Greatest Kansas Football Players of All-Time Bracket: Curtis McClinton vs Brandon McAnderson

(4) Curtis McClinton

Born in Oklahoma but raised in Wichita, McClinton played for Kansas from 1959-61. He was primarily a blocker, hence, did not put up the stats you might expect for a 4-seed, going for “only” 1377 rushing yards in his KU career. However, he was a 3-time All-Conference selection (1959-61) and along with John Hadl led KU to the 1961 Bluebonnet Bowl, a huge 33-7 victory over Rice. An all-around athlete, he also won three Big-8 titles in hurdles during his time at KU.

McClinton was drafted 110th overall by the Dallas Texans (slash future Kansas City Chiefs) of the AFL. He was an immediate star, winning Rookie of the Year in 1962 and running his way to 3124 yards and 18 TDs. His rushing total is still good for 9th in Chiefs history. He also added 1945 career receiving yards.

He is a member of the Chiefs Hall of Fame and is in the Ring of Honor at KU’s Memorial Stadium.

(13) Brandon McAnderson

Lawrence native Brandon McAnderson was huge for the Jayhawks - literally - helping lead KU to the 2007 Orange Bowl. The 235-pound back finished his career with “just” 1153 rushing yards, a number that is only 16th all-time at KU, but he found the end zone 23 times, good for 6th all-time. McAnderson averaged 5.5 yards per carry in his college career.

His biggest season came his senior year, that magical 2007 Orange Bowl season, when he went for 1125 rushing yards and 16 TDs and was named to the All-Big 12 second team.

McAnderson did not get drafted, but signed a free agent deal with the Rams. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to stick in the NFL.

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