For a man who completed one pass during his varsity career as an Illini quarterback, Kris Jenner has made a monumental impact upon the university that gave him an athletic scholarship. Rated by many as the finest quarterback prospect in 1980, the Mascoutah native directed his Indians to Illinois’ Class 3A state championship.
Jenner excelled as Illini coach Mike White’s freshman junior varsity quarterback, but he injured his knee during 1981 spring practice. He saw limited duty as a junior in 1982 but was pressed into emergency service at the Liberty Bowl when starter Tony Eason was sidelined.