Thursday, Sept. 14, 1961 University Daily Kansan
Page 3
Coleman, Jarrett Head Depleted Fullback Group
Graduation lifted Kansas' top three fullbacks from 1960, normally ample cause for high concern in any football camp. Yet the Jayhawker Staff is not fretting over that position as it heads into next Friday's opener with Texas Christian.
Reasons are one holdover veteran who has played the spot sporadically, Jim Jarrett, and two good all-round sophomore prospects, Ken Coleman and Armand Baughman. This threesome is expected to line
Ken Coleman
up in that order when double drills commence.
THIS IS NOT TO SAY that Doyle Schick, a 30-game starter over the past three seasons, won't be missed. None of the above figures match him as a corner defender and blocker. His stand-ins were Norm Mailen and Fred Bukaty.
But there is enough potential in the new corps to reel in most of the slack. Jarrett, a double letter winner, is thoroughly battle-tested. He is a stout tackler, stiff blocker and tough runner. In brief action at full last year, he proved he was more adept there than at right half, where he has spent most of his career.
Coleman, average as a right half with the 1960 freshmen, improved rapidly when returned to his prep position in spring drills. He climaxed 20 days of exceptional progress by ripping the Alumni for 163 yards in 22 carries in the Spring game. At 201 pounds he can lineback and block too.
Also in the picture are a senior veteran, Ron Michaels; a holdover squadman, Bill Buck, and another sophomore, Doug Madden.
BOTH ROOKIES STILL must prove they can withstand the pressure of game action, but the staff has given them a high vote of confidence at the outset.
Baughman, a 186-pounder from Hutchinson, came from far down in the ranks to move to third in spring camp. He also carries all-purpose talents.
Michaela lettered at left half two years ago. He has been used at every backfield position and even started one game at tackle. Combining adequate speed and size with this experience, the brawny Hiwatah product may be one of those late bloomers who finds himself as a senior.
BUCK IS EXPECTED to be much more at home at full than he has been at right half. He did not play last year in his first season of varsity eligibility. He owns adequate speed and has shown jolting force as a runner.
Madden, a 194-pounder out of Kansas City, Mo., improved steadily in spring practice, and is expected to benefit further from a shift from left half.
The pre-season assay here can be capsulied in this fashion . . . a short drop in block and linebacking, but more dangerous rushing potential.