1942 KANSAS FOOTBALL PROSPECTUS

A strong line with a questionable backfield is the setup that Coach Gwinn
Henry will have to contend with this Fall as he starts his fourth year as head
mentor at Kansas, This situation, however, might well produce the strongest K.U.
eleven since 1933,

Thirteen lettermen from last year's squad have been lost by graduation or
entry into the Armed Services. Greatest losses were in the backfield where all-
conference Ralph Miller and regulars Don Ettinger and Ray Niblo have departed, leav—
ing only Ray Evans to carry the burden. Three other backs who lettered will return
but none are sure of winning a starting berth.

Linquist might easily fill the fullback spot but his eligibility is doubtful.
Altman worked as regular quarterback during Spring practice and showed up exception-
ally well. The other letterman, Hayden, will probably see only part-time service
as a passing threat,

To complete the backfield, Henry must depend upon his capable crop of sopho-
mores, Best of the lot is scat~back Gene Roberts who will team with Evans at the
half~back posts. Upon Evans will fall the brunt of the team's punting and passing
as well as being the Jayhawk's ace runner,

The fullback position will fall to either Conley or Palmer, two sophs who
showed up well last Fall on the yearling team, Other backs of better than average
ability who will break into the line-up frequently are Hoyt Baker, Don Comeaux,
Kenny Thompson, and Dick Miller,

Henry can well afford to smile when he views six returning lettermen in the
line. The tackle position is best fortified with Hodges, and Long back to fill
these spots, Added to this group are two-year squadman Hunter and two sophs,
Channell and Monroe, who both tally above the 200-lb. mark.

At guard Joe Crawford is the lone veteran returning but Long will probably
shift to guard this fall, a spot he practiced at during the Spring. Right behind
this pair are sophs Herron and Johnson who caused plenty of misery to the varsity
last Fall while on the Frosh squad, Squadmen Svoboda looked strong in Spring
practice and may surprise with a starting berth.

The center slot is also well—filled with two lettermen returning and Henry's
ace in the hole, a sophomore named Penney. Githens was regular snapper—back last
season but during Spring practice Penney supplanted him by exhibiting a world of
drive and ability. He is rated the best of the entire freshman crop. A third
center is Sheridan, former all-state high school star, who lettered in 1940 but
laid out of school last year,

The end spots are doubtful but not much cause for worry. Hardman will return
to take over his regular flank position but the other end is still in question,
Letterman Dick would fill the bill nicely but an injured knee may not stand up under
a full-season grind. Backing up this duo are three sophs, Brill, Zimmerman, and
Schnellbacher, all of potential greatness, Another man who may surprise if given
a chance is squadman Paul Turner,

The Jayhawkers practiced the "T" formation to a considerable extent last Spring
and will combine that type of attack with Henry's "spinner wing" offensive this
Fall. This should provide a wide-open style of play and make the Jayhawks a constant
threat during the season,