1963 Bills Offensive Line Profiles

AL BEMILLER
Center
No. 50
Syracuse
In his second season as a pro, Al once again started every game. He anchors the Buffalo offensive line with great strength and quick reflexes. And folks in western New York appreciate linemen who keep their quarterbacks able to pass.


BILLY SHAW
Guard
No. 66
Georgia Tech
"His coaches claim that there's not a defensive tackle in the league who can stem the tremendous blocking drive of Bill Shaw, a guard who can spring forward with the snap of a sprinter. He's among the most versatile in the AFL and is strong enough to make it as a defensive end, a position he may be forced to take over this year.
Born in Natchez, Mississippi, Shaw earned an All-American reputation at Georgia Tech as a defensive performer."

-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963

"Billy has all the requisites for a star pro lineman, and in two years with the Bills, that's just what he has become.
He had the problem of making the transition from tackle, where he had gained All-American attention at Georgia Tech, to guard, where his speed is essential in pulling out to lead the plays. He could be just as effective as a defensive operator at end, but blockers of his size and aggressive nature are just too hard to find."

-1963 Fleer No. 28


TOM DAY
Guard
No. 64
North Carolina A & T
Tom played every game as he took over at guard last year and displayed great strength and quickness. In his fourth year as a pro, he has gained the experience necessary to lead a running play or block for a pass. Tom is also quite popular with his teammates.


CHARLEY LEO 
Guard
No. 62
Indiana
"Charley was named Niagara Falls Athlete of the Year after an inaugural season with the Patriots which earned him high ranking among offensive linemen in the new league.
A product of Bishop Duffy High, Leo, whose brother Jim plays for the NFL Giants, attended Indiana. His college career was interrupted by Army service after the 1954-55 season. Out of military duty, he was shifted from guard to tackle for his final Hoosier season in 1959."

-1961 Fleer No. 181

"Exceptionally fast for a man his size, Leo was the leader of the Patriots' blocking unit. His hometown of Niagara Falls hailed him as the 1960 Athlete of the Year."

-1961 Topps No. 180

"Without a shadow of doubt, Charley Leo established himself in 1961 as the peer of all offensive guards. Grace, power and superior striking speed combined to turn this 27-year-old into a vital attacking force, one with the strength of a fullback in full flight. His reactions to defenses are so immediate that he can counter with two or three types of blocks, and his defenders are forced to use brain and brawn to check this Niagara Falls (N.Y.) torrent."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook


HAROLD OLSON
Offensive Tackle
No. 74
Clemson
"Harold Olson has improved in just about every game he's played at offensive tackle. He didn't take his job seriously as a rookie in '60, not knowing whether he was interested in a pro career. He has now advanced to the stage where he's among the top five at his position. He increased his blocking ability by taking off weight and by gaining an additional step in making his initial charge.
Harold was born in Asheville, North Carolina."

-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963


KEN RICE
Offensive Tackle
No. 75
Auburn
"As a 1961 rookie, Ken was named to the All-AFL team. The Bills were talking about him with all-time haloes when a broken leg put him out of commission for the entire 1962 season.
This big, mobile operator was a two-time All-American in college, fast enough to have played fullback on his high school team and tough enough to make the Bills want to play him on defense. In college, he used to outrun most of the backs- on either team."

-1963 Fleer No. 29