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Originally published August 25, 2008 at 11:20a.m., updated August 25, 2008 at 01:11p.m.

KU football releases depth chart

Patterson named punt returner; still no decision on kicker

By Dugan Arnett

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Five days before the Kansas Jayhawks 2008 season opener, Mark Mangino releases his first depth chart of the year.

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With the release of the Kansas University football team's Week 1 depth chart Monday morning, some of the team's biggest positional questions were answered abruptly.

And some weren't.

While true freshman Daymond Patterson is listed as the Jayhawks' No. 1 punt returner - a position at which the Jayhawks struggled mightily last season - coach Mark Mangino and his staff apparently haven't yet determined who the team's starting placekicker will be in Saturday's 6 p.m. season opener against Florida International.

Sophomore transfers Grady Fowler and Alonso Rojas, the latter of which has been previously listed only as a punter, are both listed as possible starters at kicker heading into Saturday's game.

Another position - right defensive end - has come down to two players, as well. Senior John Larson, who started all 13 games last season and finished second on the team in tackles for loss, is battling junior Jeff Wheeler for the starting spot.

At tight end, the biggest remaining question mark heading into the season, sophomore Bradley Dedeaux earned the starting spot over red-shirt freshman A.J. Steward.

Johnathan Wilson will join a receiving corps that features Dexton Fields, Dezmon Briscoe and Kerry Meier, and Jake Sharp, at least for the moment, will be the team's starting running back. Junior-college transfer Jocques Crawford is listed at No. 2.

Fab Five?: Of the 26 true freshman listed on the Jayhawks' preseason roster, at least five could forego a red-shirt season, Mangino said Monday.

In addition to Patterson, Mangino mentioned Corrigan Powell (listed No. 2 at the right cornerback spot behind Chris Harris), Darius Parish (No. 2 at right defensive tackle) and tight end Tim Biere as true freshmen that have the potential to play immediately this season.

The coach reserved his highest praise, however, for Ben Lueken, a 6-foot-6, 300-pound offensive lineman out of St. Louis' Chaminade High.

"We haven't decided exactly (what to do with him yet)," said Mangino. "If we have a need to play Ben, we'll play him. If not we'll redshirt him. But what he's done in training camp is hard to overlook, and he may be ready to contribute now."

LB Tharp commits to KU: Huldon Tharp, an outside linebacker from Mulvane High in Kansas, has orally committed to play at Kansas next season, according to the Web site rivals.com.

A three-star recruit, the 6-foot, 208-pound Tharp selected the Jayhawks over Illinois, Boise State and Stanford.

Rated as the seventh-best player in the state of Kansas, Tharp endured an ACL injury earlier this summer that caused some teams to back off in recruiting. His decision to attend Kansas, he said, was based largely on the school's persistent interest even after the injury.

"I never had any doubts that I would play college football, but it was a stressful time for me," Tharp told the site. "After I tore my ACL, I just kept praying. Kansas is the only school that checked in after my injury. I just felt that Kansas was a great fit for me.

Depth chart breakdown

Here's a breakdown of the Jayhawks' Week 1 depth chart:

What should surprise you

¢ Arguably the team's top pass rusher, defensive end Max Onyegbule - who as a reserve last season managed to finish with a team-high 3.5 sacks - is nowhere to be found on the team's two-deep depth chart. On the right side, Jeff Wheeler and John Larson appear locked in a battle for the starting spot, while Jake Laptad will back up Russell Brorsen on the left side.

¢ Based on Monday's depth chart, punter Alonso Rojas apparently has elbowed his way into the race for starting placekicking duties. Following the loss of kicker Stephen Hoge to transfer - and the eligibility issues that threaten to keep sophomore Jacob Branstetter out for the season - Grady Fowler appeared to have the job wrapped up by default. Rojas, who also will start at punter for the Jayhawks, has not kicked regularly since high school.

¢ Another depth-chart no-show is transfer Nathan D'Cunah, a former four-star prospect expected to see playing time on the offensive line this year. Listed second at right tackle on the preseason depth chart, the 6-foot-6, 307-pound D'Cunah now sits behind - at least - Jeremiah Hatch and Matt Darton at the position.

What shouldn't surprise you

¢ Jake Sharp is listed ahead of Jocques Crawford at running back. Coach Mark Mangino has said all along that Crawford must earn his playing time, and while he appeared to make big strides during summer training camp, it looks like he has a bit farther to go. That said, expect him to see significant carries throughout the nonconference schedule before eventually battling for a starting spot by the team's Big 12 opener.

¢ True freshman Daymond Patterson will be called upon to fix Kansas' horrid punt-return game of a season ago. Coaches seem to love Patterson, and it was clear from the number of reps he took in practice that he was a favorite to handle the duties over red-shirt freshman Isiah Barfield and receiver Dexton Fields. A speedy Texas native who is also listed as a second-string receiver, Patterson averaged 21.6 yards per punt return as a senior in high school on the way to earning first-team all-state honors.

¢ Richard Johnson, Jr. The red-shirt freshman had a strong spring and has carried that through with good workouts during the summer, advancing from a second-string defensive tackle on this summer's preseason depth chart to a starting role at right tackle entering the 2008 season. Johnson will replace second-team all-American James McClinton.

Comments

rockchalks7 (anonymous) says...

No D'cunha listed on the 2 deep? either we have more depth at o-line than we thought or he still has a long ways to go. Also no Max O listed.. kinda a surprise with all the improvement he is being praised with. Still can not wait til saturday night!!!

August 25, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

sevenyearhawk (anonymous) says...

Interesting ....

I did not realize Jake Laptad was being developed as a long snapper.

Yeah, where is the Big D'cunha?

August 25, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mvjayhawk (anonymous) says...

i guess Branstetter didn't make grades....or they are just being extra cautious. please, nobody hit the kicker in practice!....tee he. Fowler is all we have.
and i like it that Darius Parish will get reps as well.....stole him from the Huskers. very cool indeed....way to go Darius!

August 25, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

number1jayhawker (anonymous) says...

What happened to Drew Dudley? He was being touted and rightfully so, the next best LB. Dakota Lewis must have really really improved over the spring and summer. I hope that's the case anyway.

August 25, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

fabolous_bg (anonymous) says...

So are we going with 2 punt returners or will they rotate??

August 25, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

joedavis (anonymous) says...

in b4 people complain about breaking news

August 25, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

sdoyel (anonymous) says...

Now THIS is breaking news! It would be nice to list the class of the player next to their names....

August 25, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

5DecadeHawk (anonymous) says...

They're all the same class.

working class!

hehehe

August 25, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhawkclassof02 (anonymous) says...

A couple of surprises on here. Who's Jonathan Wilson and why haven't I heard of him before now? Also haven't heard much about Richard Johnson at DT. Also, I'm honestly a bit anxious about our place kicker situation. I hope things turn out well there. Anyway, its nice to have an update that I can use for NCAA09.

August 25, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

grantmvb (anonymous) says...

Jonathan Wilson is a tall soph. who has the potential to make some big plays. I believe teammates named him as one of the players that could have a breakout year.

As for Richard Johnson, he was named to Scouts All Redshirt Freshman team

DT Richard Johnson, Kansas Johnson is set to take over in the middle for James McClinton, a player he emulates in many important ways. He was in the rotation a year ago before the staff decided to give him a redshirt season to get bigger and stronger. The reigning defensive scout team player of the year, he can jump the snap to get penetration and has already shown one of the best work ethics on the roster. McClinton will be missed, but a little less because of Johnson's development.

August 25, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

patton6 (anonymous) says...

@ class of 02 - Not to call you out, but I'm a little surprised that you're someone who checks KUsports.com in the middle of the day and haven't heard of Wilson or Johnson, Jr.

August 25, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kansaspike (anonymous) says...

Can Hereford not catch the ball or what?

He's a burner.

August 25, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Strikewso (anonymous) says...

Looks like a pretty young team - the future is still bright!

August 25, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhawkjdub (anonymous) says...

I still can't believe that after how much I heard about Marcus Herford early in his career, that he's not even listed as a WR on the 2-deep. Strictly KR only. I hope he has a great year, and can fit him in once in a while in the offense.

August 25, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rockchalks7 (anonymous) says...

is no one elso wondering where max onyegbule is? we are gonna need a pass rush and he supposed to be the one for that and he not even on 2 deep yet

August 25, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

trojanhawk (anonymous) says...

Pike - That's always been Herford's curse. Hands and crisp routes were never his strengths.

Good looking chart. Not sure about Wheeler, but he does have great length. With Blakesley and him on the DL, we should anticipate quite a few deflections.

I can't wait to see Patterson in action on Saturday.

Not sure what to think about the kicking situation. Fingers crossed.

August 25, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

sdoyel (anonymous) says...

I'm saying that Patterson takes one to the house on his first punt return.

August 25, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

grantmvb (anonymous) says...

Go to http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/index and see how much disrespect Kirk Herbstreit shows KU. Keep sawin' wood, Hawks!

August 25, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhwkfan162515 (anonymous) says...

Hey 5Decade, that's a good one!

Here's hoping they can work their way to a 9-3 record, as CBS Sports predicted.

August 25, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

fabio (anonymous) says...

grantmvb-I couldnt find what you were talking about. What does he say?

August 25, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Jaminrawk (anonymous) says...

Of course Herbstreit is overlooking the Hawks. It's his job to tout teams like Florida, Ohio State and LSU. I love that he's bought into the MIZZOU hype. Has anyone seen how much Daniel's line has deteriorated? ONE guy is playing the same position from last year, and they lost their starting tackles and center from 2007. They lose Temple, Rucker and Franklin yet we're supposed to think they are better? I think Illinois ends their BCS title hopes in game one. I will laugh manically if that happens.

August 25, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rhino11 (anonymous) says...

Or how much weight Daniel gained.

August 25, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KU (anonymous) says...

rockchalks7.......we all thought Max O was impressive at the spring game. He either is injured, in the dog house, or he's being outplayed by other DEs. If we have 4 DEs that are above him on the depth chart, we're doing pretty well.

August 25, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

justanotherfan (anonymous) says...

Jaminrawk,

Your arguments about Missouri could also be made about KU. We're starting two freshmen at tackle. We lost our leading rusher, just like them. We lost a veteran receiver and our starting tight end, just like them. So in a way, we are in exactly the same boat as them, except they beat us last year, so the national folks have a little more respect for them than they do for us. No worries. Nothing that a few wins won't fix.

August 25, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhawk4life1976 (anonymous) says...

Is it August 30th yet?

August 25, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Eurekahwk (anonymous) says...

We are not in the same boat as Moo. They lose their entire interior. They bring back one proven receiver and zero proven running backs. Any one remember that Jake Sharp was actually ahead of BMan at the half way point in yardage. We bring back more than moo does while coming off an Orange Bowl win. I agree that Illinois could take them down in week one.

August 25, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rhino11 (anonymous) says...

I wouldn't knock their RBs. We'd be happy to have Derrick Washington in the stable.

Illinois can win, all the pressure is on Mizzou.

August 25, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

boomrsoonr26 (anonymous) says...

grantmvb- I'm not so sure I would go so far as to say Herby punked you. I mean you have the play the upper echelon of the Big 12 this year in the south, and he thinks you'll struggle. One win over Va Tech is gonna be hard to convince anyone otherwise. The one "quality" opponent took care of you in impresssive fashion, and even though you'll say you had a shot at the end, it was a long shot.

Beat Texas and/or Oklahoma & Tech, and you'll start to get valid earned respect.

It's not your fault you played a cupcaker last year, but nows the year you get to make the run legit. Don't be a one year wonder now!

August 25, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

prairie_dog (anonymous) says...

I am delighted to see Wheeler emerge. He is so long that he will give QBs fits.

This is a very strong team. I don't think people realize how talented this group is because the new guys coming in are very green but very talented. Look at the size of our OL: this will be by far the biggest OL in our history. We can run the football behind these hogs.

Look at the 2 deep: these are very high quality players. As for depth, this team has more quality depth than last year's team.

Dare I say it, on paper, this team is better than last year's team.

August 25, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

CaramelMacchMan (anonymous) says...

I'm impressed with the D line...

August 25, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

joepattern (anonymous) says...

So this had already been asked.. but I didn't see it answered, what the hell happened with Dudley?

August 25, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

plasticJHawk (anonymous) says...

yes on paper this team is better than last years' team. But on paper, last years' team was supposed to lose to ksu, cu, tamu, nu, and OSU.

August 25, 2008 at 6:04 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

CaramelMacchMan (anonymous) says...

FOX sports just ranked big 12 the Best BCS conf.

http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/pgStory?
contentId=8451592#sport=college%20football&photo=8450930

August 25, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

CaramelMacchMan (anonymous) says...

http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/pgStoryc...

August 25, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

njjayhawk (anonymous) says...

Kirk Herbstreit is a frick'n moron. A piker with his head in the sand. I never witnessed such butt kissing as he's put on USC, Florida, Ohio State (his alma mater) Nebraska, and Mizzou. Predictable. KU did not get a smell from Kirk; except in the "teams going down" category. So, there you have, 'Hawks, make belivers out of the unknowing and unconvinced, show them what you can do, including remaining prominent on the national scene. Kick some butt; take no prisoners.

