George Taliaferro

Bio

George Taliaferro was a high school star in Gary, Indiana, before moving on to Indiana University in 1945. He was an instant success, helping the Hoosiers to their first Big Ten Championship and first unbeaten season at 9-0-1. Freshman halfback Taliaferro was nothing short of brilliant that year. After an opening victory over Michigan and a 7-7 tie with Northwestern, the Hoosiers ripped off triumphs over Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, Tulsa, Cornell, Minnesota, Pitt and Purdue - eight straight in the "win" column. In a 49-0 rout of Minnesota, Taliaferro scored three touchdowns, including an 82-yard interception return and a 95-yard kickoff return. He finished his incredible freshman season as IU's leading rusher with 719 yards. Taliaferro returned to play in 1947 and 1948 and was voted Indiana's Most Valuable Player in 1948. He made first-team All-America the same year. Taliaferro played with the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Colts in pro football. He returned to Indiana University as assistant to the dean of the School of Social Works.

Career Highlights

• 1948 All-Conference
• 1948 First Team All-America
• 1947 All-Conference
• 1947 Second Team All-America
• 1945 Second Team All-America