Kansas Jayhawks Football: Top Sixteen All-Time in Rushing Yards
By Joel Wagler
Kansas Jayhawks All-Time Rushing Yards Leaders Number 14: Nolan Cromwell
Nolan Cromwell played quarterback for two years at Kansas, and he ran the ball three and half times more than he threw it. He attempted just 98 passes in those two years but ran the ball 355 times. The Jayhawks went 13-10 under his leadership.
Cromwell was such a good athlete, he even logged six punts in 1976.
Considering he only played 23 games at quarterback, mainly out of the wishbone formation, Cromwell had an impressive career.
- Rushing Yards – 1,763
- Carries – 355
- Rushing Touchdowns – 16
- Yards per Carry – 5.0
- Passing Yards – 606
- Total Touchdowns – 20
Cromwell accumulated 1,223 yards rushing with nine touchdowns in 1975. He only had 333 yards passing. In 1975, he led the Big 8 in rushing attempts, rushing yards, and yards from scrimmage. He once ran for an impressive 294 yards in a single game.
He was drafted in the second round by the Los Angeles Rams as a safety second round in 1977. He recorded 37 interceptions in his career, and he recovered 19 fumbles.
He also rushed the ball seven times in his 11 seasons for 55 yards, three touchdowns, and a 7.9 average.
Cromwell was named to four Pro Bowls, was a First-Team All-Pro player three times. He was also named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Second Team All-1980’s Team.
He wasn’t much of a passer, completing just 33.7% of his 98 college pass attempts, but his athleticism led to a nice college and professional football career.
Next: Cromwell's Running Mate