make a pack of trouble. As expected, Buster Ramsey organized a fine defense in '60 but didn't do so well with the offense. He's on the spot and the Bills think he's learned his lesson.
The front office did the best job of collaring talent where it was needed- Art Baker of Syracuse to help Wray Carlton at fullback, and three superb tackle prospects (Ken Rice, Billy Shaw, Stew Barber) to strengthen the line. Elbert Dubenion should be an exciting receiver; Arch Matsos is the class of the linebackers."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"It was no surprise that Buster Ramsey had a strong defense in the opening AFL campaign, but the big question is still: 'Can his offense move the ball?' The popular theory that defense wins pro football championships was given a severe jolt in the seat of the pants last season in upstate New York.
Buster Ramsey, just as everyone suspected, fielded a crack defensive outfit at Buffalo in the first year of the American Football League. Ramsey had an impressive defensive background himself, eight years as a highly respected defensive coach with the Detroit Lions in the senior loop.
The Buffalo Bills were considerably out in front of the other seven teams in defense. For example, they allowed the opposition a passing average of only 75 yards per game, some 30 steps lower than the next ranking team. The Bills' opponents averaged fewer than 100 yards rushing; the Buffalo secondary picked off 33 enemy passes. This was an excellent showing in any league and made beautiful reading in AFL statistics at the season's end.
But there was something else that read rather ominously to Buffalo researchers- the club's 5-8-1 record in league play and its third-place finish in the Eastern Division. Ramsey's bunch just couldn't move the ball. They trailed everyone in pass offense and total offense and rated just a fraction ahead of last-place Denver in rushing.
So Ramsey has got to juice up that offense in '61. First, of course, he must find a real operator for quarterback. That was a trouble spot all last season. The Bills tried three guys there, but none of them panned out. Tommy O'Connell, the most experienced, tried to make a comeback from the college coaching ranks (as did Cotton Davidson in Dallas). It was rather unsuccessful, and now the former Illinois quarterback has returned to coaching, this time on the Buffalo staff. Johnny Green, a Chattanooga product who saw a little action with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Toronto Argonauts, succeeded O'Connell in mid-season and had his hot-and-cold moments.
Richie Lucas, the former Penn State All-American, finished up the season. Richie was bothered by injuries during the first part of the year, so he hasn't had a real good shot at the job. He'll get it this year, along with the strong-armed Green and a touted rookie passer, John Talley, who had a brief tryout with the Dallas Cowboys in the summer of 1960.
The Buffalo quarterbacks certainly weren't entirely to blame for the situation; most of the time large and ferocious linemen from the opposing squad were climbing aboard their protesting frames, ripping off arms and legs. Therefore, most of the fault was placed on the offensive line.
'The speed and the experience just wasn't there,' said Ramsey. 'We didn't block for our runners and we didn't offer our passers protection. We have got to improve in that department if we're going to be a contender in 1961.'
With the problem thus pinpointed, the Bills went about building up the levee. General manager Dick Gallagher signed six of the club's first seven draft choices. And four of them were big, healthy college linemen with garish reputations.
Ken Rice, for example, everybody's All-American from Auburn, is a tremendous prospect at 250 pounds- and he's still growing. Then there are Bill Shaw, a 240-pounder from Georgia Tech; Al Bemiller, a king-size center from Syracuse; and Stewart Barber, 235, a whopper from Penn State.
The Bills weren't exactly deficient in runners, but they lacked teammates who could knock enemies out of the way. Fullback Wray Carlton, the Duke product, was the workhorse, along with speed merchant Wilmer Fowler. Thanks to the draft department, they will have aid this season. Art Baker, a Syracuse powerhouse, has been added to the fullback stall, and Fred Brown, a star Georgia halfback, will join Fowler's circle.
The most exciting prospect on the roster is flankerback Elbert Dubenion, already carrying the future tag of 'superstar.' Dubenion scored six touchdowns on runs of 40 yards or more last year and snagged 42 passes to earn Ramsey's description of having 'the potential to be one of football's all-time greats.' The Buffalo publicity department calls Dubenion 'the fastest man in pro football.'
Other proven receivers are Tom Rychlec, a gluey individual who ranked ninth among the league's receivers last year despite Buffalo's poor record; spread-end Monte Crockett; and Dan Chamberlain.
So, there you have Buffalo's two most acute weaknesses, offensive linemen and quarterback, and the candidates for the cure.
To turn to brighter things, take a look at these Alps who fill up the middle of the Bills' defensive line. Chuck McMurtry goes a mere 310 pounds when he can find a pair of scales equal to the task. Jim Sorey, in his third year of pro ball, weighs in at 270 and is called 'Bull' for obvious reasons.
As if that weren't a vulgar display of beef, remember there's a heralded gent from Syracuse, 275-pound Gene Grabosky, who is ship shape again after a knee operation in January.
The front line of defense is captained by All-AFL end LaVerne Torczon, the 235-pound Nebraska roughhouser, and balanced by Mack Yoho, a 240-pounder who also got votes on the all-league team.
Archie Matsos was an All-AFL linebacker and Richie McCabe received similar honors at defensive halfback. Ramsey, a hard man to please in this area, would like to find another linebacker and defensive back among the draftees. The top halfback prospect would seem to be Billy Majors, member of the illustrious Tennessee football clan, who may fill in for the retired Bill Atkins.
Buffalo is being picked by most AFL observers to contend with Houston for the Eastern Division title. But to do that, defensive specialist Ramsey must come up with a considerable tougher offense. The 1960 Bills proved defense can't do it all."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1961 Football

BUFFALO ROOKIES
"The Bills corralled Fred Brown, a speedster from Georgia. Brown, a nephew of former Alabama great Johnny Jack Brown, fills Buffalo's need for a breakaway threat and auxiliary receiver. Fullback Art Baker of Syracuse is a powerful runner, a fierce tackler as a linebacker and a strong, solid blocker. The Bills outbid the Eagles for him, and he'll play plenty.
Defense was also a prime consideration- Buffalo has Billy Majors of the Tennessee Majors clan (all three brothers played varsity ball and Johnny was All-America)."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football


