Ray Evans

Ray Evans

Ray Evans, KU's first All-America selection (along with Otto Schnellbacher), qualifies as one of the greatest athletes in Kansas history. Evans is the only player in NCAA history to lead the nation in both passing (1,117 yards) and interceptions (10) in the same season (1942). His single-season interception mark, in fact, still remains a KU record. In addition to being an All-American in football, Evans was also a two-time selection as a Helms Foundation basketball All-American for head coach Phog Allen. He is the only athlete in KU history to have both his football jersey number (42) and basketball jersey (15) retired. Evans was a key performer in helping the Jayhawks to an 8-1-2 record, a first-place tie in the Big Six Conference and a spot in the 1948 Orange Bowl his senior season. Evans once owned the NCAA record of consecutive passing attempts (60) without an interception. He played professionally for one season with Pittsburgh.

Position

Running Back/Defensive Back

Years

1941-42, 1946-47

Stats & Figures

17 Career Interceptions (School Record)
10 Interceptions in 1942 (School Record)
#42 Retired by Kansas Football