Kansas University offensive coordinator Nick Quartaro expects Tony Coker to play a big role in the Jayhawks’ revamped offensive line, and not just because the 6-foot-5, 320-pound junior is KU’s only returning starter up front.
Coker started nine games last year at right tackle, but struggled at times with a back injury.
Quartaro said the lineman was in good shape when practices started Monday.
“Everything has been positive,” Quartaro said. “Tony Coker can be a real impact guy for us.”
A bigger question than Coker’s health might be what position the junior will play. He’s the Jayhawks’ only returning starter, but there’s no guarantee he’ll start — or even stay at tackle.
“We want to get our five best linemen out there,” Quartaro said. “After a week or so, we’ll have an idea who those will be. We don’t want to pigeonhole anyone as far as guard or tackle.”
That won’t be a problem for junior college transfer Joe Vaughn (6-1, 280). The Northeastern Oklahoma center won the starting job during spring drills.
“We lost a lot of kids off that group last year,” Quartaro said.
“We were able to get a real quality center and at midyear. Joe Vaughn really understands the game. He can help us immensely.”
| Kansas University opens the football season Aug. 30 against Northwestern, but Kansas fans have a few opportunities to see the Jayhawks in action before their game against the Wildcats. Here are the dates of KU’s preseason practices that are open to the public:Wednesday — 9:30 a.m.Thursday — 9:30 a.m.Sunday — Kids Day, 4 p.m. Children accompanied by an adult can attend final 30 minutes of practice. Players will sign autographs after practice.Thursday, Aug. 14 — 9:30 a.m.Wednesday, Aug. 20 — Fan Appreciation Day, 6:30 p.m. at Memorial Stadium. After practice coach Mark Mangino will introduce captains, and players will sign autographs. |
Adrian Jones (6-5, 275) is expected to join Vaughn in the starting lineup. The senior moved from tight end to left tackle during spring drills.
Starting roles at left guard and on the right side of the line are far less certain. Like Vaughn, junior college transfers Richard Estrella (6-4, 285) and Johnny Urrutia (6-3, 323) both are expected to make an impact.
“We’ll have great competition with the addition of the junior college guys,” Quartaro said.
Red-shirt freshmen Travis Dambach (6-4, 260), David Ochoa (6-4, 250), Chris Roberts (6-1, 285) and Bob Whitaker (6-5, 325) also have been added to the mix.
Quartaro said Whitaker has come a long way in one year.
“He’s a big, big person,” Quartaro said. “He was not unlike a lot of high school freshmen. He needed to reshape his body and get used to hard workouts. It’s not easy for a guy who’s 6-5. He’s done a great job. He’s a tough kid.”
Another newcomer to the O-line is Roy Teng (6-1, 280). The junior originally came to KU as a defensive lineman last year and red-shirted before moving to offense during the spring.
Returning linemen include sophomore Justin Henry (6-4, 285), senior Danny Lewis (6-4, 295) and junior Nick McCaslin (6-2, 285).
Henry has played tight end, center and guard. With Vaughn cemented as the starting center, Henry most likely will contribute as a guard.
The Jayhawks, who open the season Aug. 30 against Northwestern, will have an open practices on Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
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