Advertisement
March 11, 2008
Somewhere, a clown is sporting a frown.Yes, coach Mark Mangino wouldn't be big on a circus-like atmosphere at the spring football game on April 12, though it appears he wouldn't mind either way. With attendance lagging in recent years, Mangino was asked [Tuesday at the pre-spring press conference][1] what he'd like to see from a fan turnout standpoint at the spring game.Mangino, as he did last year, said he's more concerned with his team's 15 practices over the next month, as he should be. But he said he's mindful of having a good crowd, before dropping this delightful nugget:"I'm not going to recommend that we have a rock band at the spring game, or rodeo clowns," Mangino grinned.So go home, Juggles. The hope in Lawrence is that an Orange Bowl trophy gets the fans in the seats."Anything that the fans do or contribute, great. We love it," Mangino said. "We're going to be there no matter if there's 100 or 20,000 fans. We're going to be out there on that Saturday practicing."He then paused."Hopefully," he added, "there will be more than 100."Some other nuggets from Tuesday's press conference:- As many have guessed, three starters will not be available for spring practices: linebacker Joe Mortensen, center Ryan Cantrell and safety Justin Thornton.Cantrell, Mangino said, is being held out more because he's a veteran who doesn't need to risk further injury. He's been seen with a boot on his left foot and was on crutches at the awards banquet last week.Mortensen and Thornton are on crutches, too. Mangino said two of those three would be available for spring workouts if they started in late April. He said all three will be ready to go for the start of the season.- Kerry Meier's role in the offense isn't going to change much for now. He'll still get reps at both quarterback and wide receiver. Since incoming punter Alonso Rojas isn't on campus yet, Meier also will get a lot of work this spring booting the ball.- The offensive tackle positions (both of them) are going to be the most intriguing position battles this spring. Four guys are leading the competition for the two spots: Nathan D'Cunha, Ian Wolfe, Matt Darton and Jeff Spikes.- Pro Day was earlier Tuesday in the Anderson Family Strength Center and Anschutz Pavilion. A total of 37 scouts from 27 different teams were there, including Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson.A total of 14 guys worked out, including two blasts from the past: former KU defensive linemen Rodney Allen and Eric Butler. [1]: http://www2.kusports.com/podcasts/press_conferences_postgame_interviews/2008/mar/11/mark_manginos_march_11_spring_football_press_confe/
Comments
MILFdestroyer (anonymous) says...
Wood, nice job. I believe D'Cunha and Spikes will win the positions. I hear D'cunha is 25 and is a straight up beast. Spikes is huge, but certainly not fat which I like.
March 11, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fabio (anonymous) says...
I think Mangino just took a shot at KSUs spring game with the rock band, clowns comment. KSU has the Goo Goo Dolls showing up at their spring game to boost attendance numbers.
March 11, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
plasticJHawk (anonymous) says...
I kinda thought a rodeo clown would be a good touch
oh well
March 12, 2008 at 7:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JayViking (anonymous) says...
i cant wait for fooooooooootballlllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 12, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Woodberry (anonymous) says...
Wow, there's no better band to get you pumped up for football than the Goo Goo Dolls. Might as well have the Hanson Brothers open the show as well. That's one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard. If you need to bring in a band just to boost your attendance numbers, then you have problems.
March 12, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lylemen4life (anonymous) says...
D'Cunha will have a shot but spikes isn't ready. Look for either Wolfe or Darton. Honestly it will depend on which one stays in shape the best this summer.
March 12, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GrayHawker (anonymous) says...
Actually, reports all last fall and winter have been pretty positive about Spikes. He seems to be completely over his high school knee injury and made a lot of progress. Enough to say that he is a serious option at LT even, not just RT.
Right now, If I had to bet, it will be Spikes and D'Cunha, just not sure which side!
March 12, 2008 at 5:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )