GREG LARSON
Center
No. 53
Minnesota
Greg has been the starting center for the Giants since succeeding Ray Wietecha in 1963. He recovered from a career threatening knee injury suffered in 1964, and in 1968 was named to the Pro Bowl squad for the first time. Greg is the acknowledged leader of the Giant offensive line.
Captain of the University of Minnesota squad that played in the Rose Bowl in 1961, Greg was both a center and linebacker in college. He was an AP and UPI All-Big Ten selection and a Catholic All-America nominee.
DOUG VAN HORN
No. 63
Ohio State
Doug has been a regular guard for the Giants since 1969. He was the Lions' No. 4 draft pick in 1966, spent the 1967 season in the Army and was released by Detroit during the '68 preseason. He was then signed by the Giants and assigned to New York's minor league affiliate, where his aggressive, hard-hitting play earned him a starting job the following season.
He was considered one of the top offensive linemen in the Big Ten during his college days at Ohio State. In 1965 he was named to the AP and UPI All-American teams and was also a Coaches' All-American.
Doug majored in marketing and works as a stockbroker in the off-season.
BOB HYLAND
Guard
No. 70
Boston College
Bob was drafted No. 1 by the Green Bay Packers in 1967 after that fabled dynasty had won its first Super Bowl. He appeared in every game in 1967, '68 and '69, including Super Bowl II. He was then traded to the Chicago Bears and appeared in every game in 1970.
The former first-round pick was once again traded (along with Bennie McRae) for a No. 1 choice when he was acquired by the Giants last year, and once again played every game.
Bob was a Boston College All-American in 1966 and widely regarded as the best offensive lineman in college football. He played in both the Senior Bowl and East-West games. Also a letterman in baseball and track, Bob once ran the 100 in 10.1.
WILLIE YOUNG
Offensive Tackle
No. 69
Grambling
A starting offensive tackle for the Giants during the past five seasons, Willie was signed by New York as a free agent on the recommendation of legendary Grambling coach Eddie Robinson. After being used as a guard and then a defensive tackle as a rookie, the job found the man at offensive tackle. Although not tall (6-0) for his position, Willie has succeeded with incredible strength and quickness.
Another of the NFL's distinguished Grambling alumni, Willie was a three-year regular at guard as a collegian, was named MVP lineman as a senior and earned All-NAIA honors that year.
JOE TAFFONI
Offensive Tackle
No. 72
Tennessee-Martin
A starting offensive tackle for the Browns in 1970, Joe was traded to the Rams after that season. He was subsequently traded to the Giants for offensive tackle Dick Buzin during the preseason but retired from football before the start of the season.
Joe returns to New York this year and gives the club hope of solidifying the offensive line. He should provide the excellent pass blocking to give quarterbacks Randy Johnson and Norm Snead precious extra seconds to complete passes. Joe also has the size, blocking ability and toughness to blast a hole in a defensive wall for Ron Johnson on a running play.
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