Classic Jayhawks: Heisman finalist and Kansas football hero David Jaynes
Quarterback David Jaynes is one of the all-time Kansas football greats. He broke nearly every record and had as successful of college career as anyone.
David Jaynes was born in Kansas City, Missouri, but grew up in nearby Bonner Springs, Kansas. He was a highly recruited quarterback, with schools like Alabama and Miami targeting Jaynes. He decided to stay close to home though and attend the University of Kansas.
During his sophomore season in 1971, David Jaynes played all 11 games for the Jayhawks throwing for 748 yards, seven touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Not exactly Heisman numbers, but Jaynes improved significantly going into his junior season with Kansas football.
In 1972, Jaynes threw for 2,253 yards and 15 touchdowns, significantly developing into a great quarterback for Kansas. Still, he threw a lot of interceptions and the Jayhawks finished at the bottom of the Big Eight that year with a 4-7 record and no bowl game.
Once again, David Jaynes would show tremendous improvement heading into his senior season in 1973. He would go on to throw for 2,349 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Jaynes’ biggest stat change between 1972 and 1973 was that he threw 10 fewer interceptions in 1973.
He would lead Kansas football to a 7-4-1 record and an appearance in the Liberty Bowl, which the Jayhawks lost to a Lou Holtz coached NC State 31-18. Kansas finished the year ranked number 18 in the AP Poll.
Jaynes earned many accolades for his 1973 season, including Big Eight offensive player of the year and a spot on the All-American team. He finished fourth in Heisman voting and is still the only finalist in Kansas football history. Running back John Cappelletti of Penn State would go on to win the Heisman Trophy.
Jaynes broke practically every Kansas football passing record during his time with the Jayhawks. His record for career passing touchdowns (35) stood for over 30 years until Todd Reesing shattered the record with 90 touchdowns during his four seasons with Kansas.
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David Jaynes got drafted in the third round by the Kansas City Chiefs, but would never have a longterm pro career. Jaynes was interestingly also drafted with the first overall pick ever in the World Football League by the Houston Texans.