"If there is a dark horse choice for the AFL championship this year, it has to be the Bills. Slowly but surely, coach Buster Ramsey is putting together the sort of team that could tear the league apart if a few more cogs and wheels get fitted into the right places.
A year ago Buffalo was only able to sign one outstanding rookie, tackle Harold Olson of Clemson. Ramsey had to rely on free agents and NFL castoffs, and the Bills had a rough time getting started. They lost eight of their first ten exhibition and official games. Ramsey concentrated on his defense and gambled that the offense would come around. It didn't quite work out that way but the Bills managed to win five games and tie another.
Buffalo placed three men on the all-league team, and all were defensive specialists: end LaVerne Torczon; linebacker Archie Matsos; and halfback Richie McCabe. A pair of huge tackles, 280-pound Jim Sorey and 290-pound Chuck McMurtry, anchored one of the best lines in the AFL.
With 12 of his first 18 picks signed up this season- the best record of any team in the league- Ramsey thinks he has the material to fill in the few remaining gaps. The defense is still being emphasized and the Bills signed up three fine tackles in Ken Rice of Auburn, Bill Shaw of Georgia and Stew Barber of Penn State, along with center Al Bemiller of Syracuse.
'If those four boys come through for us,' says Ramsey, 'we can be awfully tough.'
The backfield isn't being ignored, either. The Buffalo quarterbacking was the poorest in the league last season until former Penn State All-American Richie Lucas took over from Tommy O'Connell and Johnny Green in the final game. Ramsey liked what he saw so much that Lucas is getting first crack at the job this year. With O'Connell now a Bills assistant coach, Richie must beat out the long-throwing Green and newcomer John Talley of Northwestern.
Talley could be a sleeper. He reported to the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL last year but left quickly when he learned that the team had three other quarterbacks with no-cut contracts. One of the Cowboy coaches admits privately that Talley could have won a job otherwise.
Billy Majors of Tennessee, one of the better defensive backs in the country a year ago, should lend youth to a department where Buffalo was good but lacked depth. But Ramsey's big effort will be to bring his offense up to the level of his defense, and that may take some doing.
Elbert Dubenion, a 197-pound sprinter who plays flanker halfback, is a great running and pass-catching threat in the Buffalo backfield, which is otherwise undistinguished. Wilmer Fowler and rookie Fred Brown of Georgia will push Joe Kulbacki for the other halfback job, while fullback Wray Carlton could lose his job to 220-pound Art Baker of Syracuse.
With all those linemen around, it wouldn't take much of an offense to win games for the Bills. Even Ramsey admits that he would be content with average but consistent quarterbacking.
When a coach says that, you know he's got to have quite a team. And the Buffalo Bills like quite a team this year."

-Pro Football Stars, 1961 Edition


1961 Buffalo Bills Preseason Roster
Bob Allen (E) Wake Forest
20 Billy Atkins (DB) Auburn
Art Baker (FB) Syracuse
Stew Barber (T) Penn State
Al Bemiller (C) Syracuse
60 Phil Blazer (G) North Carolina
Jake Bodkin (G) South Carolina
Fred Brown (HB) Georgia
55 Bernie Buzyniski (LB) (Holy Cross)
30 Wray Carlton (FB) (Duke)
Tom Causey (E) Louisiana Tech
84 Dan Chamberlain (E) Sacramento State
77 Don Chelf (G) Iowa
80 Monte Crockett (TE) New Mexico Highlands
44 Elbert Dubenion (HB) Bluffton
23 Wilmer Fowler (HB) Northwestern
Jerry Frye (E) South Carolina
18 Johnny Green (QB) Tennessee- Chattanooga
Joe Griffith (QB) Miami-Ohio
54 Joe Hergert (LB) Florida
88 Al Hoisington (E) Pasadena JC
42 Jack Johnson (DB) Miami
24 Billy Kinard (DB) Mississippi
43 Joe Kublacki (HB) Purdue
57 Jack Laraway (LB) Purdue
11 Richie Lucas (HB) Penn State
Ken Lutterback (FB) Evansville
Billy Majors (HB) Tennessee
56 Archie Matsos (LB) Michigan State
45 Richie McCabe (DB) Pittsburgh
52 Dan McGrew (C) Purdue
73 Chuck McMurtry (DT) Whittier
John Moore (HB) Miami-Ohio
70 Chuck Muelhaupt (G) Iowa State
Jim O'Hara (C) Wayne State
74 Harold Olson (T) Clemson
Ransom A.K. Piltz (T) Dayton
Floyd Powers (T) Mississippi State
Harry Rakowski (T-LB) Citadel
Bruno Raso (T) Slippery Rock
Lou Reale (C) Buffalo
81 Tom Rychlec (E) American International
67 Joe Schaffer (LB) Tennessee
76 Jack Scott (DT) Ohio State
Billy Shaw (T) Georgia Tech
35 Carl Smith (FB) Tennessee
79 Jim Sorey (DT) Texas Southern
John Talley (QB) Northwestern
87 LaVerne Torczon (DE) Nebraska
Tony Varrecchione (E) Villanova
22 Jim Wagstaff (DB) Idaho State
Max Webb (HB) Rice
Wayne Wolff (T) Wake Forest
71 Mack Yoho (DE) Miami-Ohio

-1961 Pro Football Handbook


1961 BUFFALO BILLS PRESEASON DEPTH CHARTS
OFFENSE
Ends
Dan Chamberlain (Sacramento State)
Monte Crockett (New Mexico Highlands)
Tom Rychlec (American International)
Al Hoisington (Pasadena JC)

Tackles
Harold Olson (Clemson)
Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech)
Jack Scott (Ohio State)
Stew Barber (Penn State)

Guards
Phil Blazer (North Carolina)
Don Chelf (Iowa)
Chuck Muelhaupt (Iowa State)
Jake Bodkin (South Carolina)

Centers
Dan McGrew (Purdue)
Al Bemiller (Syracuse)

Quarterbacks
Richie Lucas (Penn State)
Johnny Green (Tennessee-Chattanooga)

Halfbacks
Joe Kulbacki (Purdue)
Wilmer Fowler (Northwestern)

Flankers
Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton)
Fred Brown (Georgia)

Fullbacks
Wray Carlton (Duke)
Art Baker (Syracuse)

