ROGER DONNAHOO
Cornerback
No. 46
Michigan State
"Alert and agile, Roger intercepted six passes. He made headlines when he picked up a blocked punt on the last play of the 1960 Denver game and ran for the winning touchdown."
-1961 Topps No. 156
JOHN BOOKMAN
Cornerback
No. 42
Miami
"A candidate on defense, Bookman is a light but very fast halfback or safety man. He runs the hundred in 10 flat, the 220 in 21.7.
A No. 8 draft choice, Bookman is a Marine reservist.
His hometown is Baton Rouge, Louisiana."
-1957 Jay Publishing
"John Bookman (22) is one of the two rookies to win jobs with the Giants this season. Only 175 pounds but very fast, he has been a valuable addition to the defensive platoon's umbrella. As of midseason, he led the Giants in interceptions.
A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, John attended Miami University of Florida. He's married and has an infant daughter."
-1957 New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium)
"Getting plenty of attention for his nuisance tactics as a defensive halfback in 1960 is the 26-year-old ball hawk from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Tabbed an All-League choice by many, John proved worthy of this praise by intercepting four forwards and covering receivers with great skill."
-Don Schiffer, 1961 Pro Football Handbook
BERT RECHICAR
Cornerback-Tight End-Place Kicker
No. 44
Tennessee
"The Vol wingback returned a punt 100 yards against Washington & Lee. His ability to fade rivals makes him an ace pass receiver."
-1951 Topps Magic No. 30
"Bert won four football letters playing on the nation's top-ranking 1951 team- Tennessee. He was mentioned for All-American and was chosen All-Southeastern Conference. He played in the Cotton Bowl, Sugar Bowl and College All-Star Game."
-1952 Bowman No. 136
"Voted Baltimore's Most Valuable Defensive Back in 1953, the former Tennessee All-American also holds the NFL record for field goals with a great boot of 56 yards last year. He doubles as an end on offense and snared two touchdown passes.
Bert, a handsome, dark-haired country boy, was named the Colts' Most Popular Player by the Baltimore fans."
-1954 Bowman No. 26
"The rugged Rechichar tied an N.F.L. record last year when he kicked three field goals in one game against the Rams. He currently holds the world's record for long-distance field goal kicking, having kicked one 56 yards against the Bears in 1953.
Rechichar played defense last year but may be switched to offense this season because of his size and power."
-1955 Bowman No. 20
"Bert's amazing kicking accuracy made him Baltimore's top scorer in 1955. In his first field goal attempt as a pro, he booted a record breaking 56-yard 3-pointer! He can star on offense and on defense.
Before deciding on a football career, Bert played baseball for Cleveland Indian farm clubs."
-1956 Topps No. 84
"In last season's Pro Bowl, Bert stole the show to win the Halas Trophy. He booted four long-distance field goals, beating the East with kicks of 52 and 41 yards, and two that traveled 44 yards.
Bert also holds the pro mark- a 56-yard field goal in his first attempt!"
-1957 Topps No. 41
"Bert still holds the National Football League record for the longest field goal ever made- a 56-yarder he booted back in 1953. He's also one of the Colts' ace pass defenders. Last season he was credited with making five interceptions."
-1958 Topps No. 74
DICK FELT
Safety
No. 23
BYU
Dick gained valuable experience while appearing in all 14 games last year. Opposing AFL quarterbacks now know he is a threat to intercept a pass.
Twice all-conference on offense as a collegian, Dick once scored four touchdowns in one quarter. He was also an All-Air Force halfback.
LEE RILEY
Safety
No. 22
Detroit
"Riley was the Lions' 4th draft choice after being unanimous All-Missouri Valley Conference halfback for two straight years. He compiled a 4.4 rushing average in four years of college football. He was scouted personally by Lions' coach Buddy Parker.
A fine runner, Riley will be used primarily with the offensive unit but may also see service as a defensive halfback."
-1955 Bowman No. 21
"A defensive back now in his fifth season. Riley was a Lion rookie, traded to the Eagles in 1956. He led the club in kickoff returns and was second in punt returns. He played offensive halfback in the Army in '57.
Riley lives in Schenectady, New York."
-Pro Football Handbook 1959
Lee appeared in every game with the Eagles in 1958 and 1959 and with the Giants last year. His skilled hands and NFL experience will be of great value to the promising New York secondary.
A unanimous All-Missouri Valley halfback two straight years, Lee registered a 4.4-yard rushing average in four years as a collegian. He was scouted personally by coach Buddy Parker of the Lions, with whom Lee began his pro career.
JUNIOR WREN
Safety
No. 21
Missouri
"When it comes to shaking up a short pass receiver, Junior is the man you want. His jarring tackles have cost the enemy the ball many times."
-1961 Topps No. 111
DAINARD PAULSON
Defensive Back
1st Year
Oregon State
"The chunky halfback hopes to break into the Titan defensive backfield. In addition to two seasons at Oregon State, during which he was voted the team's most valuable player, Dainard put in two years of service at El Camino Junior College. He led OSC in punting in 1959, with an average of 45.5 yards per kick- a respectable norm in any league.
A resident of Inglewood, Calif., Dainard operates a landscaping business during the off-season."
-1961 New York Titans Official Yearbook
JIM NIEMANN
Defensive Halfback
1st Year
Cincinnati
"Another highly touted newcomer to the Titans, Jim made one of the best records of Ohio football during his days at the University of Cincinnati. He won All-Ohio honors and was selected on three all-opponent teams. He tried out for pro baseball following his graduation, then switched to football and has had professional experience with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Niemann brings with him a reputation as one of the hardest hitting defense men in the game. He lives in Cincinnati, Ohio."
-1961 New York Titans Official Yearbook
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