Friday, August 8, 2008

Mayer

Mayer: Rookies have lot to prove

By Bill Mayer

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It's amusing to watch the annual media frenzies about newcomers on an athletic roster. Touted and statistics-laden as they may be, they haven't yet done anything of note and have a lot of dues to pay before they do. Yet writers and throats tend to go nuts trying to depict them as messiahs, while people who have set the stage so the new blood can ooze may get brushed aside.

Some guys you watch in a few practices and know they will fit in quite positively. Footballer John Hadl was easy to predict as a winner, same with gridder Gale Sayers and basketball icon Jo Jo White. Clyde Lovellette and Wilt Chamberlain weren't exactly sleepers.

One of the rookie darlings this fall at Kansas is Jocques Crawford, a speedy, powerful 6-foot-1, 230-pound running back from the junior college ranks. He brings a nifty resume. It is understandable why the players and coaches are optimistic about what he might do. But as of now he ain't done it.

Many expect Crawford to give KU the might and muscle in crucial situations that Brandon McAnderson provided the 12-1 Orange Bowl champions. This steady, heady Lawrence kid should be on some professional roster. Crawford may pick up where McAnderson left off; marvelous! But he has much to learn about blocking and receiving as well as running. His ego could suffer a few bruises first.

Meanwhile, there's a 5-10, 185-pound Jayhawk junior out of Salina who isn't exactly an anonymous Willie-off-the-pickle boat, because he has done it. Jake Sharp, with his speed, toughness and agility, rushed for more than 800 yards and seven touchdowns last fall as a counterpoint to McAnderson. He caught 21 passes for two TDs. He should be even more effective in '08 as offensive coordinator Ed Warinner finds new ways to exploit his speed and experience.

Nothing against Crawford. He may prove to be the second coming of Jim Brown, Marion Motley, John Riggins or Larry Csonka; right now he needs to show he'll be as contributive as McAnderson.

Pardon me for being excited about what Sharp can add to the KU offense now that he's more in the forefront with the likes of Todd Reesing, Kerry Meier and their compadres. The kid was fabulous in high school, last year seemed en route to becoming that same kind of determinant at Kansas, and with a break or two, he could easily be the No. 1 back, with Angus Quigley and, hopefully, Crawford as major factors for another banner KU season.

With exceptions, I tend to be dubious about projections of immediate stardom for most jocks in any sport. Brandon Rush was supposed to be a be-all, end-all for KU basketball, but it took three seasons for him to do what he basically was hired for. Darrell Arthur was due to be something like a LeBron James but never came close. Meanwhile, the Russell Robinsons, Sasha Kauns and Darnell Jacksons provided a platform for success until "the stars" delivered. Veterans are also vital.

Football coach Mark Mangino is a master of consistency in making people earn their spurs before he's sold. He knows what Sharp can do; he quickly admits guys like Crawford have a lot of work to do, miles to travel.

So let's honor the veterans first, then root for the newcomers realizing that some of them might not be nearly the phenoms that hypesters say they are.

Comments

njjayhawk (anonymous) says...

Nice article, Bill, and right on target. JayhawkNation needs to reign in the hype, chill out, and let the season unfold, with the vets leading the way and the newcomers integrating into the flow.

By the way, does anyone know if Ron Prince, KSU head man, is really going to be on "Dancing with the Stars", showboating his "Prince Stomp" which he made famous on the Texas fooball sidelines last year? I heard Marie Osmond is to be his partner on the dance floor. True? If a fact, I just hope Marie doesn't faint on Ron when he revs it up.

August 8, 2008 at 5:16 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

5DecadeHawk (anonymous) says...

"but it took three seasons for him to do what he basically was hired for. "

If Bill Mayer isn't willing to provide evidence to support an implication of someone getting paid improperly, he shouldn't be making subtle refrences implying it.

That's bush league Mayer. It's getting borderline libelous. At the very least, it's a very unfortunate mistake in choice of words.

Bill Mayer can express himself better than that.

I know that if I made that kind of mistake, I'd want to correct it as quickly as possible on the website and apologize to affected people.

August 8, 2008 at 7:03 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

It's obvious Mayer didn't like some of the guys on the championship team, and that's fine. But it's getting kind of tired, really. I mean, this piece is supposed to be about rookies proving themselves. If I remember correctly, Rush and Arthur both won Big XII championships in their rookie years.

You know, after re-reading that paragraph about the bball players, I feel sick. It's like these guys murdered Mayer's family or something. Either he knows something the rest of us don't (in which case heshould say so, as 5DecadeHawk suggests), or it's just more of the same from Mayer. Usually, I can take what he says with a grain of salt, but this just pisses me off.

August 8, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

halogenlamps (anonymous) says...

I never once assumed Mayer meant that Brandon Rush was getting paid actual money. I just assumed it was a metaphor meaning that it took Brandon three seasons to accomplish what he was hyped to accomplish--to do what he a got a scholarship to do.

Many times I think Mayer is a crusty old moron, out of touch with today's world, but in this one, I agree with him.

August 8, 2008 at 8:01 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ohioburg (anonymous) says...

"Willie-off-the-pickle boat"

Even Google can't figure that one out.

August 8, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayViking (anonymous) says...

okjhok and 5decade you both completely missed the point. halogen cleared it up for you.

...

August 8, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

okjhok...

RE: "this piece is supposed to be about rookies proving themselves..."

This piece can be about whatever Mayer wants to make it about. Writing an article is not like a train on tracks, where there's a prescribed course on how to get from point A to point B. It's more like a flight in a small plane, where you have freedom to get there how you want to. It's called "artistic license". Look up the word "segue".

RE: "Usually, I can take what he says with a grain of salt"

Um...since WHEN? Among bashers you are certainly a "regular". In fact, when I see your blogs under Mayer's articles I yell "nooooorm" at the top of my lungs right where Im sitting. In point of fact, Im quite sure neither Mayer nor anyone here minds how you take him, and so I see your statement as a pathetic attempt to portray yourself as fair and evenly-minded. Regarding other matters of KU sports you are, perhaps. But Ive seen enough of your posts to know that concerning Mayer you are decidedly NOT!

August 8, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

86finalfour (anonymous) says...

I actually see both sides of the Mayer critics and praisers. He makes an interesting point here, proven by all the good healthy debate going on in these postings. But his point is incomplete. And for the first time, I have a bone to pick with Mayer. Yes, I'm usually the poster who defends him.

Mayer may be right about Rush. I do remember everyone saying Rush would dominate and then go pro after his freshman year. But I am baffled how Mayer can bring up this point of freshman production and not mention the names, Collins or even Aldrich.

Collins has definitely lived up to his hype and more, in my opinion. He struggled with some injuries during the NCAA tournament his freshman year, but I remember him going on a 8-10 game offensive tear at end of conference play to help the hawks earn another regular season title in '07. And this year, freshman Aldrich really stepped up in the UNC semifinal game. For ten minutes, he dominated the national player of the year!

Mayer's good point loses credibility when he fails to see the whole picture. I hate to say this but i feel Mayer is focusing only on the negative. And even worse, I wonder if he's doing it in order to rationalize and/or prove his point. I just don't feel his point of view is objective.

Sorry Mayer, but I chalk your piece up as an example in poor journalism.

August 8, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUFan90 (anonymous) says...

Mayer is clearly not asserting anyone was actually paid money. But I think the slams on Rush and Arthur are uncalled for. Arthur's 20/10 in the championship game counts as "never coming close" to delivering on his potential?

Mayer - Any other members of the championship team you want to call out as not having delivered?

August 8, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

troutsee (anonymous) says...

Isn't it football season?

Aren't we all Jayhawks?

What's with all this ridicule?

it's football season!!!!!!! we are family!!!!!!

August 8, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

JayViking,
Didn't miss the point...got it loud and clear and agree with most of his comments. Just didn't like the cheap shot at Rush and Arthur. I mean, when was Arthur ever compared to Lebron? And how many of you expected Rush to lead KU to the championship his freshman year? It's just weak.

Johann,
You obviously take pleasure in dissecting my posts. While I'm glad I give you purpose, I'd rather not get into a heated debate over a subject that probably doesn't warrant it...unless we simply must.

Look, I realize that a commentary can be about whatever the writer likes, and I'm all for "artistic license." However, I viewed his "segue" as a pathetic attempt to once again bag on Rush, and didn't like it. So I commented on that.

Regarding Mayer, I think I'm probably in the majority. He's seen a lot, and I occasionally enjoy his perspective. But, perhaps because of my younger age, I often feel out of touch with him and his musings. In those cases, I give my thoughts. Obviously, you often disagree with my perspective. OK by me. But why do you insist on included definitive statements in your posts, as if it's the end all, be all? Just give your opinion, man. Don't pigeonhole me and pretend like you know me based on a few comments made after newspaper articles, because you most certainly do not.

August 8, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

GoBadgers (anonymous) says...

Wow, you chickenhawks are at each other's throats a little bit and I didn't even post anything to get you riled up.

August 8, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

justanotherfan (anonymous) says...

Let's be honest, guys. Mayer doesn't like certain guys, never did. Remember how he ripped Brandon after the injury? He doesn't really like Brandon. Never like Arthur either.

Mayer is an old school fan. He likes guys that come in, pay their dues as freshmen, contribute as sophomores and juniors, then star as seniors. He is openly against one and dones, guys jumping to the NBA, etc. Knowing that, its easy to see why he loves guys like Darnell, Russell and Sasha. Those guys were going to be 4 year guys from the moment they set foot on the KU campus. There was never any hint that they would be leaving Lawrence any time prior to getting their flowers on Senior night.

On the other hand, everyone kind of knew that Brandon wouldn't be here 4 years. That he was here 3 is kind of a surprise. Everyone knew that Darrell would only be here one or two years. Mayer knew it, and didn't like that. Those are their "dues-paying" years! Mayer forgets that all Rush did was come in and lead the team in scoring and rebounding, and turn into the best defender on the squad. Let's see, a guy that scores the most points, gets the most rebounds and shuts down the other team's best perimeter guy. That's pretty much being the end-all, be-all for a team. Except that Brandon was unselfish about it. Never asked for the spotlight to linger on him while he was here. Just came in, scored points, snatched boards and clamp down on the other team's scorers. What more can you ask for?

Arthur may have been disappointing, but part of that disappointment stemmed from the fact that he could be so spectacular at times. DA could take over a game offensively for a long stretch, in a way none of our other bigs could.

I'm not attacking Mayer on this. I'm just trying to offer some insight.

August 8, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

I hear ya troutsee, and I'm with you...just got a little too much free time. Three more weeks, my friends...

August 8, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

littlerichard (anonymous) says...

Most college athletes probably realize their chances of going pro are slim. They are there to play college ball, get an education and move on with a normal life. But the occasional superstars like Arthur or Michael Beasley are pro prospects before they ever set foot on a college campus. They aren't "hired", but there is a mutual understanding and unwritten agreement of what they are there for: to prep themselves for a pro career, win games and bring in money for the program, and help secure a fat multi-million dollar contract for the coach. Beasley wasn't drawn to K-State for the crop science program, and Arthur didn't come to KU for the J school.

August 8, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ttoulouse (anonymous) says...

I'm not convinced that Sharp is the sole heir-apparent Mayer thinks he deserves and here's why:

In going back and watching the Orange Bowl and season highlights, I noticed that Sharp was trying to do too much by the end of the season. It seemed that when we started playing better teams, his cuts and jukes were less effective and not as necessary. There was a series in the 3rd quarter(?) of the OB where it was like 3rd & 20. The play was a designed dump-off to Sharp out of the backfield straight up the middle and no one was around him. as soon as a defender presented himself, which was about 3 yards from the marker, Sharp started to studder-step and juke, got caught and dropped short of the first down. If he would have bulled straight forward he probably could have carried the defender with him to the marker. This practice started around conference play, which was when McAnderson seemed to start to pull away.

I don't think Sharp has the stature, size and consequently, the mental ability to be an every down back that McAnderson became. It seems that Sharp feels the need to dance around more because, especially against bigger teams, he's smaller and he's trying to save his ass - for which, I cannot blame him. Don't get me wrong, i love his play and ability. It's exciting to see the little guys get out and race toward the pylon. But I don't think he's big enough to take the beating night-in night-out. Which is why I'm predicting a similar pattern to last year. Sharp will dominate the lesser, smaller teams on the schedule (FIU, LaTech, Samh, isu, ksu, maybe CU) and Crawford will probably step up for the biggies. Can you say Barry Sanders & Thurman Thomas???

August 8, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

bmcmich1 (anonymous) says...

Troutsee,

Took the words right out of my mouth. I am a Kansas boy myself, and I love nothing more than to see a Kansas kid contributing on the roster.

However, he can't do anything about the size god gave him. And bless him, he hits those holes hard as anyone, but his head just gets blown back and he's stopped in his tracks by any huge D lineman or LB. He's just plain not big enough to be THE guy in the backfield.

After last season, I'm firmly convinced of Ed Warriner's genious status, and I'm sure if anybody can find effective ways to use Jake Sharp's blazing speed and athleticism it's him. It saddens me to say this, but I just don't think #1 is a starting Big XII running back.

Maybe Crawford can step in and be the 'Thunder' to his 'Lighning' that Bmac was last year. Wouldn't everyone agree that worked out pretty well? :)

August 8, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

bmcmich1 (anonymous) says...

I'm sorry, ttoulouse...sheesh is it 5 yet?

sorry to both ttoulouse and troutsee.

August 8, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Maracas (anonymous) says...

Bill Mayer really needs to lay down the pen, hang up the keyboard, and wander off to pasture.

August 8, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ttoulouse (anonymous) says...

And yes, Mayer is definitely old-school.
Where's Keegan? Interesting time of year to be MIA considering the hype around the football program. I hope he didn't go to China - he's going to be disappointed in the food :)

August 8, 2008 at 12:27 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

I agree with ttoulouse's analysis of Sharp. I would like to add that with a spread offense, a bigger, stronger back makes that much more of a difference. When defenses can't put 8 guys in the box because there are 4 and 5 guys out wide, a big back doesn't need much space to get downfield and pick up serious yardage. Often times with Sharp, an arm tackle was enough to slow him up enough for the rest of the defense to catch up. I can't see that being the case with a bigger back, and BMac was evidence of that.

August 8, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

troutsee (anonymous) says...

McAnderson did not excel over Sharp because he was bigger and stronger. Branden was excellent at running with his head up. He had a knack for seeing the whole field. Yes, he ran over a few tacklers, like he did at A & M, but he was effective because of his ability to see the holes at the line of scrimmage and to see the whole field once he broke past the line of scrimmage. In addition, he could pass block.

However, don't sell Sharp short (no pun intended). He's quick, tough, knows the system, can catch to ball, and can pass block. I'd love just once to see him break into the clear.

August 8, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

nddhawk (anonymous) says...

Mayer -

What exactly did you mean about Rush "being paid to do for three seasons"?

There can be no positive applications of this statement, and only leave room for suggesting something dubious.

The last time I checked, Rush and Arthur were both critical to KU winning the NC.

I believe I understand you better with each artcle you write, Mayer.
This link gets pretty darn close...

August 8, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

nddhawk (anonymous) says...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CixXcj...

August 8, 2008 at 5:44 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

oldalum (anonymous) says...

He didn't use the word "paid", nddhawk. He said "hired" and I took that to mean that's why he was given his scholarship. Obviously you took it to mean something else.

August 8, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

njjayhawk (anonymous) says...

All of this jabbering about what Bill meant/didn't mean is pure moronic. Grow up. Do any of you have day jobs? Are you employed?

And by the way, why can't anyone answer my earlier question about KSU head man, Ron Prince, being on "Dancing with the Stars" doing the utterly stupid "Prince Stomp", with Marie Osmond as his dancing parnter? This is an important question.

August 8, 2008 at 7:21 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

bmcmich1 (anonymous) says...

njjay--

A buddy of mine in LA tells me ABC is fitting him for a genie costume as we speak...

But word has it that Roseanne Barr will actually be the dance partner. The ABC execs felt that Roseanne will relate more to the viewing audience in Manhattan, KS.

Genie Prince and Roseanne will both be doing the 'stomp' -- Union Labor on the set had to work extra hours to reinforce the dance floor.

August 8, 2008 at 8:20 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

nddhawk (anonymous) says...

"Paid" and "hired" are the same meaning in this connotation.

My point is that he is either alluding to something (improper benefits) or he is complaining that Rush is a star recruit, but it took him 3 long, excrutiating years to bring home a NC. Either argument is rediculous. There have been countless blue-chip prospects who haven't come close in all their years of eligibility.

This leads me to my final point: Mayer only writes to stir the pot. He has created untouchable legends in his mind that todays players cannot compare to. He has created paradoxical images that todays players cannot escape.

Look, I love the rich history of my alma mater, and at the same time, I enjoy the new teams we field. I just find no point in comparing todays teams to those of previous years and alluding that something alterior is going on. They are all different teams and have been a joy to watch.

August 8, 2008 at 8:28 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

njjayhawk (anonymous) says...

bmc-
Many thanks for the update. Rosanne Barr makes more sense for Hickland, as you note. With your answer, I can now sleep well tonight. The mystery is solved.

August 8, 2008 at 10:12 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

truefan (anonymous) says...

I don't really care how Mayer wrote the article. It was just a metaphor...stop crying about it.

On to sports talk. I've heard some great things about Jacques so far including his speed, agility, and surprisingly his hands, but I'm not quite ready to hand him the keys to the city. I heard similar talk when Angus Quigley came in and although he is a good back, he is just not a starter. We'll see if Jacques can live up to the hype with a few carries and then Mangino can decide if he's ready for the responsibility of a starting job. You have to remember that Mangino always picks experience in the program over athleticism. That is why many times we are a bit slower, but we don't make as many mistakes ex: we were the least penalized team in the nation last year. Let's just give him time to adjust and give Mangino some time to shape him into the back we need.

August 9, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

frompekka2sasha (anonymous) says...

Does this gobadgers guy have small genitalia? I know he is posting here to try to cover for something. Go talk to your B10 friends about boring basketball and how none of you can compete with Ohio State in football. Come to think of it you guys can talk about boring football too. How can a 100,000 people attend a B10 game that has so few athletes?

Gosh... I wish someone in your conference could cause Ohio State some trouble. I'm tired of watching them get dominated in National Championship games that they don't even deserve to play in.

August 10, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. ( | suggest removal )