The University of Akron Athletics
Hall of Fame
Ken Delaney
- Induction:
- 1989
- Class:
- 1973
1965-68
Football
Offensive Tackle
‘73
Tonight, Ken Delaney becomes the seventh player from UA’s 1968 Grantland Rice Bowl team to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame. The one-time offensive tackle, who labored in the trenches for Head Coach Gordon Larson from 1965 through 1968, is finally getting his due. “Ken was an extremely reliable four-year starter and will have to go down as one of the best linemen I’ve coached here, “said Larson in 1968. The 6-6, 240-pound Delaney, who was recruited out of nearby Manchester High School, helped UA compile a 7-21 record in 1968, shatter44 school records and earn the schools’ first bowl game bid. Delaney opened the holes for the backs who gained a record-breaking 2100 yards rushing and protected the passers who passed for 2083 record-breaking yards. For his effort Delaney and three other teammates, Don Zwisler, Dan Ruff and Sonny Pallija, were named Little All-Americans—the first such national honor for UA player since 1954. Delaney was drafted by the NFL’s Baltimore Colts in the 11th round in 1969, however, he also got a draft notice from the U.S, military which quickly ended any thought of a professional football career. Delaney did return UA to earn his degree in business administration in 1973.
Football
Offensive Tackle
‘73
Tonight, Ken Delaney becomes the seventh player from UA’s 1968 Grantland Rice Bowl team to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame. The one-time offensive tackle, who labored in the trenches for Head Coach Gordon Larson from 1965 through 1968, is finally getting his due. “Ken was an extremely reliable four-year starter and will have to go down as one of the best linemen I’ve coached here, “said Larson in 1968. The 6-6, 240-pound Delaney, who was recruited out of nearby Manchester High School, helped UA compile a 7-21 record in 1968, shatter44 school records and earn the schools’ first bowl game bid. Delaney opened the holes for the backs who gained a record-breaking 2100 yards rushing and protected the passers who passed for 2083 record-breaking yards. For his effort Delaney and three other teammates, Don Zwisler, Dan Ruff and Sonny Pallija, were named Little All-Americans—the first such national honor for UA player since 1954. Delaney was drafted by the NFL’s Baltimore Colts in the 11th round in 1969, however, he also got a draft notice from the U.S, military which quickly ended any thought of a professional football career. Delaney did return UA to earn his degree in business administration in 1973.
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