How’s this for a juicy rumor: Former Mizzou football standout Corby Jones for state treasurer?

The tip was first reported by Dave Drebes’ new pay service, MoScout.com and was reprinted in this week’s editions of the St. Louis American’s Political Eye:

Some Democrats look on the state treasurer position as an opportunity. It’s a chance to include an African American which would theoretically help with their urban base in November … One name that fits the bill and is making the rounds is former Mizzou quarterback, Corby Jones. He’s an attorney with Armstrong Teasdale in their Kansas City office and has compiled a civic resume since his football days. In addition to diversity, he’d bring some star power that intrigues Dems.”

Jones, a dynamic run and pass threat who played quarterback for the Tigers from 1995 to 1998, helped MU win its first bowl game in 17 years and is a member of the school’s athletic Hall of Fame.

After a brief sting in the pros, he went back to Mizzou for law school, later, as Drebes says, landing at the Kansas City office of Armstrong Teasdale, where he helped found the firm’s sports management division.

While there is precedent for college quarterbacks seeking political office - former Tennessee signal-called Heath Shuler is now a North Carolina congressman - the idea of Jones running seems like a real Hail Mary.

He is just beginning his legal career, which does not appear to include much financial experience. (Granted, I know that the state treasurer might not personally be responsible for much number crunching, but, if nothing else, it would be a potential campaign liability.)

Plus, he’d be up against incumbent Republican Sarah Steelman, who is well-funded and has made national headlines with her terror-free investing strategy.

But, if Steelman decides to challenge Gov. Matt Blunt for her party’s nomination, the game changes. As it stands, Arnold Mayor Mark Powell, I believe, is the only announced Democrat for treasurer.

That would make Jones, perhaps, the Democratic choice on the western side of the state, as well as possibly for urban democrats in St. Louis. I bet he probably would do pretty well in Columbia, too.

Given those circumstances, it gets a lot more interesting for the former gridiron star — fans could once again be wondering if Jones will run or pass.