BUTCH BYRD
Cornerback-Punt Returner
No. 42
Boston University
As a cornerback in 1967, Butch was sixth in the AFL with three fumbles recovered and his five interceptions were good for ninth. As a punt returner, his total of 30 was third in the league, his 142 yards was seventh and his 4.7 yards per return was fifth.
CHARLEY MITCHELL
Cornerback
No. 46
Washington
"Every other club wants Charley Mitchell, the flash from McNary, Arizona who spent his rookie 1963 season jumping from left halfback to a corner defensive post [while also] carting back kickoffs and punts, finishing Nos. 4 and 5, respectively, in these two departments. Mitchell caught eight passes for 71 yards and rushed 23 times for 45 yards.
His speed and body balance are eye-openers and he can do so many things well."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"Charley was an outstanding rookie with the Denver Broncos in 1963. Used often on kickoff and punt returns, he has shown he has excellent balance to combat onrushing tacklers. Football experts predict that Charley will go on to become one of the AFL's top running halfbacks.
A graduate of Washington, Charley's younger brother is now attending that school."
-1964 Topps No. 55
"Versatile Charley Mitchell has proven he can swing between offense and defense, but with the Broncos was used most at running halfback last season, where he gained 590 yards on 174 carries to rank seventh among AFL rushers.
He has excellent breakaway speed and fine body balance. His 90-yard kickoff return against Houston for a touchdown is still a club record.
The 5-11, 185-pound speedster played college ball at the University of Washington."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Blinding speed and balance make Charley one of the most feared runners in football. He is an excellent pass receiver and is also used on kickoff and punt returns- Charley is co-holder of the club mark with a 90-yard kickoff return.
Watch him cross the goal many times this coming season."
-1965 Topps No. 60
"Built more like a defensive halfback, which is the way he started out with the Broncos, Charley also proved he could run with the ball when he was given a chance.
A 5-11, 185-pound speedster, Charlie was moved to offense in his sophomore year of 1964 and raced for 590 yards on 177 carries; he had a 3.3 average and scored five touchdowns. He also was on the receiving end of 33 passes for 225 yards. Last year, coming back from an injury which disabled him throughout 1965, Charlie picked up 199 yards on 70 carries; and he caught 14 passes for 239 yards, for a 17.1 average.
A second-team All-America at the University of Washington in 1962, he runs with great balance and surprising power to the inside."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
GEORGE SAIMES
Safety
No. 26
Michigan State
"It used to be that George Saimes was conspicuous on a football field because of his size. Now he's conspicuous because of what he does on the field. At 5-10 and 185 pounds, he has the stature to be the league's most resourceful free safetyman. One AFL scout unequivocally calls him the best open-field tackler in the game. Others admire the way he executes the safety blitz. And enemy receivers are still seeking ways to elude him. He's swift, shrewd and sure as a pass defender.
For the past three years, he's been selected All-AFL. He's now in his sixth pro year, and has grabbed 16 interceptions, though he's still looking for his first touchdown return.
George was a unanimous All-America fullback at Michigan State in 1962, and came to the Bills after they obtained draft rights to him from Kansas City."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
TOM JANIK
Strong Safety
No. 27
Texas A&I
"At 6-3 and 185 pounds, Tom Janik is ideally suited to play strongside safety. You have to be big enough to hold your own with those burly tight ends, and you have to be able to run away from them after you've swiped a pass.
That about describes the kind of season Tom had in 1967. He tied two others in the league for most interceptions with ten, and he returned them a total of 222 yards, two of them for scores. The two touchdowns matched his 1966 performance.
Tom, who has shown that he can play all four defensive backfield positions, originally was drafted by Denver in 1963 in the third round. The Bills acquired him during the 1964 season. He played his college football at Texas A&I, where he also was a fine punter."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
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