DENNIS SHAW
Quarterback
No. 16
San Diego State
"Too few touchdown passes (11) and too many interceptions (26) spoiled his second pro season. Still, he completed 51.2% of his throws and is Buffalo's hope for the future. An injured finger bothered him throughout the season last year, but it's expected to be okay this time around.
Shaw has a strong arm and can throw often. He tossed more than 300 aerials as a rookie and 291 last year. He's also a good runner, averaging over five yards a carry each season.
He was Rookie of the Year in five different national polls in 1970, when he came on the scene late because of a holdout. Drafted No. 2, but he played better than some of the more publicized rookies. He had set San Diego State records for touchdowns in a game (nine) and a season (39).
Dennis attends graduate school in anticipation of a business career. He's from Claremont, California."
-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition
"Dennis became the Bills' starting quarterback in the second game of his rookie season in 1970 and proceeded to set new club marks in passing and completion percentage. Possessed with a strong arm and good football sense, he holds the San Diego State records for most touchdowns with 39 and the most in one game with nine."
-1972 Topps No. 238
"Shaw holds the San Diego State records for most touchdown passes (39) and most in one game (9). He played in the Pasadena and Senior Bowls, the East-West Shrine, Coaches All-America and College All-Star games.
Shaw was the Bills' second draft choice in 1970. He became the starting quarterback in the second game of his rookie season. He was named Rookie of the Year in five national polls.
Last season, Shaw had a pass completion average of 51.2 for 11 touchdowns. He holds the team records in passing and completion percentage."
-1972 Coca-Cola
MIKE TALIAFERRO
Quarterback
No. 17
Illinois
"The New York Jets chose Mike in 1963 as a future draft pick. He'll be sharing the work with New York's quarterback Dick Wood.
A top battling passer with a strong arm, Mike pitched Illinois into the Big 10 championship in 1963. The native of Dallas, Texas was a real standout in the Rose Bowl last year.
Always in there battling, Mike is a fine runner and a threat at any time to call for a quarterback sneak."
-1964 Topps No. 126
"The back-up man to the Jets' Dick Wood, Mike was given a chance to show his stuff towards the end of the 1964 season. The big quarterback can throw the long bomb and he is a good scrambler, too.
Mike is the second-leading passer in Illinois history. His strong arm led Illinois to the Big Ten Championship and a Rose Bowl victory in his Senior Year."
-1965 Topps No. 128
"His four seasons as Joe Namath's caddie in New York have put a coating of rust on Mike Taliaferro's passing arm; or maybe he is simply meant to be a backup quarterback. This is something Clive Rush, who worked with him in New York, will be out to determine this season in Boston.
Mike came to the Patriots last year presumably as relief man for Don Trull, also acquired for the '68 campaign. Trull didn't make it and was let go, and Mike got the starting job. But he, too, was found wanting, and the Pats turned desperately to unknown Tom Sherman, who did a creditable job. Mike had 67 completions in 176 attempts for 889 yards and four touchdowns.
The book on him is that he's a smart play-caller and good ball-handler. He'll have a chance to prove it this year."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
"This strong-armed passer was acquired from the New York Jets. Coming to Boston was a big break for Mike. He has high hopes of breaking into the starting lineup to become the Patriots' #1 quarterback in 1969.
Mike's longest pass in '68 was good for a 70-yard touchdown."
-1969 Topps No. 241
"After four seasons in the shadow of Joe Namath, Mike finally got a shot at a regular job when he came to the Patriots two years ago. The big Texan, who stands 6-2 and weighs 205 pounds, reached his peak at age 28 last year. The Patriots wrote off his first year with them because he was hampered by injuries, but he finally made it big last season.
A combination of staying healthy, playing regularly and renewing associations with Clive Rush, his old coach in New York, paid off handsomely. By the end of the season, Taliaferro was tied with Namath for second place in AFL touchdown passes. Each had 19."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
"Mike's finest year was 1969 when he was one of pro football's most improved players and was named by Pro Football Guide as Comeback Player of the Year. Named as the starting quarterback for the Eastern squad in the AFL All-Star game in January 1970, his 19 touchdown passes that year tied him with Joe Namath for second best in the AFL.
Originally drafted by both the Giants and the Jets as a future pick in 1963, Mike led Illinois to the Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl win as a senior and was the second leading passer in Illini history. He led the Jets to a 4-0 preseason record in 1966.
Mike pronounces his name 'Tolliver.' "
-1971 Topps No. 259
LEO HART
Quarterback
No. 10
Duke
"The No. 5 passer in NCAA history, Leo owns almost all the Duke and Atlantic Coast Conference passing records. His three-year total offense record totals 6,627 yards. In 1970 he completed 180 of 308 passes for 2,236 yards.
Leo is a native of Kinston, N.C., where he still lives."
-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1971 Edition)
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