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Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Reesing takes early lead in arms race

By Ryan Wood

Kansas University Sophomore quarterbacks Todd Reesing, left, and Kerry Meier answer questions during media day. KU players and coaches met the press Tuesday at Hadl Auditorium.

Photo by John Henry

Kansas University Sophomore quarterbacks Todd Reesing, left, and Kerry Meier answer questions during media day. KU players and coaches met the press Tuesday at Hadl Auditorium.

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Freshly shaven, with a brand-new uniform and accompanied by his typical good mood, Kansas University sophomore Todd Reesing chatted with reporters for close to an hour Tuesday at KU's hectic football media day.

Perhaps his first public obligation as the team's No. 1 quarterback?

KU coach Mark Mangino insisted that he has not picked a starter for the Sept. 1 opener against Central Michigan, but he did imply Tuesday at Hadl Auditorium that Reesing is making a strong case to play over sophomore incumbent Kerry Meier.

"From spring to two-a-days, Reesing has probably advanced his overall play a little bit more so than Meier has," said Mangino, for once providing insight into the lengthy competition.

Mangino didn't come out and say that Reesing is the front-runner, and KU's sixth-year coach said there was no deadline to pick one. But it was obvious that Reesing has impressed between the spring and preseason workouts, which continue with the first two-a-day today.

"Reesing has made some strides," Mangino said. "A lot of it has to do with the fact that he's probably dropped 20 pounds, and he's gained a lot of strength, and he's zipping the ball with more spin than he ever has."

Reesing looked noticeably more fit Tuesday than he did in the spring. He attributed it to watching his diet and working hard in the summer conditioning program under strength coach Chris Dawson.

Audio clips

2007 KU Football Media Day

"I was trying to lose a few pounds of fat and gain some muscle, and I did that," Reesing said. "I feel a lot better coming into this camp - probably the best I've ever been."

Reesing and Meier split repetitions at KU's open practice Sunday, though Meier seemed to run a bit gingerly on options and roll-outs. He did participate in all the drills and Tuesday denied he was hampered by an injury.

"Not really," Meier said. "Back in the summer, I got a little dinged up. But I'm healthy now."

Meier was KU's starting quarterback last season, but he missed four games because of a shoulder injury. KU's coaching staff pulled Reesing's red shirt during the ninth game of the season against Colorado, then used both Meier and Reesing against Iowa State and Missouri.

Mangino said he doesn't want it going down that way again.

New KU jerseys

View an audio slideshow with the players' thoughts on the new uniforms.

"It is my intent to have a No. 1 quarterback. We're going to approach it that way," Mangino said. "If there's a scenario that proves differently that will help our football team, I'm certainly not opposed to anything that will help us win in terms of a two-quarterback system. But that's not the way I plan to go."

Meier and Reesing both have good throwing arms, though the 6-foot-3 Meier is bigger and faster than the 5-10 Reesing. Still, Reesing showed serious ability in flashes last season, compiling 204 yards and three touchdowns on 14-of-24 passing.

"I go out there every day and I lay it on the line. I play as hard as I can," Reesing said, stating his case. "I never quit on something, and sometimes that may hurt me. I want every play to be positive, and sometimes I have trouble throwing the ball away. I want something to be there.

Jayhawk football squad kicks off 2007 Media Day

The college football season officially began today for the Channel 6 Sports crew at the 2007 Kansas Jayhawk Media Day.

"But that kind of attitude, that I'm going to play and give it all I got : guys see that and respect that, and they want to play with someone who plays like that."

Meier, meanwhile, is right in the thick of things as well. He has a red-shirt season under his belt and a little more experience, having thrown for 1,193 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2006.

Mangino didn't put down Meier while praising Reesing. But he did offer constructive criticism for his incumbent, who apparently is in a feisty fight for his job.

"For Kerry, it's just a matter of getting the reads and throwing the ball confidently," Mangino said.

So the battle continues, and perhaps it will linger up until game week or even beyond. But Tuesday, there was finally a clue - one that favored Reesing.

Photo Gallery

KU Media Day 2007

"He's in the best shape he's ever been in," Mangino said. "He is throwing the ball really well."