DEFENSE
Ends
Mack Yoho (Miami-Ohio)
LaVerne Torczon (Nebraska)
Harry Rakowski (Citadel)
Floyd Powers (Mississippi State)

Tackles
Chuck McMurtry (Whittier)
Jim Sorey (Texas Southern)
Gene Grabosky (Syracuse)
Ken Rice (Auburn)

Linebackers
Archie Matsos (Michigan State)
Lou Reale (Buffalo)
Jack Laraway (Purdue)
Joe Hergert (Florida)
Joe Schaffer (Tennessee)
Bernie Buzyniski (Holy Cross)

Halfbacks
Richie McCabe (Pittsburgh)
Billy Kinard (Mississippi)
Joe Griffith (Miami-Ohio)
Max Webb (Rice)

Safeties
Jim Wagstaff (Idaho State)
Jack Johnson (Miami)
Billy Majors (Tennessee)
John Moore (Miami-Ohio)

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1961 Football

OFFENSE
QB- Richie Lucas (Penn State) 11, Johnny Green (Tennessee-Chattanooga) 18, John Talley (Northwestern)*
HB- Wilmer Fowler (Northwestern) 23, Fred Brown (Georgia)*, Joe Kulbacki (Purdue) 43
FB- Wray Carlton (Duke) 30, Art Baker (Syracuse)*, Carl Smith (Tennessee) 35
SE- Glenn Bass (East Carolina) 88, Dan Chamberlain (Sacramento State) 85, Tom Causey (Louisiana Tech)*
T- Harold Olson (Clemson) 74, Ken Rice (Auburn)*, Jack Scott (Ohio State) 76
G- Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech)*, Phil Blazer (North Carolina) 60, Jake Bodkin (South Carolina)*
C- Dan McGrew (Purdue) 52, Al Bemiller (Syracuse)*
G- Chuck Muelhaupt (Iowa State) 70, Wayne Wolff (Wake Forest)*
T- Stew Barber (Penn State)*, Don Chelf (Iowa) 77
TE- Tom Rychlec (American International) 81, Monte Crockett (New Mexico Highlands) 80, Jerry Frye (South Carolina)*
FL- Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton) 44

DEFENSE
DE- Mack Yoho (Miami-Ohio) 71, Harry Rakowski (Citadel) 86
DT- Chuck McMurtry (Whittier) 73, Jack Scott (Ohio State) 76
DT- Jim Sorey (Texas Southern) 79, Gene Grabosky (Syracuse) 78
DE- LaVerne Torczon (Nebraska) 87, Floyd Powers (Mississippi State)*
LB- Ralph Felton (Maryland) 57, Joe Hergert (Florida) 54
MLB- Archie Matsos (Michigan State) 56, Bernie Buzyniski (Holy Cross) 55
LB- Joe Schaffer (Tennessee) 67, Lou Reale (Buffalo) 53
CB- Richie McCabe (Pittsburgh) 45, John Moore (Miami-Ohio) 32
S- Jim Wagstaff (Idaho State) 22, Joe Griffith (Miami-Ohio) 41
S- Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20, Billy Majors (Tennessee)*
CB- Billy Kinard (Mississippi) 24, Jack Johnson (Miami) 42

SPECIALISTS
K- Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20
P- Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20
KR- Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton) 44
PR- Glenn Bass (East Carolina) 88

* rookie


Buffalo Bills Profiles, 1961 Pro Football Handbook
Buster Ramsey (coach)
Billy Atkins
Wray Carlton
Johnny Green
Joe Kublacki
Richie Lucas
Billy Majors
Archie Matsos
Richie McCabe
Dan McGrew
Chuck McMurtry
LaVerne Torczon

1961 Buffalo Bills Fleer Cards
Bill Atkins
Phil Blazer
Wray Carlton
Elbert Dubenion
Gene Grabosky
Johnny Green
Richie Lucas 
Archie Matsos
Dan McGrew
Tom Rychlec
Mack Yoho

1961 Buffalo Bills Fleer Wallet pictures
Bill Atkins
Phil Blazer
Wray Carlton
Monte Crockett
Elbert Dubenion
Wilmer Fowler
Gene Grabosky
Richie Lucas
Archie Matsos
Rich McCabe
Dan McGrew
Tom Rychlec
LaVerne Torczon

1961 Buffalo Bills Topps Cards
Art Baker
Wray Carlton
Elbert Dubenion
Archie Matsos
Rich McCabe
Ken Rice
Tom Rychlec
LaVerne Torczon
Mack Yoho


Offense
LE Glenn Bass 88, Perry Richards 84
LT Ken Rice 75, Don Chelf 77
LG Billy Shaw 66, John Dittrich 60
C Al Bemiller 50
RG Ed Meulhaupt 70, Tom Day 78
RT Harold Olson 74, Tom Day 78
RE Tom Rychlec 81, Monte Crockett 80
QB M.C. Reynolds 14, Richie Lucas 11, Warren Rabb 17
LH Fred Brown 46
FL Elbert Dubenion 44
FB Wray Carlton 30, Art Baker 33
Defense
LE Mack Yoho 71
LT Chuck McMurtry 73, Jack Scott 76
RT Jim Sorey 79, Jack Scott 76
RE LaVerne Torczon 80
LLB Ralph Felton 57, Joe Hergert 54
MLB Archie Matsos 56
RLB Stew Barber 64
LHB Richie McCabe 45
LS Jim Wagstaff 22, Don McDonald 42
RHB Vern Valdez 27
RS Billy Atkins 20, Don McDonald 42

-September 30, 1961 Buffalo Bills Official Program (War Memorial Stadium)


1961 Buffalo Bills Profile Summary
Head Coach - Buster Ramsey

QB Richie Lucas (Penn State) 11
QB Johnny Green (Tennessee-Chattanooga) 18
HB Dewey Bohling (Hardin-Simmons) 26
HB Joe Kulbacki (Purdue) 43
HB Bill Shockley (West Chester) 29
FB Wray Carlton (Duke) 30
FB Art Baker (Syracuse) 33
FL Elbert Dubenion (Bluffton) 44
SE Perry Richards (Detroit) 84
TE Tom Rychlec (American International) 81
C Dan McGrew (Purdue) 52
G Phil Blazer (North Carolina) 60
G Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech) 66
T Ken Rice (Auburn) 75
T Stew Barber (Penn State) 64

