1962 Bills Cornerback Profiles

WILLIE WEST
Cornerback
No. 47
Oregon

"This swift 5-10, 185-pound back broke in impressively last fall, leading the team with 13 kickoff returns for 370 yards- one for 87 yards. This year, Willie is taking a shot at a defensive backfield post, where his exceptional speed enables him to cover a lot of territory. He is still being used to haul back punts and kickoffs.

He co-captained the Oregon team in 1959 and earned All-Pacific Coast Conference honors that year."

-1961 Baltimore Colts Official Program

1962
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.

BOOKER EDGERSON 

Cornerback

No. 24

Western Illinois

"Next to the fabled Dubenion, Edgerson is the Bills' fastest man. He ran a 9.7 hundred at Western Illinois. He was also one of the nation's best intercollegiate best broad-jumpers with leaps of 25 feet to his credit. He's a former Illinois all-state wrestling champ.

A four-year defensive backfield stalwart in college, Lou Saban recruited him as a freshman. In addition to his speed, Edgerson has the quickness and toughness necessary for a pro defensive back. In four years of college he played only three games on offense, yet gained 310 yards and averaged 7.7 yards per carry when his chance finally came."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

JOE CANNAVINO
Cornerback
No. 27
Ohio State

"Another strong defender is Cleveland's Joe Cannavino, who was a Colt draft choice in 1957. Joe, 25, returned four interceptions 45 yards and was particularly effective at halting runners anxious to break into the open."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"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

"The Bills gave up corner back Vern Valdez in a trade with the Raiders for the former Ohio State star. Originally signed by the Bills in 1960, he was sent to Oakland under the AFL's player selection agreement with the newly admitted Oakland franchise.

He's a tough, hard hitting defender who could play offense in a pinch. His two interceptions helped OSU win a 10-7 1958 Rose Bowl thriller over Oregon State."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

JIM CROTTY 

Cornerback

No. 25

Notre Dame

"Late 1961 acquisition by the Bills. Crotty did an outstanding job at right cornerback during the final five games. He played his first game for Buffalo less than 24 hours after reporting in outstanding fashion. He's counted on heavily in the 1962 plans for an improved pass defense and is being shifted to the left (strong) side corner.

Crotty's original contract with the Bills called for a return to free agent status after the season. He liked the Bills and AFL so much he was delighted to sign a regulation contract for this year.

He's strong, smart and an excellent tackler. He has excellent defensive moves."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium