Hawks solid down the line; health, inexperience keys
By JAY THOMAS
Kansan Sports Editor
When Pepper Rodgers tells you that his squad's greatest strength is kicking off, you've got to believe he has something. What "it" is though and how good "it" can be remains an enigma—one that even baffles the man who should know.
"We could be real good without injuries," diagnoses Dr. Pepper, "or we could be just plain poor if things don't go right." So far Rodgers has led a charmed life having avoided key injuries in both of his two previous campaigns. But his luck may be changing and if events of this fall are any inkling of things to come, this could be a long season.
Just about everyone on the squad has met with some injury and junior college transfer and original starting split end, Xerk White, has been shelved for the full slate with a shoulder separation.
But don't feel sorry for Pepper. If the crew he has assembled for the coming campaign plays up to its potential (and barring any more serious injuries), it will not need any luck—except against maybe Oklahoma and Missouri.
John Riggins is back and as fullbacks go, there are few better. The Big Train's running mate will
be highly-touted tailback Ron Jessie who, though green in experience, is long on ability. Coach Rodgers says that Jessie has improvement to make in blocking
and receiving but has the tools to be outstanding.
When 'Hawk fans reminisce about last season probably the one fellow mentioned most (and
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The secondary, at first feared to be vulnerable, has begun to come around and should be adequate by the first league game. George McGowan holds down one corner position but will probably see plenty of time at last season's split end slot in critical situations. Jim Hatcher, a split end behind McGowan last fall, moves over to man the other corner.
perhaps missed most) is quarterback Bobby Douglass. Still Douglass' loss may not be damaging if replacement Jim Etinger can do the job the coaches say he can. The non-conference schedule should give Jim the playing time he needs to establish himself. Rounding out the backfield is capable Willie Amison at wing-back.
Karl Salb (275) and Jim Bailey (243) comprise the most intimidating tackle tandem in the league and are ably supported by middle guard Al Jakobec, and ends Steve Carmichael and Larry Brown. Rookie Kenny Page will team with Hicks at the other linebacker.
In assessing KU's weak spots, rival scouts will no doubt point to the offensive line, at least in the early going. Graduation claimed standouts Ken Wertzberger and Keith Christianson while only guard Dave Aikins, center Dale Evans, and all-conference tight end John Mosier return.
But these three are all quality performers and should hold things together until 250-pound tackles Steve Lawson (a defensive convert) and Bob Childs jell. Two year letter-winner Grant Dahl shifts from tackle to guard.
Defense has been a strong point right along this fall and should get better as the season progresses. Back again to ram enemy ballearriers into the fifth row is linebacker Emery Hicks who
along with Riggins should make quite a few All-American elevens or rather, twenty-twos.
Dale Holt inherits Dave Morgan's old Hawk or rover position which should give him a good shot at repeating as the club's interception leader. Last year's safety understudy, Skip James has that job all to himself this fall.
No rundown of Kansas would be complete without mentioning kicking specialist Bill Bell, who will again handle all the kicking off, punting, and place-kicking.
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