Kansas University defensive tackle James McClinton is honored by the Allen Fieldhouse crowd for his Big 12 defensive lineman of the year award.

KU kick returner Marcus Herford, center, receives a similar ovation for being named Big 12 special teams player of the year. The two were honored during a timeout at KU's men's basketball game Saturday.

The buzz

Even while a KU men’s basketball game was going on, Jayhawk football seemed to be all the buzz inside Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday.

Has that sentence ever been written before?

With Orange Bowl signs scattered throughout the arena, the loudest ovation of the day was when an announcement for Orange Bowl tickets came during a first-half timeout. In addition, James McClinton (Big 12 defensive lineman of the year) and Marcus Herford (Big 12 special teams player of the year) both were recognized during timeouts to standing ovations.

Also, head coach Mark Mangino was interviewed during the ESPN telecast, and defensive coordinator Bill Young was the halftime guest on KU’s radio broadcast.

Even more honors

KU cornerback Aqib Talib and offensive lineman Anthony Collins continue to get the highest of honors.

The pair, both juniors, were named first-team All-America by both CBSSportsline.com and the Football Writers Association of America.

Recruiting weekend

About nine recruits were in Lawrence on Saturday making official visits. Along with several of KU’s assistant coaches, the prospects attended Saturday’s KU-DePaul basketball game and sat behind the south goal.

That group included DeSoto, Texas, running back Cyrus Gray, a highly touted recruit ranked by Rivals as the fifth-best running back prospect in the country and the 72nd-best prospect overall.