1. We look bigger, stronger and faster and the team seems more organized this year. No more standing around between plays like last year. Practices are crisp and concise and everyone knows their role. I've heard that the coaches are really considering opening up the playbook in “fill in current year”.2. Yesterday, the receivers looked great and caught everything that was thrown at them while the defensive backs looked fantastic and broke up many pass attempts.3. The offensive line looks to be in better shape and more cohesive this year. They looked awesome yesterday while the defensive line was incredible and seemed to put a lot of pressure on the QB.4. The running backs are going to surprise some people this year. On one play "fill in the blank" juked one of the linebackers out of his shoes. Our opponents had better look out for this guy come fall as he is really running with purpose. Our running backs are really pushing the pile, and even afterthree or four people are hanging on them, they still got an extra 2 or 3 yards. When conference action starts, we should get at least 5 yards per carry every time we run the ball.5. "fill in the blank", the walk-on TE from "fill in the blank" is really going to push for playing time this year. I see him becoming an integral part of the offense this year.6. Looks like this could be our best season yet with the walkon program. These guys are full of enthusiasm, and seem to be learning quickly. They will be a force this year once Big 12 play gets going.7. "Fill in the blank" the DE from "fill in the blank" is a beast. Yesterday, you should have seen him steamroll that 4th string walk-on, o-lineman. I can already see him dominating “fill in the blank with first opponent”. Even though he has not played organized football in 3 years, he is still going to be betterthan most of the offensive linemen who were starting in the Big 12 last season.8. I had a private conversation with one of the assistant coaches shortly after practice. Coach "fill in the blank" looked to his left and his right and then whispered to me...."We're going bowling this year".9. The coaches are showing a lot of energy this year. The new people on the staff are particularly enthusiastic, and were right out on the field getting after it with the players. Our new (fill in the blank coach) was really gettingin people’s faces and also patting them on the back when they deserved it.10. Yesterday, two lineman got into a fight. Instead of breaking things up, the coaches just let 'em go at it. This shows "toughness" the boys haven't shown in recent years.11. The QBs seem to have more "zip" on the ball compared to last year. Only saw a couple of deep balls thrown -- and one of them fell short. But come gametime, we'll be able to get the ball downfield when the time comes.12. Every player has decided to stay in Lawrence this summer and workout 3 times a day. No one is even going home to see their family. These workouts are voluntary but it looks like we will have 100% participation, 7 days a week.
8. I had a private conversation with one of the assistant coaches shortly after practice. Coach "fill in the blank" looked to his left and his right and then whispered to me...."We're going bowling this year".
Quote8. I had a private conversation with one of the assistant coaches shortly after practice. Coach "fill in the blank" looked to his left and his right and then whispered to me...."We're going bowling this year".
Yesterday, the receivers looked great and caught everything that was thrown at them while the defensive backs looked fantastic and broke up many pass attempts.
My take on the controlled scrimmage on Sat at Hummer.By position.QB-Meier,was off a bit(releasing the ball out of the top of his hand),thus throwing high on several throws. Even while not having a great day, his poise and leadership were outstanding.He is with no doubt in my mind ,a guy that can lead the team.Barman-Looked decent throughout the scrimmage.Anyone that is a great teammate like Adam, has my respect,and mark my words,he will win a game for us at some point.I am glad he is with us.Reesing-Short and tough.Fun to watch,the kid has a cannon attached to his body.O-Line-This unit is a strength of our team,it will be fun to watch them wear teams down.The O line at Kansas has been the biggest improved part of the team in the last three years.Backs-Looked big ,and ran hard.Cornish and Quigley will be a nice duo,I do think we need a quick cut guy to give us a change of pace.I am sure we will look to Bean or Sharp for that type of explosion in the fall.A quick guy coming after the defense is wore down.Recievers-We need improvement in this area,Henry looked bigger and stronger,Muph had some moments,but we need to see improvement in routes and the ability to get away from defenders.The blocking by the recievers was average to a bit above.If this unit improves it will mean the difference in winning close games.Fine Blocked ok,but he is a great blocker,I didnt see it yesterday.Defense- Sorry Big 12 North,the D has not lost that much.D-LINE-Big strong and quick,Wilder,McClinton,are exceptional.I saw both these big guys run down playes from behind,this group is coached very well!Como,Allen,Blakesly,Wheeler,Brorson,will be good players.LBs-Rivera,Mortanson,Holt stood out to me,they close and hit.If the depth develops in this group they will again be a strenght on a very good defense.CB-Talib is better than last spring by a long way,I will be surprised if many throw his way.Buetel need to play at a high level on every play,he has good cover skills,and came up and made a good hit,but he needs to learn that D-1 games are tough on every play,if he gets pushed he will be a good one.S/SS-Kemp is experienced and steady,he also likes to hit,he will be the experience we need.Stuckey is athletic as heck,and will be a good player in the Big 12,he just needs to get some battle experience.The young kids will contribute if Harris can not return.Summery-Offense needs recievers to step up,Meier will be fine,the charachter of a guy comes out when he is not at his best,Meier has very good character.I think this offense will run and controll the ball wear down defenses.If we can hit short passes consistantly ,and have a legitmate threat to go long,the Jayhawks will be successful.We will run the ball!!Defense-Note to other big 12 teams,Please keep thinking this defense will not be good,you will be sorely mistaken.If,we improve in takeaway stats,and our offense can control the ball,this will be a very very good defense.It would be nice to have Harris back,we need his experience.I will predict the fans will love the way this defense flys around and hits.Strike up Hells Bells ,it will fit our defense!!
