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Posted
by Matt Tait
August 15, 2012 at 10:39 a.m.
What caught my eye at Day 14 of Fall Practice
KU's first-string offense simulates a snap against the sled during Wednesday's morning practice. by Matt Tait
Wednesday marked the final day of two-a-day practices for the Kansas University football team, and that appeared to be on the minds of the players during the morning session.
It certainly was on the minds of the coaches, who, continually implored their guys to go harder and stop going through the motions. After each time, the different position groups would respond with a few good reps, but it definitely seemed as if these guys were ready for camp life to be over.
That’s not a knock on the players at all. It’s been a grueling camp and, according to the feedback from the coaches, it’s been a good one. It seems to be human nature for the light at the end of the tunnel to bring on these types of practices. And, like in anything, you can’t hit a home run every time out.
For the second time this week, another media member and I got an extended look at practice because of the low turnout. But even at that, we only saw the first 45 minutes, so for all I know the rest of practice could have been much better and filled with intensity. Same goes for this afternoon’s session.
Enough about that, though, here are a couple of things that caught my eye during Wednesday morning’s practice:
• Still no Ty McKinney. He might be here later today, he might be here next week. KU coach Charlie Weis made it very clear on Monday that he did not know for sure when McKinney would arrive and also made it clear that McKinney was still coming and had done the work he needed to do to get here. He simply was waiting on that work to be graded so he could take the final. It’s a bit of a raw deal and Weis said it has been tough on McKinney, but a few months from now, we probably won’t even remember he was late.
• Shortly after stretching, the same group of first-stringers that it has been for the past week or so jumped on the sled. They were: RT - Howard, RG - Dent, C - Marrongelli, LG - Zlatnik, LT - Hawkinson, TE - Ragone, TE/FB - Smiley, QB - Crist, RB - Pierson, WR - Pick, WR - Patterson. This time, however, I got a good look at the No. 2s and they were: RT - Aslam Sterling, RG - Luke Luhrsen, C - Dylan Admire, LG - Damon Martin, LT - Lewandowski, TE - Jordan Smith, TE - Charles Brooks, QB - Michael Cummings, RB Taylor Cox, WR - Chris Omigie, WR - D.J. Beshears. I thought it was interesting that both Brooks and Smith were running with the second team here. Could just be for that drill, but it could also be indicative of their play. Weis said the other day that he had four tight ends that were all interchangeable, and, with Jimmay Mundine, riding the bike for the start of practice, it made sense that Brooks and Smith were out there. Cox, we know, has the lead for the back-up role to Pierson and Cummings, we also know, has the lead over Baty for the back-up role to Crist. No big surprises there. Nothing settled yet, either.
• Speaking of the bike, Mundine was joined by the same two guys who had spent a good chunk of the week riding the stationary bikes, linebacker Anthony McDonald and safety Brian Maura. All three appear to be day-to-day.
KU linebacker Prinz Kande was working with the first string LBs on Wednesday morning. by Matt Tait
• Spent a fair amount of time with the linebackers today and I noticed a couple of things immediately. First, Prinz Kande was working with the ones, along side Ben Heeney (Mike) and Huldon Tharp (Will). Kande looks bigger and has always had good speed. He could factor in here. The No. 2s, at least during the drills I watched were: Courtney Arnick (Will), Schyler Miles (Mike) and Tunde Bakare (Sam). Nothing set in stone there, either, but if Kande’s playing with the ones in practice, he’ll probably at least get some snaps this fall.
• Finally, the Coach Weis song of the day was “Prove It All Night” by Springsteen. Could just have been next up in the Springsteen playlist, or, it could have been a subtle message from Weis and the coaching staff to the players, who have to continue to prove themselves in order to earn their spots. Even though camp’s about over, the season’s still a couple of weeks away and the depth chart could see a lot of movement in that time.
KU safety Bradley McDougald (24) back-pedals and tries to fire up his teammates for the start of Wednesday's first practice on a gorgeous morning. by Matt Tait
Comments
oklahawk58 9 months ago
Not that I want him back, but has anyone seen or heard from aperse lately? Seems he would be the first to be negative on McKinney.
raprichard 9 months ago
Now that you mention it, not a peep. I don't miss the negativism, but I miss the goofy whale avatar.
kustrong 9 months ago
I thought that apherse was funny as hell, but I'm also a huge fan of Andy Rooney and miss him dearly! I do think I remember him mentioning something once about his family, so hopefully everything is okay.
Rock Chalk
raprichard 9 months ago
I hope McKinney comes in in good shape and ready to play. I was really looking forward to seeing all three of those juco transfers and we still have one to go. Good to hear Weis say he is still coming. I have been starting to wonder.
Among all of the new players, I think I am most excited about Schyler Miles. Any kid that can come in and compete for the starting middle linebacker job as a true freshman is a stud. It doesn't matter if we weren't that strong at the position. A true freshman playing one of the key anchor positions in a Big XII defense is impressive.
I know I say this every day, but I can't wait for the season to start! It feels good to be excited for football again.
clevelandjayhawker 9 months ago
How about Michael Reynolds? He had such a good spring game, didnt know if he was a backup a d-end or if Coach Campo would find a way to put him in as a LB or hybrid. Thanks for the coverage, sad that it was only you and one other reporter, so once again thank you. Rock Chalk
iamakufan 9 months ago
Matt!!! "me and another media member got an extended look" ... You know better than that!
Matt Tait 9 months ago
I do. Or is it... me does. ;-) My bad. Just trying to get these things posted quickly!!!
oklahawk58 9 months ago
Me don't care much as long as you keep feeding us!
fearthephog512 9 months ago
nom nom nom KU football nom nom
superwizbang 9 months ago
Eh, "Me and Roger, Me Release, Me Like." They say tht if you write a wrd and somtimes forget the vowls it's ok too. Proper english, proper spelling, proper structure aside, Matt--you made my Best of Lawrence voting list. Thanks for doing such a bang up job this year. It has been truly enjoyable to read your posts each day. Like everyone else, I have my 10 season tix all ready and separated into individual games. The tailgating supplies have been checked and rechecked...man I can't wait. We were there faithfully each week for the years, these games should be fun no matter the outcome.
HAWKS1 9 months ago
Matt, I have been out of the loop for a week and a half. I haven't noticed any comments regarding special teams, though you may have touched on it at some point. Any idea if Weis/Bowen will be changing the punt formation? I hated that formation Gill installed. Thanks! Keep up the great work!
JJHAWK 9 months ago
Matt,
Could you check with the Athletic department for how season ticket sales are going. YOur coverage has been so outstanding that it seems like KU should be benefitting.
TXJAYHAWK7 9 months ago
Hey Matt how did the number 2's look? Hows Omigie looking hes a big target for the qbs to hit. I can see him winning a bunch of jump balls if he goes and gets the ball.
inteldesign 9 months ago
Matt, could you get an interview from Bob Davis, maybe a podcast, asking him about his observations of the Weiss program and how he sees this season playing out????
Ceee 9 months ago
Faculty and families were invited to Thursday's practise. Never having been to one, I was struck by 1) the large numbers involved, (players + support staff + coaches), 2) the knowledge of the procedures exhibited by the participants who practised drills and played in scrimmages switching from sidelines to the field with ease and speed, 3) the attentiveness of the players. (There was no screwing around; all appeared intent on what they were doing, or watching.)
There was no wasted time. Coaches and players were disciplined. At the conclusion of practise the players came to the sidelines and thanked us for supporting them by being there. These young men are fine representatives of KU. Charlie Weiss runs an impressive program.
JasonJayhawker 9 months ago
Great coverage during the off-season, Matt and an excellent job leading up to kick off week! Reading your columns each day is like having a friend who goes to watch the practices and tells me all about it each morning when I get up.
It's finally the most wonderful time of the year!
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