DT Chuck McMurtry (Whittier) 73
DT Gene Grabosky (Syracuse) 78
DE Mack Yoho (Miami-Ohio) 71
DE LaVerne Torczon (Nebraska) 87
MLB Archie Matsos (Michigan State) 56
LB Joe Schaffer (Tennessee) 67
LB Ralph Felton (Maryland) 57
CB Richie McCabe (Pittsburgh) 45
CB Billy Kinard (Mississippi) 24
S Jim Wagstaff (Idaho State) 22
S Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20
S Billy Majors (Tennessee) 25

K Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20
K Bill Shockley (West Chester) 29
P Billy Atkins (Auburn) 20

Saturday, May 17, 2014

1960 Buffalo Bills Profiles

BUSTER RAMSEY
Head Coach
"Buster Ramsey begins his fifth season with the Cardinals. He was All-NFL in 1947, '48 and '49.
He played guard for the College of William and Mary and was All-America in 1942. In the Navy for three years, he played some football and was selected All-Service All-America in 1943 and '44.
Buster plans to coach when through playing pro ball. He works for a radio station in his home town in the off-season."

-1950 Bowman No. 92

"Buster is in his sixth season for the Cardinals. He has made the grade for All-National League teams.
He played guard for William and Mary and was selected an All-American in 1942. In the Navy three years, he played ball in military service. He was chosen All-Service All-America in 1943 and '44.
Buster plans to coach when through playing pro ball. He works for a radio station in his home town in the off-season. His hobbies are hunting and fishing."

-1951 Bowman No. 28 (Bowman Gum, Inc.)

"Buster, a former All-American guard at William and Mary, played professionally in the National Football League from 1946-50. He was honored in making the All-Pro team in 1947, '48 and '49.
His coaching career started in 1951 as an assistant coach with the Chicago Cardinals. From there he became defensive coach of the Detroit Lions in 1952 and remained there through 1959. During Ramsey's tenure, the Lions won three world championships and a division championship ... developing such outstanding defensive stars as Jim David, Jack Christiansen, Yale Lary and Joe Schmidt.
With a colorful and coaching background, Ramsey brings to the Buffalo Bills all the necessary tools to produce a fine team."

-1960 Fleer No. 92


EDWARD ABRAMOSKI (Trainer)
"Eddie trains the Buffalo Bills. The 26-year-old native of Erie, Pa., was the head trainer at the University of Detroit for three years. He previously served as assistant trainer at West Point from 1956-57."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


EDWARD J. DINGMAN (Equipment Manager)
"The Buffalo Bills' equipment manager is Ed J. Dingman. He is a 1960 graduate of Wooster College and served as manager of their football, basketball and track teams for three years. Ed lives in Youngstown, New York."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


TOMMY O'CONNELL
Quarterback
No. 14
Illinois
"The star of the East-West Shrine Game, and named the outstanding player of the game, Tommy was All-Big Ten and All-Western in 1952. He led the University of Illinois to the Big Ten crown and a Rose Bowl triumph in 1951.
In '52 Tommy was the top forward passer in the nation with 133 completions in 224 attempts for 1,761 yards and 12 touchdowns. His passing percentage? 59.4. He broke Otto Graham's Western Conference  passing marks."

-1953 Bowman No. 42

"One of the all-time outstanding stars at the University of Illinois, Tommy holds 15 of 16 Illinois passing records including most yards gained in a season, 1,761, and in one game, 308.
Following graduation, he played for the Chicago Bears, Bolling Air Force Base and the Cleveland Browns, where he led the NFL in passing in 1957. In 1958, he returned to Illinois as an assistant coach, and in 1959 was head coach at Drake University."

-1960 Fleer No. 19

"All-American at the University of Illinois in 1952. He was the most valuable player in the East-West Shrine Game in 1953.
Tom was the National Football League's leading passer with the Cleveland Browns in 1957. He completed 52 percent of his passes and led the Browns to their last Eastern Division title.
He returned to pro football with Buffalo."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


JOHNNY GREEN
Quarterback
No. 18
Tennessee-Chattanooga
"Recently acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Johnny played part of the 1959 season with the Toronto Argonauts. He was an outstanding quarterback at the University of Chattanooga for three years.
Johnny has a rifle arm and is an accurate long passer. He is also considered an able runner."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


RICHIE LUCAS
Halfback
No. 11
Penn State
"Penn State coach Rip Engle says of Richie, 'Lucas is the greatest player I have ever seen,' and he has earned this fine tribute. He broke practically every record at Penn State, excelling in passing, running, defensive play, punting, [and was] an all-around outstanding quarterback.
As a result of his 1959 season, Richie appeared on practically everybody's All-America first-team selection, and it is no wonder he was the most sought after college player in the country."

-1960 Fleer No. 96

"Everybody's All-American quarterback at Penn State in 1959. Coach Rip Engle called him the 'greatest all-around player I have ever seen.' Richie was the number one draft choice of the Buffalo Bills. He was signed personally by Bills owner Ralph Wilson after weeks of negotiation.
Richie was shifted to halfback by Coach Buster Ramsey to capitalize on his talent as a runner."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


JOE KUBLACKI 
Halfback
No. 43
Purdue
"One of the fastest men on the squad, Joe has good power and fine breakaway ability. He handles punt returns but dislikes fair catches- he prefers to grab the ball and take off.
Joe will probably be used as a spot player by Coach Buster Ramsey, but could do heavy work if called upon."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


WILMER FOWLER 
Halfback
No. 23
Northwestern
"The former Northwestern running star is considered one of the fastest men in football. Willmer was the Big Ten sprint champion in 1957-58 and had 9.5 in the 100-yard dash. He also had a mark of 21.4 in the 220."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


WILLIE EVANS
Halfback
No. 28
Buffalo
"Willie was the leading ground gainer for the Bulls for two years, contributing materially to their outstanding 1958 season in which they won eight out of nine games. The season also brought them the Lambert Cup for small colleges as well as victories over Harvard and Columbia.
Graduating in 1960, Willie's speed and power will make him a valuable addition to the Bills' backfield."

