Sunday, August 3, 2014

1965 Giants Offensive Line Profiles

GREG LARSON
Center
No. 53
Minnesota
"As long as Ray Wietecha was performing his iron man stunt for the Giants, they had no serious plans about letting Greg Larson play his natural position of center; so he was converted to a tackle in 1961 and won a starting job on the offensive line. The next year he was shifted to guard, and again did an outstanding job for the division title winners.
Greg finally got to be a pivot in 1963 when Wietecha retired, and that's where he's been ever since, except for the knee injury which knocked him out of the lineup last season, and which required surgery. If the knee is all right - and it's always a big 'if' where the knee is concerned - the Giants will be fine at center.
Greg played his college ball at Minnesota and was a sixth-round draft pick."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"Greg won the starting tackle slot in 1961. Shifting to guard in 1962, he helped New York win a division title. He returned to his chosen position, center, in 1963."

-1965 Philadelphia No. 118


BOOKIE BOLIN
Guard
No. 63
Mississippi
Following a rookie season in which he was a backup guard who served on the kickoff and punt return teams, Bookie achieved regular status with a fine 1963 season and played every game last year.
As a collegian, Bookie played in the 1961 Sugar Bowl and 1962 Cotton Bowl.


PETE CASE
Guard
No. 65
Georgia
"Pete was a standout tackle during his years at Georgia. A fast man on the football field, he was one of the quickest men in the Southeastern Conference.
A shoulder injury slowed down his progress in 1961, but he still performed creditably. Pete is a top N.F.L. prospect."

-1962 Topps No. 125

Pete comes to the Giants after playing all 14 games for the Eagles last year. Through his specialty is pass blocking, he does just as well pulling out on running plays.
Considered one of the quickest linemen in the Southeastern Conference, Pete was captain of the 1958 freshman team, all-conference as a sophomore, a member of Auburn's all-opposition team in 1960, and captain of the varsity squad as a senior.


ROOSEVELT BROWN
Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Morgan State
"In his peak years - which were many - Rosey Brown was the premier offensive tackle in the league. He was quickest at pulling out of the line, or at getting downfield under a punt. He was a deadly blocker who chopped down blitzing opponents like so many twigs. And he helped to make better quarterbacks out of men Charlie Conerly and Y.A. Tittle.
But now, after 12 bruising seasons during which he has not been immune from injury, how much of it is left? It's a question Rosey will have to answer himself this year, but don't bet he doesn't give it a whale of a try. He is perhaps the top 'sleeper' choice of all time, as his number in the 1953 draft selections didn't come up until the 27th round."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"In NFL history, Rosie ranks as the top offensive tackle. He's a fine downfield blocker.
A valued member of the kickoff team, he usually makes the tackle."

-1965 Philadelphia No. 115


FRANK LASKY
Offensive Tackle
No. 71
Florida
Giant coaches believe Frank has great potential. And after being treated to four years of the passing heroics of Y.A. Tittle, the knowledgeable fans of the Giants appreciate offensive tackles who make it easier for their quarterback to pass and will appreciate Frank's talent when he gets the chance to play regularly.
After his impressive line play at Florida, the Giants thought enough of this young man to draft him as a 'future' in the second round in 1963.

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