Scott McClurgHe carried the ball only three times last season.
On special teams, he logged a grand total of seven tackles.
Brandon McAnderson may not be a football star at Kansas University, but he belongs in select company. He’s a Lawrence native who wears a KU football uniform.
“It makes me proud that I can represent my (grade) school, the city and my high school,” McAnderson said. “Maybe seeing me, children around the city can see their goals can be achieved.”
An all-stater at Lawrence High – as a talented linebacker and gifted ball-carrier – McAnderson carries a cachet at Kennedy School, where he spent his formative years, as well as at Lawrence High.
“I’ve talked at Kennedy Elementary,” he said, “and I know lots of Little Leaguers. And coach (Dirk) Wedd allows me to talk to the guys on his team. I want them to know it’s important to achieve your goals.”
At Lawrence High, football was relatively easy because McAnderson’s skill level was so much higher than his contemporaries. But in college, he found his talent was on a par with many others and that his playing time most likely would increase in direct proportion to his work ethic.
“It was hard adjusting at first,” he said. “You think maybe if you make plays they’ll give you more of a chance. So it’s a challenge.”
McAnderson was red-shirted during the 2003 season, but played in all 11 games last season as the second-string fullback behind Austine Nwabuisi, as well as on the kickoff and kickoff-return teams.
In Mark Mangino’s offense, the fullback plays about as often as the holder on place-kicks, while the back-up fullback is on the field about as often as a stray dog.
Consequently, McAnderson relished his time on the kickoff teams.
“I’m usually one of the middle guys on the wedge,” said McAnderson, who is listed at 6-foot and 235 pounds. “It’s so much fun to do that. It really is.”
McAnderson isn’t just woofing. Mangino gave him a ringing endorsement.
“We like his intensity going down on the kickoff team,” the KU coach said. “If you’re in his way, he’s going to clean your clock.”
When he was playing tailback and linebacker for the Lions, McAnderson was equally adept at both. He rushed for 3,052 yards and scored 41 touchdowns – LHS career numbers surpassed by only one other Lion (Michael Cosey) – and he was named all-state as a linebacker.
Yet he has played neither position with the Jayhawks.
Injuries and attrition have thinned KU’s stock of running backs, and there has been speculation McAnderson might be shifted to that position in an emergency situation.
McAnderson says he is ready, if needed.
“I always keep an eye on tailback just in case we need somebody who knows the system,” he said. “I think I’m capable.”
At the same time, he remains a capable fullback and would just as soon clear the way for a ball-carrier as carry the mail himself.
“It’s a good feeling,” he stated, “to know you threw a block.”
Or made a tackle. A return to linebacker would suit him, too.
“Linebacker is something I wanted to do, but they used me as a back,” McAnderson said. “We have a ton of guys at linebacker already.”