-1960 Fleer No. 65


TED WEGERT 
Halfback
No. 33
"Daring Dutchman ... Terrible Ted ... He was the rookie sensation of the 1955 pre-season campaign but was injured in the league opener. He was out four weeks with a broken foot. He returned to score twice against Pittsburgh but was used sparingly thereafter.
Now, sound of wind and limb again, Ted looks forward to 1956. He led the Eagles in ground gaining through six pre-season games, averaging better than five yards per carry.
Ted made the grade in the toughest of all football with no collegiate experience. He was a high school star at Riverhead, Long Island, scoring 27 touchdowns and 163 points for a one-year record. Into the Navy before completing his scholastic career, Ted continued his football brilliance as a Bluejacket, tallying 64 touchdowns in four years including 21 for Bainbridge in 1951.
His dad wrote the Eagles asking for a tryout for his son. Ted reported at Hershey last July but was ready to be cut the first week. He caught fire in his first scrimmage and blossomed into the club's brightest prospect until his injury.
Ted combines speed, agility and power. According to coaches he has all the stuff needed to be a top star in the National League.
He lives in Riverhead."

-1956 Philadelphia Eagles Official Program


WRAY CARLTON
Fullback
No. 30
Duke
ALL-AROUND BLUE DEVIL
"Wray Carlton, the fellow who had trouble making the first team last year, can do many things for Duke, all good.
Before the start of the 1957 football season, Ted Mann, the sports publicity director at Duke, had junior halfback Wray Carlton on the first-team prospectus he sent out to the press. Bill Murray, the head football coach at Duke, had Carlton on the second team. There was the expected amount of professional ribbing at the crossed wires, which publicity man Mann accepted with a gracious smile and a closed mouth. He figured Carlton was first-team stuff; the coach didn't. So ...
In the Blue Devils' opening game against South Carolina, Eddie Rushton, a senior, started at right halfback, and junior Carlton was on the bench with the second unit. Coach Murray, it was explained to the still-needling press, likes to give his seniors first shot at the starting jobs, and, anyway, there was only a shade of difference between the first and second team. He employs the two units almost equally, it was said. And, apparently, he does. Early in the game, after the first team had made little headway, the second unit came in and proceeded to run over South Carolina. While he was in there, Carlton set up two touchdowns and scored the other two in Duke's 26-14 win. He was, by far, the outstanding performer of the game.
In the Duke locker room afterwards, someone asked Wray, 'Did you feel funny  not starting the game?'
It was a question that probed with a cat's nails. Carlton, tall (6-3), very handsome and thoroughly unassuming, did not bite. Instead he answered: 'Nope I just wish I was as good as Rushton is.'
That was Carlton talking. Publicity man Mann was not asked, but it didn't matter. He was looking better every minute. For the next game, against Virginia, Carlton was still with the second team. By now, of course- since these things don't take very long to grab hold- he was being called 'The best second-string halfback in the country.' It made good copy, and the people at Duke didn't mind. When his turn came against the Cavaliers, Carlton went out and scored four touchdowns and kicked two placements for an Atlantic Coast Conference record of 26 points. In the two games, his power running had converted the Blue Devils' second unit into a powerhouse. They weren't out there just to hold the opposition at bay while the varsity gained a breather. They scored touchdowns, more than the first team did, and they had won both ball games.
In that 40-0 romp over Virginia, Rushton hurt his hip, and for the next Saturday, Carlton was moved up. Coach Murray had finally agreed with Mann. What would have happened if Rushton had not been hurt was something that was something the Duke people weren't saying. But it was clear that now Carlton was a regular to stay. Coach Murray stood up and said, 'Wray Carlton has the greatest potential of any player I've ever seen.'
Which was one way of saying that the 195-pound halfback is good and versatile. Carlton can run, stepping freely around the sides or bowling through the middle. Against Rice last year, he exploded for a 68-yard touchdown run, his longest of 20 dashes that went for better than 10 yards. He gained a total of 852 yards for a 5.3 rushing average. In four games, he gained better than 100 yards.
There won't be any arguments over the respective merits of the first and second teams at Duke this year. With 18  lettermen gone, Coach Murray will have his hands full trying to put one good team on the field. But with Carlton, George Dutrow and quarterback Bob Brodhead among the returnees, Blue Devil fans will have plenty to yell about.
With a schedule that includes intersectional newcomers Illinois, Baylor and Notre Dame, Carlton will find no breathers where he can roll up impressive totals. But around Durham, the feeling is that he won't need them.
He can score points. He went over for ten touchdowns last year, and kicked 14 out of 17 extra points, his place-kicks being the margin of victory over Rice and Clemson. Against North Carolina, Rice and Clemson, he scored all of Duke's points.
He can pass. In Murray's split-T which features end sweeps, pulling guards, blocking quarterbacks and running and passing halfbacks, both Wray and left halfback George Dutrow- another good one- work the ends on pass-run option plays. Last season Carlton completed seven out of 12 passes for 65 yards and two touchdowns.
He can catch a pass, grabbing eight of them in 1957 for two touchdowns and 174 yards, the top total pass-receiving yardage on the team.
He can block. On a team often praised for its bumping of the other fellow, Wray is a standout blocker. He paves the way on many of Dutrow's runs.
He can play defense.
And not only can he kick, but this season he is doing some punting, too.
This versatile young man started out as a single-wing tailback at little Wallace (N.C.) High School, and if there is any place to learn all-around football, it is at a little single-wing high school that must make do with the few boys who come out for the team. Wallace is a small town (population 1,500) with a reputation as the strawberry capital of the world ('The only thing I have to do with strawberries,' Carlton says, 'is I eat them.') Wray played some baseball and basketball for Wallace High, but mostly he played football. 'Our coach,' he says, 'was a good man with fundamentals. He always ran us through blocking and tackling drills. That's where I learned my basic football.' It is also where he learned to place-kick. After the other youngsters would trudge away, dirty and tired from a scrimmage, Wray would stay behind and practice kicking. If there was still some daylight, he would practice blocking again, too.
When he was finishing up his high school career and making something of a name for himself, Wray received firm scholarship bids from his home state trio of fierce rivals- North Carolina, North Carolina State and Duke- and from Clemson just across the Carolina border. He accepted Duke's grant-in-aid offer because 'I thought I would get a better education there.' The Blue Devils' Durham campus is only 115 miles from Wallace, and this, too, mattered. Wray didn't want to be too far from home. So he is an education major at the liberal arts college at Duke, with better-than-average grades, a membership in Kappa Alpha Fraternity, a minimum of other campus activities and a dream of playing pro football next year. It is a dream to him because Wray is reserved and shy and unwilling to pat himself on the back. But is far less than a dream to people in the National Football League. They admire his all-around ability. Some are even thinking of him as a second Frank Gifford, but they won't be disappointed with a first Wray Carlton."

