1971 Profiles: Austin Denney and Jan White

AUSTIN DENNEY

Tight End
No. 84
Tennessee
'The Bills acquired tight end Austin Denney from Chicago during training camp last summer and the four-year veteran did a commendable job for Buffalo. The 6-2, 229-pounder was a rugged blocker and performed as a short-yardage pass receiver, catching 14 passes for 201 yards. Denney, who was an All-American at Tennessee, lacks the speed necessary to become a deep threat.
Originally with the Dallas Cowboys, the Bears got him along with Mac Percival in 1967 for a draft choice. His best season was in 1968 when he wound up with 23 receptions."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

"An All-American at Tennessee, Austin set a school record when he caught seven touchdown passes as a senior and added another in the Gator Bowl. He was captain of the Volunteers in his senior year while catching 21 passes for 264 yards.

Austin reported to the Bears just before the 1967 season began but didn't break in until halfway through the schedule. Aside from catching a dozen passes, he did an excellent job of blocking.

In his sophomore season, his best day was at New Orleans where he caught three passes for 53 yards including two touchdowns. He also caught four passes against San Francisco, four against Washington and in two meetings with Detroit, Austin totaled five for 61 yards.

He was traded to the Bills for 1970."

-1971 Topps No. 187

JAN WHITE

Tight End

2nd Round

Ohio State

"A standout and starter for three years at Ohio State. White was co-captain as a senior and played in two Rose Bowls and for three Big Ten championship teams. He led or tied for the team pass-catching title each year, snagging 61 balls throughout his career. He was All-America in two major polls by pro scouts.

He's a winner who has played in only two losing games since entering high school in Harrisburg, Pa. He once teamed with Jimmy Jones, Southern Cal's star quarterback. White was a high school All-America in track as a hurdler.

The first tight end taken in the draft, White has the speed and moves to play split end but his blocking talents make him a tight end."

-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1971 Edition)