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Indiana Football: Some of the most notable NFL Draft Picks in school history.

Indiana Football has had players drafted since inception of the NFL Draft. Who are some of the more notable players the Hoosiers have produced.

By Dante Pryor

Michigan State Spartans vs University of Indiana Hoosiers
Michigan State Spartans vs University of Indiana Hoosiers / Rick Stewart/GettyImages
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George Taliaferro: 1949

George Taliaferro
George Taliaferro Running With Football / Keystone/GettyImages

George Taliaferro is one in a line of great athletes from Gary, Indiana (which also happens to be my home town). After graduating from Gary Roosevelt High School (my alma mater's rival), he became an All-American at Indiana University. Taliaferro was a trailblazer at IU. He was the first black football player to lead the Big Ten in rushing.

Taliaferro led Indiana in rushing twice, punting, and passing, earning All-Big Ten First team (1945 and '48) and All-American Second Team Honors (1945 and '47). Drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 13th round of the 1949 NFL Draft, Taliaferro decided to play for the Los Angeles Dons of the now defunct AAFC.

When the league folded in 1950, Taliaferro played in the NFL for the New York Yanks. He led the league in kickoff return yards in 1951 and made three Pro Bowls. Taliaferro played for five teams during his seven year professional football career.

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