David Jaynes was born in Kansas City, Missouri, but grew up in nearby Bonner Springs, Kansas. He was a highly recruited quarterback, with schools like Alabama and Miami targeting Jaynes. He decided to stay close to home though and attend the University of Kansas.
During his sophomore season in 1971, David Jaynes played all 11 games for the Jayhawks throwing for 748 yards, seven touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Not exactly Heisman numbers, but Jaynes improved significantly going into his junior season with Kansas football.
In 1972, Jaynes threw for 2,253 yards and 15 touchdowns, significantly developing into a great quarterback for Kansas.