KU football schedule

Sept. 1 - Central Michigan, 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 - Southeast Louisiana, 6 p.m.

Sept. 15 - Toledo, 6 p.m.

Sept. 22 - Florida International, 6 p.m.

Oct. 6 - at Kansas State, TBA

Oct. 13 - Baylor, TBA

Oct. 20 - at Colorado, TBA

Oct. 27 - at Texas A&M, TBA

Nov. 3 - Nebraska, TBA

Nov. 10 - at Oklahoma State, TBA

Nov. 17 - Iowa State, TBA

Nov. 24 - Missouri at Arrowhead Stadium, TBA

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Comments

troutsee (anonymous) says...

Reesing can play. He proved that last year. Still, we need to see how both of them can play under game conditions. Our pre-season should help to determine who can play under the lights. I still think KU is the dark horse of the conference. Hopefully, other teams will overlook us until it is too late. QB play and the play of our defensive ends will make or break this team.

August 8, 2007 at 9:32 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Jaminrawk (anonymous) says...

Reesing might be the safe pick. He performed really well as a freshamn last year. Meier has more upside but he plays so hard he gets hurt. We need continuity in the pocket.

I really the change to the Trajan font but I have to admit that the numbers are growing on me. Reesing's "5" looks kinda cool. The letters are still stupid though. They had better not go on the basketball unis.

August 8, 2007 at 9:40 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ohioburg (anonymous) says...

That "5" kind of reminds me of the Superman "S". Was he issued a cape, too?

August 8, 2007 at 9:43 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

greatabu (anonymous) says...

Jaminrawk,

They are going on the b-ball unis. I have to admit I didn't think I was going to like the new look, but I do. Hopefully this means that these unis will remain the same for a long time; my closet is starting to look like a museum of Jayhawk football history.

August 8, 2007 at 10:22 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

CasperCorps (anonymous) says...

Reesing was a champ in highschool and showed some skills when he played last year, he deserves the start.

August 8, 2007 at 2:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JBurtin (anonymous) says...

Reesing has been the guy for anybody who was at the Colorado game, or watched the last few minutes of the Missouri game. He makes the ball move and is not afraid of making mistakes. When he does, he just comes out and plays even harder. We can win alot of games with a fearless kid like him.

August 8, 2007 at 5:05 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

prairie_dog (anonymous) says...

Reesing is scrappy, a perfect match for our sometimes (but less and less often) overmatched beloved Hawks. Also a winner. He is like Whit and that means we win a lot of ball games.

This team could be very interesting this fall. We are not overmatched in any game until TX/OU in the Big 12 Championship game.

Now just for a pass rush.

August 8, 2007 at 5:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

fabio (anonymous) says...

Meier reminds me of Sam Jackson in the movie unbreakable.

August 8, 2007 at 8:22 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

swishymcjayhawk (anonymous) says...

"they called me 'Mr. Glass'"
HAHA!

August 8, 2007 at 8:41 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

seattlehawk_78 (anonymous) says...

I think Reesing has better instinctive abilities as a QB but there is something appealing about Meier's size and speed. I don't envy Mangino.

August 9, 2007 at 1:25 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Cmill1221 (anonymous) says...

Why is size an issue? I hate hearing people talk about "upside" b.s. look at Barman and all of his "UPSIDE". lets get a QB who can play. EX/ Bill Whittemore. if you had Barman and Whittemore to choose from would you go with Barman and all of his "UPSIDE" or Whittemore and his ability to win games? Go with the "Player" or "Gamer" who ever it might be.

August 9, 2007 at 10:26 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

fabio (anonymous) says...

Good point Cmill. We should learn from the past. Sure, size is worth mentioning, but without a doubt is a secondary issue to leadership, fearlesness, and instinct. For me, its really a no brainer.
Reesing will cause defensive cooridinators to grow gray hair. Until the play is dead Reesing will be looking to make something out of nothing and usually will.
Everytime Meier gets hit everyone will be wondering if he will be able to get up.

August 9, 2007 at 12:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )