Notebook: Thirteen seniors to bow

By Ryan Wood     Nov 17, 2007

Kansas University’s football team will go for consecutive victory number 11 at 2:30 p.m. today at Memorial Stadium.

But first, the 10-0 Jayhawks will honor 13 seniors who have gone through quite a bit in Lawrence.

“It hit me the other day that it will be my last game in Memorial Stadium,” tight end Derek Fine said. “I’m excited. It’s been a long time. All good things come to an end, but I still have a few more games to play.”

Fine is the old man of KU’s team, having originally signed in 2002. An illness prompted him to withdraw from classes and go back to his hometown of Sallisaw, Okla., for a semester so that his eligibility clock didn’t start.

He re-enrolled in 2003 and became KU’s starting tight end for three seasons.

“I remember in ’03 whenever I just came back for the spring semester. Football around here was a joke,” Fine said. “We’ve come a long way from where we have been.”

A lot of the seniors – including seven starters – will have family in town as KU tries to move to 11-0.

“It kind of adds a little extra pressure,” right tackle Cesar Rodriguez said, “when your family is looking on.”

¢ B-Mac’s future: KU running back Brandon McAnderson – a Lawrence High grad – is impressing enough this season to raise questions as to his professional future.

A 6-foot, 235-pound running back known as a solid blocker, McAnderson has carried the ball 152 times for 939 yards and 15 touchdowns.

“I have no idea sometimes of what the National Football League is looking for in a player,” KU coach Mark Mangino said. “I know that he’s been a great player for us, and I hope he gets an opportunity.”

¢ Last game: Though Kansas has, at minimum, three more games left this season counting a bowl game, today is Iowa State’s last game of the season.

The Cyclones are 3-8, having beaten Iowa, Kansas State and Colorado all at home in coach Gene Chizik’s first season.

“It’s their last game of the season,” KU junior Marcus Herford said. “Those guys are going to play their heart out.”

¢ This, that: KU kicker Scott Webb is just 22 points away from becoming KU’s all-time points leader. He has 281 in his career, behind only Dan Eichloff. : Kansas is the only school in the country ranked in the top 20 offensively in both rushing (18) and passing (19).

PREV POST

6Sports video: KU volleyball team ready for Senior Day

NEXT POST

26491Notebook: Thirteen seniors to bow