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Kansas Football: The 10 greatest Jayhawks of all-time

By Cade Stout

Nov 23, 2018; Lawrence, KS, USA; A detailed view Kansas Jayhawks helmets in the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2018; Lawrence, KS, USA; A detailed view Kansas Jayhawks helmets in the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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With Kansas Football kicking off in one week against South Dakota at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, I ranked KU’s 10 best players in the program’s history.

Accomplishments at KU will be the deciding factor in the rankings, so I did not consider their achievements in the NFL.

There is certainly room for debate about rankings and who should be included or excluded since it is difficult to compare different position groups and players of different eras.

Honorable Mentions

First, here are 10 honorable mentions listed in alphabetical order.

  1. Dezmon Briscoe, WR (2007-09)
  2. Bobby Douglass, QB (1966-68)
  3. Chris Harris, CB (2007-10)
  4. Curtis McClinton, RB (1959-61)
  5. Mike McCormack, OL (1948-50)
  6. Kerry Meier, WR/QB (2006-09)
  7. George Mrkonic, OL/DL (1950-52)
  8. Willie Pless, LB (1982-85)
  9. Otto Schnellbacher, WR/CB (1942, 1946-47)
  10. Ollie Spencer, OL (1950-52)

The previous 10 Jayhawks and the next 10 that follow left behind great legacies, forever remaining a part of KU’s great football tradition.

#10: Anthony Collins, OL (2004-07)

LAWRENCE, KS – NOVEMBER 18: Anthony Collins #78, Travis Dambach #69, David Ochoa #74, Jake Cox #64, Cesar Rodriguez #65 of the Kansas Jayhawks stand on the field during the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Memorial Stadium on November 18, 2006, in Lawrence, Kansas. The Kansas Jayhawks won 39-20. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KS – NOVEMBER 18: Anthony Collins #78, Travis Dambach #69, David Ochoa #74, Jake Cox #64, Cesar Rodriguez #65 of the Kansas Jayhawks stand on the field during the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Memorial Stadium on November 18, 2006, in Lawrence, Kansas. The Kansas Jayhawks won 39-20. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

Anthony Collins is one of the greatest offensive linemen to play football at the University of Kansas, starting 24 games at offensive tackle in three years.

He was recognized as a consensus All-American and a finalist for the Outland Trophy in 2007. Collins was later inducted into the Kansas Football Ring of Honor at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

#9: Ray Evans, QB/CB (1941-42, 1946-47)

Ray Evans is the only player on this list to be both an All-American in football and basketball. He played on both sides of the ball at quarterback and defensive back, using his great athleticism to lead KU to a Big 6 Championship and an Orange Bowl in 1947.

In 1942, Evans led the nation in passing with 1,117 yards, but it was his 1947 season when he was named an All-American with 1,018 yards and nabbing 10 interceptions on defense.

Evans remains the only player in college football history to lead the nation in passing yards as a quarterback and interceptions as a defensive back. He is in the Ring of Honor and is remembered as one of KU’s greatest all-around athletes.

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