highlights the Class of 2019. These two star wide receivers in Frank Lewis (Grambling) and John Taylor (Delaware State) not only were outstanding collegiate wideouts, but also left their mark in the National Football League.
Frank Lewis
Frank Lewis was one of Black College Football Hall of Fame co-founder and member James “Shack” Harris’ favorite receivers, who starred for the G-Men from 1967-70. The Houma, La native was a member of the 1968 SWAC Champions and the following season led the team in both rushing and receiving. Lewis scored 42 touchdowns and was a three-time All-SWAC selection.
The Pittsburgh Steelers nabbed Lewis with the 8th pick of the First Round of the 1971 NFL Draft. He would go on win two Super Bowl rings in the Steel City where he toiled for seven seasons and played his final six seasons with the Buffalo Bills.
John Taylor
John Taylor was one of the most prolific wide receivers in the history of the Mideastern Athletic Conference while at Delaware State. He scored a record 42 career touchdowns, including 15 six-pointers his senior season (both MEAC records). His 254 points during his collegiate career is also a conference record and was the Offensive Player of the Year in the in 1985.
Taylor was taken in the 3rd Round of the 1986 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers where he team with another HBCU legend Jerry Rice (Mississippi Valley) to comprise one of the most potent one-two punches in the league. The Pennsauken, New Jersey native is a two-time Pro Bowl selection and 3-time Super Bowl Champion. Taylor earned membership on the NFL’s 1980s All-Decade Team and spent his entire nine-year pro career with San Francisco.
