There’s at least one person who’s tired of answering questions about Kansas University’s quarterback situation.
And it’s not even KU coach Terry Allen.
“I’m glad, I’m not the coach making the decision,” KU sophomore halfback Reggie Duncan quipped. “I’m mad that I have to answer the questions. But, it’s cool, though.”
Duncan, who was on hand for Allen’s spring press conference Wednesday at Hadl Auditorium, was asked about sophomore QB Zach Dyer and red-shirt freshman Mario Kinsey in as many different ways as he has moves.
Asked which was worse answering questions about the quarterbacks or fumbling Duncan deadpanned, “I think answering questions about quarterbacks.”
So, just what are his thoughts about the QBs?
“Both of them are great athletes,” Duncan said. “I think Mario brings something different to the game with his running ability and the way he reads the defense. But Zach also brings toughness and leadership to the team.
“Whoever’s in there, as long as we’re winning, I’m happy.”
He’ll also be happy as long as he’s in there, as well.
The 5-foot-9, 220-pound Duncan spent last season in the shadow of starters Moran Norris and David Winbush, totaling just 207 yards and two touchdowns on 54 attempts. The Jayhawks’ headliners combined for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns on 250 carries.
Duncan, who Allen said is the type of running back that could accumulate 25 carries a game, certainly isn’t shying away from the spotlight this spring, even setting a lofty goal for himself.
“As long as my offensive line blocks and I get the ball, you never know what can happen,” Duncan said. “I could have 1,000 yards and be the first 1,000-yard rusher in a while at KU.”
For the record, the last Jayhawk to gain a grand on the ground was June Henley with 1,349 in 1996.
It is the combination of Duncan’s speed and power he’s run a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, but also boasts a 415-pound bench press that could make his goal a reality.
“I think that Reggie’s doing excellent,” Allen said. “He’s a power runner. He’s a little deceptive in that you look at him but then for the scouts he ran a legitimate 4.4. So he does have the excellent speed, but he’s more of an inside power runner.
“He’s a between-the-tackles guy.”
Duncan agreed with Allen’s assessment.
“I think I’m a power runner and I have breakaway speed to get to the outside on a sweep,” he said. “I like the inside. I like hitting guys.”
Duncan, who is the only returning starter with more than 10 carries last year, has been holding off fellow-sophomores Daniel Coke and Harold McClendon this spring. KU also recently shifted red-shirt freshman Leo Bookman from safety to halfback.
Duncan won’t have to worry about losing his lead during the final spring practice Saturday night, though, as Allen said it would be a controlled scrimmage of about 75 plays.
“A lot of that is because of depth problems,” Allen said, “but also I feel good enough as far as I don’t need to see Reggie Duncan carry the ball 35 times. I don’t have any concerns about Reggie. I think Reggie will knock on wood if he can stay healthy, he’s our guy.”
The future of KU senior defensive end De’Nard Whitfield doesn’t look good.
“At this particular time, I’d be very surprised if De’Nard was back with us,” Allen said.
Whitfield has been suspended indefinitely for academic reasons during the spring session.
KU athletics officials have asked people attending the spring scrimmage Saturday night to bring a canned-food item, which can be left in containers at the entrance of Memorial Stadium. The items will be donated to the Salvation Army of Lawrence.
The scrimmage, which will begin following the Kansas Relays, is slated to start around 7:15 or 7:30 p.m.
