Greatest Kansas Football Players of All-Time Bracket: LeRoy Irvin vs Ben Heeney

(13) LeRoy Irvin

Irvin played CB for the Jayhawks from 1976-79. While he was never named first team All-Conference, he is still tied for 5th in the record books in career INT's and is sixth in career tackles. He was the only freshman on the 1976 squad to get a starting spot. He led the team in tackles his sophomore year, and led KU DB's in tackles during his junior campaign. His senior year saw him have a team high tackles against Missouri with 21.

Irvin was drafted 70th overall by the Los Angeles Rams. In his first three seasons as a pro he was primarily a punt returner, but he eventually got his shot at DB. In 1986 he had his best statistical season as a CB, picking off 6 passes and being named All-Pro. Irvin spent 9 years with the Rams and his final season in 1990 with the Lions.

(20) Ben Heeney

One of the more popular players in recent history, Ben Heeney came to KU from Hutchinson High School after helping lead the Salthawks to three state titles at safety and running back. He would become one of the more prolific LB's in Kansas football history, playing in all 12 games his freshman year and starting from his sophomore year onward.

Heeney currently ranks 8th on the career tackles list at KU, and was drafted 140th overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 2015 NFL Draft. He is still on the Oakland roster playing primarily special teams and working for a spot at linebacker.

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