-Sport Magazine, November 1958

"Buster Ramsey calls him potentially the perfect pro fullback. Carlton has 'speed, power, a real good blocker and can catch the ball.' Ramsey insists very few pro fullbacks have been able or willing to do all four.
Buffalo acquired Carlton in a trade with Boston for defensive tackle Al Crow. Ramsey called it a perfect trade."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


CARL SMITH 
Fullback
No. 35
Tennessee
"Molded along traditional Tennessee power lines, Carl is perhaps the strongest and most punishing runner on the Bills. He has tremendously powerful legs.
Carl was a co-captain at Tennessee in 1958. He played in the Sugar Bowl in 1957, the Gator Bowl in 1958, the Blue-Grey Bowl in 1958 and the Senior Bowl in 1959. He holds the state of Ohio high school record of 294 points in four years."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


MAURICE BASSETT
Fullback
No. 38
Langston
"With only one year's college football experience, gained at little Langston University, Maurice came to the Browns last season and overcame a training camp injury to take over as the No. 1 fullback. He was the No. 1 ground gainer for the Browns last season and No. 5 in the N.F.L. He was an important figure in giving pass protection for Otto Graham."

-1955 Bowman No. 156

"A bruising line-cracker, Maurice is a very tough man to stop. His explosive thrust comes in handy when the Browns are fighting for the first down or trying to dent the opposing goal line.
He came to the Browns unknown, from the Navy. As a rookie in '54, he was the top Brown ball carrier."

-1957 Topps No. 64

The bruising 230-pound fullback was Cleveland's starter for three years before losing his job to a rookie named Jim Brown. Maurice hopes for a new lease on life in the American Football League.
As a rookie for the 1954 NFL champions, Maurice rushed 144 times for 588 yards for a 4.1 average with 20 receptions for 205 yards receiving for a 10.3 average. For Cleveland's 1955 champions, he returned seven kicks 151 yards (a 21.6 average).


HAL LEWIS 
Fullback
No. 27
Houston
"A top running threat, acquired from the Baltimore Colts, Lewis was a member of last season's pro championship team. He played for Hal Lahar at Houston and was All-Missouri Valley Conference. He's a power-type runner with good deception.
Lewis lives in Houston. He is married and is the father of twin boys."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program

ELBERT DUBENION
Flanker
No. 44
Bluffton
"During his years at Bluffton, Dubenion led them to 20 wins in 24 games without a loss in their league, the Mid-Ohio Intercollegiate. He is extremely fast, running the 100-yard dash in 9.8 seconds, which accounts for his scoring 53 touchdowns and gaining nearly three miles from scrimmage during his college career. He was named the first-string halfback on the UPI All-Ohio squad and Williamson's All-America."

-1960 Fleer No. 17

"Absolutely the fastest man on the team and among the two or three fastest in football.
Used exclusively as a flanker back by coach Buster Ramsey, Elbert has greatly improved as a pass catcher and is a good blocker coming back. His speed drives defenses crazy and forces them to overshift to protect."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


DAN CHAMBERLAIN
Split End
No. 84
Sacramento State
This rookie out of Sacramento State will bolster the Bills' receiving corps. His speed, skilled hands and ability to outmaneuver defensive backs downfield have already impressed Buffalo coaches.

"Tall and rangy, Chamberlain is an exceptionally fine pass catcher with excellent speed. He caught 48 passes for 754 yards and 12 touchdowns in his final two years at Sacramento State.
He was a high draft choice of the Detroit Lions. A large number of Lion vets was the only reason Chamberlain failed to make the club."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


DICK BRUBAKER 
Split End
No. 88
Ohio State
"Co-captain and All-American, Ohio State, 1954. Dick led the Buckeyes to a national championship (10-0) and a Rose Bowl victory over  U.S.C. He graduated with a major in zoology (1955).
Dick played two years with the Chicago Cardinals as an offensive end. He quit  in 1957 to enter Western Reserve Law School and graduated in 1960."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


TOM RYCHLEC
End
No. 81
American International
"Tom gained many honors at American International; among them Little All-America and All-New England in 1957. In 1958, he was selected to play with the College All-Stars against the Detroit Lions. In his 1956 season, he led the nation in pass receptions with a total of 40.
After graduation, he joined the Detroit Lions of the NFL in 1957, spent the balance of that year in the service and returned to Detroit for the 1958 season."

-1960 Fleer No. 85

"All-New England, All-East, Little All-America selection in college. Tom caught 45 passes (1956) to lead the nation's intercollegiate pass receivers. He played in the 1957 College All-Star Game in Chicago.
Tom was signed by the Detroit Lions and was an outstanding end for three years. He was high on Buster Ramsey's list of 'must-get' players when Ramsey became coach."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


MONTE CROCKETT 
Tight End
No. 80
New Mexico Highlands
"Crockett was signed by Buster Ramsey as a result of a pre-training two-day tryout camp. He was the only candidate among 38 to be selected.
Crockett is the second fastest man on the team behind Dubenion. He's a good pass catcher, a potentially fine blocker and learns fast."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


DAN MCGREW
Center
No. 52
Purdue
"'Dangerous Dan McGrew' on the football field is everything his nickname brings to mind ... strong, rugged, aggressive and certainly dangerous to the opposing team. Dan played his college football as a stalwart in the center of the line for the Boilermakers of Purdue.
He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League and played part of last year's season in Canada."

