Praise for McClinton

KU coach Mark Mangino expressed his pride that two of his players – cornerback Aqib Talib and offensive tackle Anthony Collins – were named first-team All-America by the Associated Press last week.

But he felt one more belonged, too – defensive tackle James McClinton, who was placed on the second team.

“If you ask any offensive lineman in the Big 12,” Mangino said, “they’ll tell you he’s the hardest guy to block in the conference.”

Papuchis hired

Former KU graduate assistant John Papuchis was hired as an assistant at Nebraska recently.

Papuchis spent his last three years as an intern at LSU, working under defensive coordinator Bo Pelini. Nebraska recently hired Pelini, and Papuchis followed him to Lincoln and will coach the Huskers’ D-line.

Papuchis is best known at KU for being in the center of NCAA violations in the football program in 2003. Papuchis was not punished by the NCAA.

Cover boy

KU sophomore utility man Kerry Meier was on the cover of Sports Illustrated last month, a picture of him hauling in a touchdown pass gracing the front of the Nov. 26 issue

“It’s great,” Meier said. “It’s something I’ll hold on to for the rest of my life and show my kids someday.”

Meier said he always thought it would be neat to be on the cover of SI. Of course, KU’s backup QB didn’t envision himself being there as a wide receiver.

“Not quite what I imagined,” Meier said, “but it’s pretty neat.”