AFC East Maine Black Bears - AFC West Oldsmar Ospreys News & Notes

An example of a different way to build a team. When you pick in the lower quarter of the initial draft your strategy changes. I think that Maine's approach to the draft was excellent and their first pick was the Gold Standard at the Center spot Jim Otto.

Pro Bowls 1960 +	First Team All-Pro 1960 +
12	10

What a coup to be able to grab a Hall of Famer from the very start of his career as the Black Bears did with Otto. When you get an opportunity to grab a Twelve time Pro-Bowler and Ten time First Team All-Pro you shouldn't hesitate and Maine didn't as they started their franchise with "Double Zero".

Maine then doubled down by selecting another Hall of Famer just starting his career in Safety Larry Wilson.

Pro Bowls 1960 +	First Team All-Pro 1960 +
8	5

While the Maine offense might not feature the marquee names like Unitas or Jim Brown they are a solid unit with Dan James, Alex Sandusky & Grady Alderman comprising a solid offensive line. The defense is similarly solid. The linemen on the "D" side Feature Dan Colchico, Henry Jordan, Bob Toneff & John Paluck. With strong LB's in Vince Costello and Bill Koman plus In the aforementioned Wilson in the secondary moving the ball will not be easy versus the Black Bears.

Oldsmar was in a position to grab a Quarterback and they went with a personal favorite John Brodie.

Pro Bowls 1960 +	First Team All-Pro 1960 +
2	1

1960 was the first season for Brodie as a starting QB and for the next 14 years he will be a solid pro passer, three times leading the NFL in passing yards.

The Ospreys sought help in protecting Brodie so they grabbed Guard Fuzzy Thurston and Offensive Tackle Dick Schafrath.

Pro Bowls 1960 +	First Team All-Pro 1960 +
6	3

With the beginnings of a strong offensive line, Oldsmar also wanted to present some targets for their passing game. Pete Retzlaff and Johnny Morris figure to give secondaries some headaches as they try to stop the passing game. On the defensive side of the ball Oldsmar features linemen Rosey Grier and Daris McCord, both strong versus the run and pass. The secondary is led by Safety Goose Gonsulin and Cornerback Bobby Boyd. Bill Pellington supplies some big hits from the LB position. Like so many of the SRFL teams Oldsmar has nice weapons on both Defense and Offense.