-1960 Fleer No. 3

"Dangerous Dan McGrew. The top offensive center of the Buffalo Bills is a devastating blocker. He's a strong and accurate snapper on punts and on field goal and PAT attempts. Dan is amazingly fast and mobile for a big man.
Drafted originally by the Detroit Lions, Dan was a physical education major at Purdue. He is a certified physical education instructor in the state of Ohio."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


PHIL BLAZER 
Guard
No. 60
North Carolina
"Phil is a former captain at the University of North Carolina. He was the only selection from the Atlantic Coast Conference for the 1959 College All-Star squad. He was also picked for the Senior Bowl and the North-South Shrine Game.
Phil is an extremely tough offensive guard. He is fast, smart, mobile and is an excellent blocker. His off-season appearance and personality belies his on-field toughness."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


CHUCK MUELHAUPT
Guard
No. 70
Iowa State
Whether blocking for the run or the pass, this promising rookie from Iowa State is being counted on to be an important building block for Buffalo's offensive line. Born in Canton, Ohio, Chuck played his high school football in West Des Moines, Iowa.

"Chuck is a former Iowa State captain (1957) and most valuable player. He hails from a football-playing family. His father played for Kansas (St. Mary's) and his brother starred at Nebraska. Chuck was drafted by the Detroit Lions (1957) but received a service call before the start of the season."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


GARY COBB
Guard
No. 66
Miami-Ohio
"A man to reckon with in the middle of the Bills' line will be Gary Cobb.
A tough man to take out of a play, offensively and defensively, Gary was twice named to the All-Mid American Conference team, once as a center and once as a guard. He was also named as an All-Ohio guard for the 1959 season."

-1960 Fleer No. 37


HAROLD OLSON
Offensive Tackle
No. 74
Clemson
Coach Ramsey looks to this large and highly regarded rookie from Clemson to fortify the Buffalo offensive line. Scouts speak highly of the protection the 250-pound youngster provided for Tiger quarterbacks.

"In a consensus of pro scouts, Olson was the outstanding offensive tackle prospect in the intercollegiate ranks in 1959. He was an All-American and an All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection.
In 1959 Olson played in the Sugar Bowl and in 1960 played in the Bluebonnet Bowl, Blue-Gray, All-American and Senior Bowl games."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


DON CHELF 
Offensive Tackle
No. 77
Iowa
"Don was a two-year All-Big Ten selection at the University of Iowa and an All-Midwest selection as a senior in 1953. Twice in the same year he was voted the Associated Press national lineman of the week. He was selected to play in the East-West Shrine Game.
A three-year veteran of the Air Force, Don played service ball. He was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1958 and was one of the few rookies to make the team, but quit and entered the coaching ranks."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


GENE GRABOSKY
Offensive Tackle-Defensive Tackle
No. 78
Syracuse
"The outstanding lineman for the National Champion Syracuse Orangemen, Gene is known for his rugged offensive and defensive play. Buffalo coach Buster Ramsey says he is the finest physical specimen he has ever seen and has a chance of becoming an all-time great in pro football.
Gene's potential is indicated by the fact that six pro clubs tried to sign him, three in the American League, two in the National and Ottawa of the Canadian League."

-1960 Fleer No. 79


BOB SEDLOCK 
Offensive Tackle
No. 75
Georgia
"Biggest (no pun intended) surprise of the Buffalo Bills training camp. Bob arrived almost completely unheralded except for his considerable size [6-4, 295]. Immediately demonstrated great speed and pulling and blocking ability.
He's one of the hardest blockers in pro football. Teammates insist Sedlock is a great trencherman."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


CHUCK MCMURTRY
Defensive Tackle
No. 73
Whittier
Chuck is almost impossible to move from his position, yet can pursue to the side with surprising speed. A Little All-American at Whittier, he is arguably the strongest man in the American Football League.

"The heaviest man on the squad, Chuck is exceptionally fast and mobile for all his weight. He is impossible to 'unload' on.
In college Chuck was all-conference for three straight years. He was one of the few small college players to be selected for the East-West Shrine Game.
Chuck hails from Whittier, California."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


JIM SOREY
Defensive Tackle
No. 79
Texas Southern
Scouts highly praise Jim's ability to use his 6'4" and 285 pounds to anchor a defensive line. Coach Ramsey sees this young man as a building block of Buffalo's defense.

"All-Conference selection and the most valuable lineman in the history of Texas Southern football.
Jim is nicknamed 'Bull' because of his terrific charge. He's powerful and loves to hit and is almost impossible to budge on straight ahead blocks. Jim has pretty much cured a natural tendency, because of his charge, to barge in and be trapped."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


JACK SCOTT 
Defensive Tackle
No. 76
Ohio State
"Jack hails from Ironton, Ohio, hometown of Bills General Manager Dick Gallagher. He played his college ball at Ohio State and played with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL.
Jack joined the Bills late in training camp but immediately impressed with his all-around ability at defensive tackle. He's always talking to opponents."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


EDDIE MEYER 
Defensive Tackle
No. 62
West Texas State
"Eddie played his college football at West Texas State and played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. He's a big, strong and fast defensive tackle.
He reported late to Bills camp but has shown really good ability. He has an excellent chance of making the club.
Eddie was an honor student and played in the 1959 Copper Bowl. He is a teacher during the off-season."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


LAVERNE TORCZON
Defensive End
No. 87
Nebraska
Team captain at Nebraska, LaVerne was All-Big Eight two years and an All-American and the Cornhuskers' MVP as a senior. After being drafted by Cleveland, he was drafted by Uncle Sam and released by the Browns after his military service.
A leader by example, LaVerne inspires his teammates with his devastation of opposing blockers.

"Captain of the Bills, Torczon was All-Big Seven- with All-American mention- at the University of Nebraska. He played center, guard and tackle for the Cornhuskers. Torczon captained the team in 1956 and was selected the team's most valuable player.
He signed a National League contract with Cleveland but entered military service before reporting."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


MACK YOHO
Defensive End
No. 71
Miami-Ohio
"This is his second year with Ottawa. Mack is a good receiver.
He is single and lives in Ohio."

-1959 Topps CFL No. 50

A powerful tackler and mobile pass rusher, Mack earned All-Mid-American honors in college as an offensive tackle and defensive end. Also skilled as a kicker, his field goal won a 1959 CFL playoff game for Ottawa.
Coach Ramsey is confident this underrated defensive end will achieve acclaim in the new league.

