6B
SPORTS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2007
Photo courtesy of Spencer Research Library
Douglass'11-year professional football career included the Chicago Bears, San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers.
WHEELER (CONTINUED FROM 1B)
Though Douglass played in the NFL at a time before million dollar contracts and endorsements, he still managed to have a long career, which lasted 11 seasons, playing for the Chicago Bears, San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers. Vick on the other hand, squandered a chance to become an all-time great by running his "Bad Newz Kennels" operation.
Because of Vick's alleged negligence to animal rights, the only people who might be able to bring light to the current Michael Vick situation are prison wardens nationwide. If there is one thing certain in this whole debacle, there is going to be a federal penitentiary somewhere with the best prison football team in the land.
Though stories like Vick's are disheartening for fans, it should be reminded that for every Vick, there are another 10 players with stories like Bobby Douglass. Even though Vick broke Douglass record, which
stood for over three decades, records are meant to be broken. For Vick's single-season rushing record, current Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young is just the guy to do it.
Young, the former University of Texas star, is memorable for his spectacular performance in the 2006 Bowl Championship Series, in which he passed for 267 yards and ran for another 200 yards against University of Southern California, leading Texas to a National Championship.
Last season. Young broke another record previously held by Bobby Douglass for most yards ran by a rookie quarterback. Young rushed for 552 yards — surpassing Douglass' mark of 408 yards — while starting in just 13 games.
No dogs were harmed while writing this column.
— Edited by Meghan Murphy
FOOTBALL (CONTINUED FROM 1B)
one. Senior defensive tackle James McClinton is one of the best run-stoppers in the Big 12 Conference. The team captain used his sturdy 285-pound frame to accumulate six sacks and 14.5 tackles-for-loss in 2006. The impressive performance resulted in All-Big 12 Team recognition.
For the time being, McClinton's partner at defensive tackle will be sophomore Caleb Blakesley, who has never started a game at Kansas. It remains to be seen if junior Todd Haselhorst will return from an injury in time to play against Central Michigan Sept. 1.
Junior defensive end Russell Brorsen started eight games last year and has retained the job heading into this season. Brorsen was an improvement over the inconsistent players he replaced last year and could lead the team in sacks this season.
junior John Larson is number one on the depth chart. The 250-pound lineman played 10 games last year but needs to show the ability to hassle the quarterback more frequently.
At the other defensive end position,
Despite the injury and inexperience up front, Mangino said he liked what he had seen from the line in the preseason.
"We've been getting a little bit of pressure on the quarterback," Mangino said. "We're pushing the pocket back and making the quarterback get rid of the ball more quickly."
Jeff Wheeler is the team's third best option at defensive end. The 6-7, Houston native collected two sacks last year. Reserve defensive tackles include true freshman Richard Johnson, Jr., who Mangino said could skip a redshirt, and redshirt freshman Jamal Greene.
- Edited by Rachel Bock
Adam MaDonald/KANSAN
Fans take advantage of an autograph session after fan appreciation day on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium. Kerry Meier, red-shirt sophomore quarterback, pleases his line of eager fans with autographs and poses.
FANS (CONTINUED FROM 1B)
McClinton, Derek Fine, Aquib Talib and Brandon McAnderson to address the crowd. They all briefly thanked the crowd for attending.
"Thanks for coming out," Fine said. "It's hot. You guys could have been out eating ice cream. Thanks."
Mangino then opened the field for fans to mingle with the players.
Marty Carr, 9, raced from his seat
to obtain player autographs. The back of Carr's shirt soon had the signatures of Reesing, wide receiver Marcus Henry. Big Jay, Baby Jay, and Carr's favorite player, offensive lineman Luke Templin, who works with Carr's mother, Julie.
"I came so I could get a lot of KU football autographs," Carr said.
He may have been the day's most enthused fan.
"He's been waiting since we found out about this," Julie Carr said. "He's been asking me every day for a week when we could come to the Stadium."
Stacy Bain, Ness City junior, was among the first KU students in line.
"I think this is a great way to get pumped up for the first game," Bain said.
Bain sat at midfield and snapped
shots of her favorite member of the team.
"I love Mangini!" Bain said. "I think he is a great coach."
For at least one day, hope sprung eternally for football fans. Bain predicts an 8-4 finish.
Edited by Meghan Murphy
"I have high hopes for this team."
BIG 12
Missouri players return, participate in practice
ASSOCIATED PRESS
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri coaches are trying to slowly nurse both potential starting cornerbacks to health in time for the Sept. 1 season-opener against Illinois at St. Louis.
Finally, there is encouraging news for both.
Starter Darnell Terrell, slowed by a spring injury to his hamstring.
participated in full-contact drills Tuesday for the first time during preseason practices. Meanwhile, cornerback Hardy Ricks, who started eight games as a freshman last season, participated in drills of any kind for
year for the 8-5 Tigers, leading all cornerbacks with 70 tackles, including 12 in the Sun Bowl loss to Oregon State. Ricks had 40 tackles.
But after those two, the most experienced cornerback is Paul Simpson, a junior college transfer who played in every game but made just 13 tackles. Of all the cornerbacks vying for playing time, only Terrell has intercepted a pass.
"We're just trying to slowly bring them back without taking steps backwards right now."
Terrell said that his injury, and
CORNELL FORD
Missouri cornerbacks coach
the first time since dislocating his shoulder Aug. 7.
Cornerbacks coach Cornell Ford said that having both players back was a relief but that the team isn't rushing them onto the field.
The hamstring injury has been an ongoing concern for Terrell. He re-injured it twice during summer conditioning drills. Now, he's hopeful it is fully healed as he prepares to lead a cornerbacks corps that is light on experience.
Terrell started every game last
"We're just trying to slowly bring them back without taking any steps backward right now" Ford said.
the one to Ricks, may have served a purpose by allowing the inexperienced players more time on the practice field.
"It was kind of a blessing in disguise because we gave guys a chance to go against better
competition and get those guys a lot better," Terrell said. "I think, as a whole, we're going to be a good group."
ASSOCIATED PRESS
"Game week, he's got to be ready to go." Ford said. "Wed like to have him back as soon as we can, but if he's not ready Week 1, we'll wait until next week."
Terrell will most likely play in the opener against Illinois. Ford said that Ricks' playing time will depend on when he returns to full-contact drills.
Carl Gettis, a freshman from St. Louis, has quickly risen up the depth chart since fall practices began. He
Missouri coach Gary Pinkel leads his team in a sprint down the field Saturday, Aug. 4, 2007, at the beginning of the squad's first football practice of the season, on the Missouri practice fields in Columbia. Mo. Missourian starts the season with great expectations for its high-powered offense.
played with the No. 1 defense in Missouri's first scrimmage Aug. 18.
"He's very athletic," Ford said. "He's very mature and he's a competitor and that's given him a chance
to be ready at this time."
In addition to Gettis and Simpson, backups at corner will include Castine Bridges, Tremane Vaughns and Kevin Rutland.