The entrance to the room at Memorial Stadium that Kansas University uses to show off its football program to the world through the media wasn’t blocked on football media day, but it was crowded. An unmanned massive crane hovered over a gargantuan light tower that was on the ground.
Indoors, at least the oscillating fans were working, which was a plus considering the air conditioning was broken on one of the nine days (seven home games, the spring game, football media day) the room is used for news conferences.
On the surface, this looked more like a football program in ruins than one closing in on Big 12 legitimacy. Appearances can be deceiving. If you listened very closely and did your best to block out the roar of the fans, you could hear a buzz about a young player named neither Kerry Meier nor Jake Sharp.
Similar to Meier and Sharp, wide receiver Tertavian Ingram has a chance to be a big playmaker for KU. Maybe even as soon as during this, his true freshman season.
Don’t slap a red shirt on Ingram just yet. Behind No. 1 receiver Brian Murph, the depth is too suspect to believe that just because Ingram, a native of Tampa, Fla., and a third-team all-state selection in a state that’s always rich in talent at his position, is a true freshman he won’t be considered for immediate playing time.
His was the fourth name Mark Mangino mentioned when asked what receivers had caught his attention.
“I’m pretty excited about Dexton Fields,” he said. “He has had a great offseason. Marcus Herford and Dominic Roux continue to improve. They’ve got good speed that can stretch the defense. One of the young guys that’s kind of jumped out a little bit is Tertavian Ingram. He has some talent. He can play.”
Ingram said it was difficult learning the nuances of the offense, but added, “Sometimes I surprise myself with how quickly I’m learning.”
Said Mangino: “We’re working him slowly, and we’re trying to see if he’s going to be able to contribute this year. There’s no question he has the ability to be a fine player. How quickly that will happen, I don’t know, but the way he’s progressing, if he continues, and he’s ready to go, we’ll play him.”
Meier sounded genuinely impressed with Ingram.
“He is one smooth guy,” Meier said. “I’ve only been here for football one year, but he is one very talented guy, and you can look forward to seeing great things from him in the very near future.”
Ingram said he initially committed orally to Purdue, then changed his mind after his visit to KU: “I like it way better here.”
He said he instantly clicked with receivers coach Tim Beck, whose sell job consisted of demonstrating his teaching style and leaving the pupil with the impression he could learn a great deal.
It didn’t hurt that his father, former Washburn receiver Terry Ingram, lives in Topeka.
“He moved out when I was about 5, and I’d see him in the summers,” Tertavian said. “Even though I didn’t stay with him, we’ve always had that strong father-son bond.”
Ingram is symbolic of the sort of recruit who, in the past, wouldn’t have considered KU. He said no to Purdue, North Carolina State and Virginia.
The KU talent is taking on a Big 12 feel to it. One day, appearances will catch up.
