Shortly after winning a state championship in football in 1991, Aliquippa High School’s Ty Law was asked about his possible college choice and goals for the future.
“There are some schools that are recruiting me as a defensive back and return man, but there are a few that who want me to play flanker,” Law said. “I don’t know. I’ve always dreamed about winning the Heisman Trophy. I know that might be unrealistic, but it’s something I’d like to go after.”
Law never came close to that Heisman Trophy, but the Pro Football Hall of Fame isn’t a bad consolation prize.
On Saturday, Law was selected to the Hall of Fame. He will be inducted at ceremonies this summer, and his path to Canton started in Aliquippa. Law’s selection adds more to the glorious tradition of Aliquippa football. Aliquippa is now one of the few schools in the country to have two former players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The other is Mike Ditka.
Heck, you could sort of count three former Aliquippa players as members of the Hall of Fame. Tony Dorsett lived in Aliquippa but attended Hopewell. And maybe another Aliquippa player isn’t all that far from “busting” into Canton, either (Darrelle Revis).
But this year is about Law. Here are some notes, tidbits, statistics and memories of a two-sport athlete who was once unsure if he would be an offensive or defensive player in the future:
TESTING BEFORE THE CHAMPIONSHIP: Aliquippa played Hanover Area for the 1991 PIAA Class AA title at South Stadium in Pittsburgh. Law arrived only 15 minutes before the kickoff with two teammates. They were taking the ACT test in the morning. Law was a late arrival but a quick starter. Teammate Dorian Jackson fumbled the opening kickoff, but Law picked it up and ran 61 yards for a touchdown. Aliquippa went on to win, 27-0, in front of 1,757 fans. He finished with 19 yards on five carries and caught two passes for 27 years and he defended Hanover leading receiver Brian Kopacz the entire game. Kopacz finished with zero catches.
FINAL STATS: Law, who was 6 feet 1, 185 pounds as a senior, was a slotback and defensive back at Aliquippa. He finished his senior season with 28 catches for 588 yards and 57 rushes for 508 yards. On defense, he intercepted 11 passes.
ABOUT THE WPIAL TITLE: Aliquippa lost to Riverside, 35-6, in a regular-season game at Aliquippa. Quips coach Frank Marocco would say in November that the loss was the turning point of the season for the Quips. In the WPIAL final at Three Rivers Stadium, Aliquippa beat Riverside, 13-7.
In a semifinal win against South Park, Law carried the ball six times for 106 yards.
CHICO’S THE MAN: Aliquippa junior running back Chico Williams was the headliner for that 1991 Aliquippa team and somewhat overshadowed Law. Williams was a tremendous “little” running back. Williams, who stood only 5-8, rushed for 2,269 yards in 1991, and he is still 13th on the WPIAL’s all-time rushing list with 5,417 career yards.
THE HONORS: Law was a Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 selection as a senior. Four future NFL players were on that team. Besides Law, the others were Steel Valley quarterback Charlie Batch, McKeesport defensive back Mike Logan and Farrell linebacker Lorenzo Styles. Law also was first-team all-state that year along with two other Aliquippa players — Williams and defensive lineman Corey Alston. Law also was selected to the prestigious Parade All-American team.
“I really didn’t think I did that much defensively to get recognized like that,” Law said of his Parade selection. “I didn’t think too many people noticed me [at DB]. Usually they see the offense and the touchdowns.”
COACHSPEAK: Marocco had this to say about Law late in the 1991 season: “I think he’s going to make somebody a great cornerback. He can match up man-to-man with receivers. You don’t have to worry about him.”
How prophetic.
WOLVERINE MAN: On the final day of January in 1992, Law decided to attend the University of Michigan. He canceled a trip to Ohio State the previous weekend. His other finalist was Georgia Tech, but he also had Clemson on his final list at one time. Pitt wasn’t on his final list. The Wolverines recruited Law for defense, and Law was happy Michigan’s Desmond Howard, the Heisman Trophy winner, turned pro because Law had designs on being a standout kick returner.
“I don’t care what side of the ball I play on,” said Law. “I just want to help the team as much as I can. You get more attention on offense, but I think I’m equal on both sides.”
BASKETBALL PLAYER: The 2018 Aliquippa Quips won a PIAA football title in mid-December and a number of players were at basketball practice the next day. Two days after the final football game, they helped the Quips beat Blackhawk. But that’s just what they do in Aliquippa. In 1991, Aliquippa won a PIAA football title on a Saturday and Law was at basketball practice the next day. Three days after football ended, Law scored seven points and quarterback Ed Thornton 12 as Aliquippa beat Freedom, 70-48.
BASKETBALL TITLE GAME: Law was a point guard who averaged 10 points as a senior. He helped Aliquippa to the 1992 WPIAL Class 3A basketball championship game against Blackhawk at Duquesne’s Palumbo Center. This was a legendary Blackhawk team that included Dante Calabria, and Blackahwk defeated Aliquippa, 81-62. It was a forgettable game for Law as he made only 1 of 11 shots. But he had seven rebounds. Aliquippa’s season ended in the PIAA quarterfinals when the Quips lost to Erie Academy, 77-75, in overtime. Law scored 15 in the game but missed a 3-pointer at the end of regulation.
“BIG” IMPACT: Law’s play at DB was eye opening in the Big 33 all-star game (Pennsylvania vs. Maryland) in July 1992. It was a sign of things to come. Big 33 rules stated teams could only play man-to-man defense and blitzing wasn’t allowed. Basically, defensive backs had to go one-one-one on an island the entire game. Law was terrific, blanketing receiver after receiver. Pennsylvania won, 38-0, in front of 17,114 at Hersheypark Stadium.
13TH FOR THE HALL: Law is the 13th player from the district (WPIAL, City League or old Pittsburgh Catholic League) to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a player. The other 12 are:
George Blanda (Youngwood), Mike Ditka (Aliquippa), Tony Dorsett (Hopewell), Bill George (Waynesburg), Russ Grimm (Southmoreland), Dan Marino (Central Catholic), Curtis Martin (Allderdice), Joe Montana (Ringgold), Joe Namath (Beaver Falls), Joe Schmidt (Brentwood), Jason Taylor (Woodland Hills) and Johnny Unitas (St. Justin’s).
Mike White: mwhite@post-gazette.com and Twitter @mwhiteburgh
First Published: February 4, 2019, 3:32 p.m.