"All-Mid-Atlantic Conference, All-Ohio offensive tackle and defensive end for Ara Parseghian at Miami. Mack played two years (1958-59) for Ottawa in the Canadian Big Four League and was the number one kicking star for Frank Clair. His toe won three games during the 1959 season including the playoff game against Montreal.
Mack was signed by the Bills as an offensive tackle."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


ARCHIE MATSOS 
Middle Linebacker
No. 56
Michigan State
"Archie was a three-year star for Duffy Dougherty at center, guard and tackle. He was a member of the 1956 Michigan State Rose Bowl team.
He's utilized as the middle linebacker and defensive quarterback by Coach Buster Ramsey. He's very fast, maneuverable and has a keen diagnostic sense.
Archie loves to travel. He has visited, on his own, every state in the union."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


SAM SANDERS
Middle Linebacker
No. 51
Buffalo
"Sam is one of the hardest tacklers in the game, and coaches and scouts insist he could make any team in the country. He is extremely fast, mobile and smart.
He was co-captain of the Buffalo Bulls and was selected for Little All-America as a junior in 1958. He also participated in track while at Buffalo U. as a discus thrower and shot putter."

-1960 Fleer No. 57


JOE SCHAFFER
Linebacker
No. 67
Tennessee
"An outstanding tackle for the Volunteers of Tennessee and their captain in 1959, Joe is known as a strong, rugged, aggressive competitor with an inspirational desire to play and win. In 1959 he was selected for the All-Southeastern Conference team.
Joe should be an exceptional asset in the Bills' line, both offensively and defensively."

-1960 Fleer No. 105

"1959 captain at the University of Tennessee, Joe was voted the Vols' outstanding lineman. He's comparatively light for a pro interior lineman but is very strong, fast and highly mobile.
Joe was doing an outstanding job at offensive guard. A shortage of linebackers forced a shift to that position."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


JACK LARAWAY 
Linebacker
No. 57
Purdue
"Purdue stalwart. Jack was used almost exclusively at defensive halfback, although he played offensive fullback at times with great effectiveness. He was in the top dozen of Detroit Lion draft choices."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


BERNIE BUZYNISKI 
Linebacker
No. 55
Holy Cross
"Outstanding star in the history of DeSales High School in Lockport. A top-flight end at Holy Cross, Bernie was All-East and an honorable mention All-American.
He is a recent acquisition from Dallas in the National League. He made his debut in the league opener. Big, strong and fast, Bernie played the entire game on defense at right-side linebacker and was very effective."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


RAY MOSS
Linebacker
No. 58
Tennessee
"Ray made a name for himself for the Volunteers of Tennessee as a center. He was known for his speed and coordination, which made him an excellent ball snapper and blocker. However, these assets also contributed to his defensive skills which were outstanding and led to his being signed by the Buffalo Bills as a linebacker.
In 1959, he was named to the All-Southeastern Conference team."

-1960 Fleer No. 44


BILLY ATKINS
Defensive Halfback-Kicker
No. 20
Auburn
"Bill was one of the first players signed by the Buffalo Bills and will be responsible for one of the most important assignments in pro football, the defensive halfback position.
He was the star defensive halfback for two years with the San Francisco 49ers. Bill played previously for Auburn and was named to the All-Southeastern Conference team. He was also selected for All-America."

-1960 Fleer No. 24

"All-Southeastern Conference selection in 1956-57 and an All-American in 1957. Atkins is the Auburn record-holder for most points scored in a single season. He participated in the East-West Shrine Game and the College All-Star Game.
Atkins played two years with the San Francisco 49ers as a defensive back. He was signed by the Bills as a defensive back and a kicker."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


BILLY KINARD
Defensive Halfback
No. 24
Mississippi
"Lettering four years at Mississippi, Billy played with the Rebels in the Sugar Bowl in '53 and in the Cotton Bowl in '56. Following college, he was the 2nd draft choice of the Cleveland Browns in 1956 and was a standout defensive halfback for them as well as later for the Green Bay Packers.
Billy is the brother of George and the famous Bruiser Kinard, both pro football stars."

-1960 Fleer No. 51

"Youngest of the famous football-playing Kinard brothers. His older brothers George and Frank (Bruiser) played pro football and are now retired.
Like his brothers, Billy was an outstanding player at Ole Miss. He played mostly offensive halfback in college. He was the second draft choice of the Cleveland Browns in 1957."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


JACK JOHNSON 
Defensive Halfback
No. 42
Miami
"For three years Jack was an outstanding star at the University of Miami (Fla.). He was UPI and AP honorable mention All-America in 1956 and All-South in '56.
Jack was a high draft choice of the Chicago Bears. He played three years, 1957-59, as a regular defensive halfback."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


RICHIE MCCABE
Safety
No. 45
Pittsburgh
Richie brings four years of valuable pro experience to the Buffalo defense. His gift for anticipating opposing plays was apparent in his rookie season as he played every game at safety. That year he made three interceptions, including one returned 25 yards, and returned a recovered fumble 76 yards for a touchdown.

"Richie is one of four Bill defensive halfbacks with professional experience. He played five years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Redskins after graduation from the University of Pittsburgh.
Richie gives credence to the old saw 'everybody got in, even the waterboy.' He was originally introduced to pro football as the waterboy for the Pittsburgh Steelers."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program


JIM WAGSTAFF
Safety
No. 22
Idaho State
Along with his gridiron accomplishments as a collegian, Jim set a Rocky Mountain Conference pole vault record. As a pro rookie, he was a promising part of Coach Ramsey's outstanding defense in Detroit until sidelined by an injury. Reunited with his mentor, Jim will anchor the Buffalo backfield at his safety position.
Jim is an off-season teacher who enjoys hunting and fishing.

"A brilliant defensive acquisition who played for the Detroit Lions and Chicago Cardinals. A gifted all-around athlete, Jim holds the Rocky Mountain Conference pole vault record, set in 1958. He is an avid hunter and fisherman.
Jim joined the Bills after training camp had started and immediately cracked the starting defensive backfield. He's fast, with quick reactions and tremendous poise."

-1960 Buffalo Bills Official Program