Ready to play: Kansas University left tackle Matt Thompson will make his first start for the Jayhawks tonight in the football season opener against Tulsa. The junior sat out last year after transferring from Air Force.
Thompson and the rest of the Jayhawks are eager to play a real game after a month of preseason practices.
“My gosh, you would not believe it,” he said. “The intensity is unbelievable. Everybody is getting so keyed up. I’m so excited. I can only block (KU defensive end) David McMillan so long. My last game was the Diamond Wallet San Francisco Bowl on Jan. 1, 2002. I think everybody is excited and committed to winning the game.”
Thompson’s prediction for the opener?
“We will win,” he said.
“I can’t really tell any difference,” said senior center Joe Vaughn. “The offensive line is working hard. We’re putting in extra film time and getting everything ready for Saturday.”
Newcomer Matt Mann is expected to back up Ochoa and left guard Bob Whitaker.
“Matt Mann is doing a great job,” Vaughn said of the transfer from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. “He’s a smart kid who works hard and studies the game.”
After a spring and summer of adjustment, Gordon thought his play on defense would be much improved.
“I know the defensive schemes like the back of my hand now,” he said. “Last year I wasn’t too sure where I was supposed to be all the time. With all the studying I’ve been doing, watching film, I know my assignments and I’m more comfortable.”
Gordon could see time at receiver and will return punts.
Greg Heaggans, Clark Green and John Randle have been sharing kick-return duties during preseason camp.
“If you throw it up there he’s going to go up there and get it,” sophomore quarterback Adam Barmann said. “He’s not afraid to go after a ball over the middle. He’ll go after any ball you throw whether it’s catchable or not. You’ve got to like that as a quarterback.”
