1970 Bills Offensive Line Profiles

FRANK MARCHLEWSKI
Center
No. 57
Minnesota
"'It won't be too long before Frank Marchlewski is rated as one of the best in the league,' says Norb Hecker. That's high praise for a center entering his third year in the league, but Frank has all the essentials. He snaps the ball back well and then springs into his primary blocking assignment.
A 6-2, 238-pounder, he was rated the finest center to come out of the University of Minnesota in the last ten years. He was a fifth-round draft pick by the Rams in 1965."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967

"You really have to keep your eyes on a center after he snaps the ball to know how good he is. He has diverse assignments that can make or break a play. Frank Marchlewski, who has started at center for the Falcons for the past two years, appears to be developing into a first-rate pivotman. He fires out well on the middle linebacker, and he is a good blocker on passing plays.
A burly 6-2, 240-pounder, Frank was praised as the finest center to come out of Minnesota in a decade by his former coach, Murray Warmath. He was drafted in the fifth round by the  Rams in 1965, and came to the Falcons in the expansion draft."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968


BILLY SHAW
Guard
No. 66
Georgia Tech
"Back in full stride after suffering a serious knee injury in 1967, Billy is still outstanding in all aspects of playing the guard position. He served as the team captain for six years and he retains his enthusiasm for playing as if he's still a rookie.
An  All-American tackle at Georgia Tech in 1960, Billy lettered for three years. He played in the Gator Bowl, Senior Bowl, North-South Game, Coaches' All-American Game and College All-Star Game."

-1970 Topps No. 229


JOE O'DONNELL
Guard
No. 70
Michigan
"After missing nearly all of the previous season with a knee injury, he came back as game and strong as ever last year. If the Bills' running game improves at all, you will hear O'Donnell's name being mentioned prominently, since he will be the one leading those sweeps for O.J. He enjoys being the pulling guard, and is known as a ferocious blocker.
Joe's one of the smart ones. He had a scholastic scholarship at the University of Michigan, where he captained the team."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970


AL BEMILLER
Offensive Tackle
No. 50
Syracuse
"Al is the Bills' iron-man, having started every game for the club since 1961. He has worked every line spot except tight end. He's a consistent worker who missed only one practice session in nine years.
Al played center for Syracuse University's national champions of 1959 and earned All-East recognition that year. He played in the Blue-Gray Game and also lettered in wrestling.
Al is a fine banquet speaker."

-1970 Topps No. 191

PAUL COSTA

Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Notre Dame
"Although a little on the small side for a pro tackle, Costa has the quickness and strength to make his 255 pounds effective. A six-year veteran from Notre Dame, where he played offensive and defensive end as well as tackle and halfback, Costa moved to right tackle last year after four years as a tight end. An ankle injury in 1968 helped him make the decision to move.
At 28, Costa is the second youngest returning regular in the Bills' front line and the year's experience at tackle should make him all the tougher."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

"Paul never had a set position in three varsity seasons at Notre Dame. He played offensive end and defensive end, tackle and halfback. A tight end his first four years with the Bills, Paul volunteered to move to offensive tackle for 1969. He was hampered in 1968 by ankle surgery prior to the opening of training camp, but recovered nicely.
If not used at tackle, Paul has the ability to become the premier tight end in the AFC. He's extremely strong with good speed for his size and he's capable of making the difficult catch.
Paul was a shot-putter at Notre Dame."

-1970 Topps No. 36