1971 Giants Offensive Line Profiles

GREG LARSON

Center
No. 53
Minnesota
"Seven years ago, when Greg Larson had to undergo serious knee surgery, it appeared that his football career was at an end. It took the Giants' 250-pound center nearly a season to get back into playing shape, but Greg was determined to make it back and is still going strong.
This will Greg's be 11th pro season- all with the Giants- and he's considered one of the most underrated blocking centers in the league.
A center and linebacker on Minnesota's 1961 Rose Bowl team, Larson was drafted sixth by New York the following season."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

BOB HYLAND

Guard

No. 70

Boston College

"For some reason or other, Bob Hyland never quite fit in with the Packers. He was Green Bay's number one draft choice in 1967 after an outstanding career at Boston College. In his senior year at B.C., Hyland was considered college football's outstanding offensive lineman. The Packers figured he could move right in at center, but Ken Bowman held onto the job and Hyland shuffled around- playing some center, some guard, some tackle, and never quite solidifying a position anywhere. With the Bears the 6-5, 250-pounder from White Plains, New York, should do well at center as veteran Mike Pyle's replacement. 

Hyland is supposed to have 10.1 speed for the hundred. At Boston College he lettered in baseball and track as well as in football. He once threw a shot put 53 feet.

Bob now makes his home in Chicago. He attends Loyola University, where he is taking a course in business administration."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

"A number one draft choice of the Packers in 1967 after playing at Boston College, Bob Hyland never was a regular for Green Bay, where he couldn't beat out fhe far more experienced Ken Bowman. But last year he came to Chicago in a major trade and the 250-pound center found a home.

He has the size to handle the pass rush and outstanding speed to lead runners. As his confidence builds, Bob could emerge as one of the better pivotmen in the league.

In addition to playing football, Hyland also lettered in baseball and track."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football, Pro Football 1971

DOUG VAN HORN

Guard

No. 63

Ohio State

Doug appeared in 14 games as a rookie for the Lions in 1966 and spent the 1967 season in military service. Released by the Lions in 1968 and signed by the Giants, he became a regular in 1969. He proved himself one of the most determined offensive guards in the NFC.

Doug earned three varsity letters at Ohio State. He was named an All-American by both AP and UPI.

WILLIE YOUNG

Offensive Tackle

No. 69

Grambling

Willie begins his fifth season as the Giants' starting left tackle. Signed as a free agent on the recommendation of Grambling coach Eddie Robinson, he started his rookie season as an offensive guard and was switched to defensive tackle before the job found the man at offensive tackle. Although not tall for the position, Willie succeeds with great strength and quickness. At Grambling he was a three-year starter at guard and as a senior was named MVP lineman and was All-NAIA.

CHARLIE HARPER

Offensive Tackle

No. 61

Oklahoma State

Although known as a reserve offensive lineman who can play either tackle or guard, the Giants often turn to Charlie for regular duty. Like Willie Young, he's not particularly tall for an offensive tackle but can handle the charge of any defensive end and keeps the opposing defense out of the backfield.

Charlie was a defensive stalwart in his college days at Oklahoma State. He was a unanimous All-Big Eight and earned All-American honorable mention. Playing linebacker and defensive tackle, he led the school in defensive statistics in both 1964 and 1965, and in three years notched 75 unassisted tackles and 175 assisted tackles.