Having a running back that runs a 4.4-second 40-yard dash isn’t that uncommon. Having a running back with size-15 feet now that’s a different story.
“They don’t slow me down,” Kansas University red-shirt freshman Leo Bookman quipped following Tuesday’s spring practice at Memorial Stadium. “You get jokes all the time.”
Bookman, the Jayhawks’ 6-foot-1, 220-pound running back/defensive back, is no stranger to speed. As a senior at Dickinson (Texas) High, Bookman claimed the large-class state title in both the 100- and 200-meter dashes, being clocked at 10.36 and 20.67 seconds, respectively.
It’s his blazing speed that has KU coach Terry Allen tinkering with Bookman at running back instead of safety.
“Coach Allen felt like we needed some more help at the tailback spot,” Bookman said. “He feels like my size and speed could be an asset. I played offense in high school. When I first came here last year they moved me to DB. I’d rather play wide receiver, actually, but coach Allen feels like I could help more at tailback.”
Bookman also would have a better chance of seeing the field as a running back than at wide receiver, KU’s deepest and most experienced position. Whether the transition to offense will translate into more playing time remains to be seen, though.
“He’s still learning back there,” Allen said. “It’s his second day at running back. He can run real fast, but I don’t know if he’s a natural running back. I would say the jury’s still out.”
The Jayhawks are hardly hurting at halfback, with sophomores Reggie Duncan, Daniel Coke and Harold McClendon sharing carries this spring. Then again, KU does have the unenviable task of replacing four-year letterwinners Moran Norris and David Winbush, who combined for 250 carries, 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
Bookman, who isn’t listed among the top three on the depth chart at either safety position, isn’t looking forward to being the hunted rather than the hunter.
“I’d prefer doing the hitting,” Bookman said with a laugh. “Fortunately, I haven’t really gotten hit yet. We’ll see how it goes during the scrimmage.”
The Jayhawks released an updated spring depth chart Tuesday, with sophomore quarterback Zach Dyer still listed ahead of red-shirt freshman Mario Kinsey, who moved up from the No. 4 slot.
The other two positions up for grabs are tight end and weakside linebacker. Junior TE David Hurst and sophomore Adrian Jones are neck-and-neck, as are sophomore linebacker Glenn Robinson and junior newcomer Leo Etienne.
KU has today off, will conduct its final spring practice on Thursday, take Friday off, and then play the annual spring game Saturday night following the Kansas Relays.