August 25, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

chuckberry32 (anonymous) says...

I ripped Herb on his herbie awards about his disrespect to KU, but it goes as a good example of how the national media feels about us right now.

I think what boomer said is fairly true, hurts but true. (except the MU summary IMHO)

I'm excited for the team's chance this year to prove the pundits wrong. Having a season like last year's would vault us to the forefront of national attention similar to the run up Virginia Tech had in the mid 90s. Once you get that taste of success you work even harder to get back there!

Living in Florida I can't wait to go to the USF game! That and the MU game will probably be the only ones I make it to. USF needs to make sure they beat UCF the week before though, or suddenly our sweet non-con turns into a cupcake again.

RockChalk!

August 25, 2008 at 7:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

sgtjb123 (anonymous) says...

I'm just happy Dedeaux is going to start. I drafted him on my CFB fantasy team on sportsline.

August 25, 2008 at 7:42 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JJHawq (anonymous) says...

the fact that hereford is not on the 2 deep @ WR speaks volumes to how the program has changed since he arrived. When he was a frosh - we'd do anything just to put the ball in his hands - including let him play QB even though he cannot throw the ball.

August 25, 2008 at 8:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhawk4life1976 (anonymous) says...

LB Huldon Tharp has just commited to KU!

http://kansas.rivals.com/content.asp?...

August 25, 2008 at 8:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

trojanhawk (anonymous) says...

"So this had already been asked.. but I didn't see it answered, what the hell happened with Dudley?"

No one knows. He may be hurt, in trouble, or just unimpressive in practice. If we see him at his usual spot on kickoffs, we'll know he hasn't performed well at LB (or as well as Wright and Lewis).

August 25, 2008 at 10:42 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

dagger108 (anonymous) says...

It sounds like Max O, D' Cunha, Dudley, Hereford (@WR), not to mention Hogge, and the RB's are all falling victim to the rise in player quality. 15 Sr's, 9 Jr's, 16 Soph's, 8 Frosh (the numbers don't include KM's 3 repeats and others).

It is good to see Wheeler (SR as listed in 2deep, or Jr listed in the article) and Darton saw wood enough that they are seeing the field. Hopefully, it sets a good example for the players that avoid the urge to run to the transfer mirage.

Rock Chalk

August 26, 2008 at 2:59 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

dagger108 (anonymous) says...

Boomer - I was following you early in your comments, but then

The one "quality" opponent took care of you in impresssive fashion, and even though you'll say you had a shot at the end, it was a long shot.

Please. VTech wasn't quality? They were #3 before we played them, and only suffered as much as in the final polls as they did because of the perception of losing to us. Maybe KU was actually better than the team that was suppose to be pound in a no contest battle in the OB. Sounds like you've been believing way too much of the mizzoo rantings.

And as for the "quality" opponent and impresssive victory, mizzoo was impressive for 3 quarters and we looked like were shell shocked by the change in intensity going to elite FB. Mizzoo had the benefit of seeing that intensity during their impressive 3 quarters victory over your sooners. Wait. No. You're right. You have to play 4 quarters, and mizzoo got pummeled at the end of both games. They played it one way until you all pummeled them for the entire BIGXII game. Unfortunately, we've had to continue to listen to their prevent defense (prevent offense too?) BS.

You are right, we had virtually no chance of winning at the very end, but we were 2 plays away from having the tables completely turned around earlier in the game. True KU fans also know this is the difference between giving games away in '06, and winning them in '07.

The OB didn't show that the Hokies didn't deserve to be ranked high, but it did show that just as KU had learned from '06, and took it to a new level in early '07, we also learned from the first 3 quarters against mizzoo, and took it to that next level for the last 5 quarters of '07.

The challenge is that '08 is a whole new season. It is exciting to anticipate finding out whether we have retained what we learned last year. If we have learned, then it doesn't matter who is on our schedule, because on any given night, no one is any better than VTech. WVU, not to mention CU, should have convinced you of that last year.

That's not a prediction of perfection, just a realization that the 'Hawks don't need to take back seat to anyone, and that concussions and blown knees will have more to do with how the season turns out than all the "wisdom" of the "Herbie", etc.

August 26, 2008 at 3:48 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

shelleysue (anonymous) says...

Boomer - I guess we'll get our respect then because I predict we'll win 2 of those games you mentioned. No one wants to give KU football the respect it deserves because no one can stand the fact that KU can be dominant in both major sports. Seriously ... National Champions / Orange Bowl Champions. Don't you wish you were a Jayhawk too?!!

August 26, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )