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Kansas wide receiver Justin McCay
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A couple of weeks ago, Kansas University football coach Charlie Weis delivered what many were calling the biggest recruiting day in program history when he landed former Notre Dame quarterback Dayne Crist and Jake Heaps, a QB who is transferring to KU from BYU.
Now those quarterbacks have a receiver to go with them.
Friday afternoon, former Bishop Miege High wide receiver Justin McCay, a former five-star prospect who spent the last two seasons at Oklahoma University, joined the parade of impact recruits to commit to Weis by announcing he would transfer to Kansas at semester.
While there’s still work to be done - both off the field and on it - McCay joins Crist and Heaps as one of the most highly touted recruits to come to Kansas.
“I watched him very closely because he was right in the area of a lot of kids I follow,” said Jon Kirby, of JayhawkSlant.com, who has been covering KU football recruiting for 13 years. “He was extremely talented. He was tall, athletic, had a great body, was real fluid, had great body control. He was a heck of a talent. I think a lot of times like this, people want to question a kid’s talent and whether he can make it or not, but I’ve seen him play. He wouldn’t have been in the Army All-American game if he didn’t have talent.”
The 6-foot-2, 209-pound wideout who was ranked as the top player in Kansas in the Class of 2010, was in Lawrence on Wednesday night for the KU-K-State men’s basketball game. Evidently, that was enough to convince him to choose KU over K-State, which reportedly was his other finalist.
“The visit was great,” McCay told Kirby. “And I think this is a great opportunity to build from the ground up.”
Technically a red-shirt freshman, McCay played in just three games this season because of injury and decided to transfer from OU a couple of weeks ago. OU coach Bob Stoops granted the release, and McCay landed at KU, where he’ll be reunited with former Miege head coach Tim Grunhard, who was hired in December to coach KU’s offensive line. Kirby said he believed coming to Lawrence could be big for both the player and the program.
“I think a fresh start, a pro-style offense, Charlie Weis and he’s got Rob Ianello now as his wide receivers coach,” Kirby said. “Throw all that together and you never know what this kid could turn into.”
As for McCay’s decision to join the Jayhawks making a positive impact on the program, that, too, could wind up being huge, Kirby said.
“If he were to have any type of success here, I think it would show local kids that, maybe instead of going away to some bigger-name program outside of the area, they’ll realize they can play and compete and win at the local in-state school,” Kirby said. “It gives the Kansas coaches the ability to go recruit in-state kids and say, ‘Look, this kid went away and came back. Why don’t you just start your career here?’”
When asked where McCay ranked in terms of wide receivers that KU had brought in during the past decade, Kirby didn’t hesitate to answer.
“In terms of raw talent and on paper and from a recruiting standpoint, he may have to be at the top,” Kirby said. “He is probably one of the most highly regarded kids, along with these quarterbacks, that I’ve ever seen come to Kansas.”
McCay’s eligibility status remains up in the air and could go a number of different directions in the next few weeks. One thing that’s not cloudy, though, is how the former OU wide receiver feels about his new coach.
“He is a great guy,” McCay said of Weis. “He is 100 percent straight-up, and when he says he is going to do something, he gets it done. I want to be a part of what he is building. He’s bringing in the tools to win.”
D.C.’s Crawley plans visit
Washington D.C. cornerback Kenneth Crawley, a four-star prospect out of H.D. Woodson High, who recently backed out of his committment to Tennessee, has announced on Twitter that he will visit KU sometime next week.
Crawley, 6-1, 170, is teammates with former KU commitment De’Jon Wilson, who had pledged to join the Jayhawks but backed out after the firing of Turner Gill and now is orally committed to Colorado.
According to Rivals.com, Crawley is the No. 2 ranked cornerback in Maryland and the 21st ranked player at his position overall.
With his recruitment back open, Crawley also plans to visit Michigan State and Maryland, and he has offers from 22 other BCS schools, including Oklahoma State and Texas Tech of the Big 12.
Beaty to A&M;?
It appears that former KU wide receivers coach David Beaty, who worked at KU two separate times, under both Mark Mangino and Turner Gill, will join Kevin Sumlin’s staff at Texas A&M.;
Beaty, a Texas native who spent time coaching at Rice between stints at Kansas, has become known for his ability to recruit his native state, specifically the Dallas area.
Several reports from Aggieland have indicated that Sumlin’s staff is now complete and his assistants will hit the road to recruit next week.
Sumlin was hired by A&M; after a successful run at Houston and will lead the Aggies into the SEC next season.
Weis to attend tonight’s Sunflower Showdown
Having already made an appearance at a KU men’s basketball game - he was there on Dec. 10, when the Jayhawks topped second-ranked Ohio State - Weis now has plans to throw his support behind the KU women’s team.
After a whirlwind few weeks that included being hired by KU, having hip-replacement surgery and hitting the recruiting trail, Weis will attend his first women’s game at 7 tonight, when the Jayhawks (12-1 overall, 1-0 in Big 12 play) play host to in-state rival Kansas State (10-3, 1-0).
Comments
Ferd Magellan 10 years, 7 months ago
Let's see if the Big 12 actually shows some heart and approves his waiver so he'll have at least of couple years of eligibility left. It would be out of character for most of our officials to cut a current/future KU student-athlete a break, but there's always time to change.
Bangkok_Jayhawk 10 years, 7 months ago
Still can't get over the Eric Butler deal a few years back. Because it helped him take care of his new born child, he enrolled at Devry. The NCAA counted that against his eligibility. He even applied for another year of eligibility because of paternity responsibilities and was denied. I could be wrong on some of that, but I am pretty sure that was the story.
Dan Pawlowski 10 years, 7 months ago
I guess the NCAA thought it was not a direct input into their revenue.
jhox 10 years, 7 months ago
He should have a minimum of 3 years, if I'm not mistaken. The biggest question is how soon he'll be eligible.
Bangkok_Jayhawk 10 years, 7 months ago
NCAA says you have 5 years to complete 4 seasons. He already has used his red shirt and played one so he would only have 3 remaining if he was eligible this year. That is a possibility because of the hardship waiver.
I could be wrong on this but I am decently sure I am correct.
Kman_blue 10 years, 7 months ago
You got it correct. McCay got his hardship waiver from OU which eliminates the in conference transfer rule of sitting out 2 years and which would force McCay to lose 2 years of eligibility also because he's already used his redshirt year, so he now is trying to get a hardship waiver from the NCAA. If he gets that from the NCAA, then he'll be ready to play immediately this fall, if not then he has to sit out 1 year which would mean he also loses 1 year of eligibility and would have 2 years of eligibility left starting in 2013. Hopefully the NCAA will do the right thing for once and grant him his waiver.
Ron Prichard 10 years, 7 months ago
Actually, while he got the hardship waiver from OU, I believe the Big XII still has to approve it. If they don't, there is still a chance he would miss two years. At least that's how I read the earlier reports.
LAJayhawk 10 years, 7 months ago
Raprichard is correct. The Big 12 could still deny OU's release. I have no idea why they would, but they have the power to do so.
Dirk Medema 10 years, 7 months ago
Bangkok - There are also medical red-shirts that allow a 6th year to complete 4. There are limits on how much (%) you can play that I don't remember, but plenty of twists to confuse things as the story indicates.
Bangkok_Jayhawk 10 years, 7 months ago
I am realistic guy and understand football teams take awhile to turn around. That being said, the pieces are possibly in place for a dramatic turnaround at KU next year.
Dramatic turnarounds don't happen often and to win 6-8 games next year would still be a massive achievement. That being said, I don't think 6-8 wins would be a complete shock at this point.
Ron Prichard 10 years, 7 months ago
I know I can get overly optimistic at times, but I tend to agree with you. The biggest problem this past year wasn't necessarily with our talent level but the breakdowns in scheme and fundamentals. That is coaching. If we can get the strength program turned around along with better preparation and game coaching, this team should be competitive in just about every game.
beebe1 10 years, 7 months ago
Yes -- so glad to see that 'coaching' was our problem, not 'talent'!
Bangkok_Jayhawk 10 years, 7 months ago
There was plenty of blame to go around.
Dirk Medema 10 years, 7 months ago
I'd say they were 2 or 3 games (TT, BU, ISU) that could have been won last year just based on the upgrade at QB. Additionally, we don't have a "GT" non-con game next year, which should translate into another W. It doesn't seem like a huge stretch to think that 6 is a possibility. Not sure the other factors you mentioned are enough to close the gap on the others, but 6 seems very doable.
Bee Bee 10 years, 7 months ago
I m not sure returning players are a positive for this team. Did you watch the disaster that was last season? I d feel better with a whole new team! Just saying.
John Randall 10 years, 7 months ago
You're just saying that without thinking (I hope). You most definitely would not feel better.
Any coaching change brings some amount of turnover, but by and large, the ones who stay are ones you'd want to keep.
Bangkok_Jayhawk 10 years, 7 months ago
Matt Tait...
Great work as always.
Can you possibly comment on any of the rumors surrounding Memorial Stadium being renovated? Is it true there is a big fund raising project going on? Would love to see the stadium look respectable.
VaJay 10 years, 7 months ago
Do you have a bell that goes off every few hours or so that reminds you to ask about this, or to state the critical importance of having renovation done in order to entice top players to come here? (oh wait - we're already getting them here anyway...)
blackhawkjayhawk 10 years, 7 months ago
Agreed. For the 100th time.....all it will take is a boat load of money. And, instead of "ripping out the track", why don't we change the argument to: let's build a world-class track facility which will bolster that sport, then lets' talk about fixing the stadium.
I went to several games this year, the energy was there, the setting was great...it was a fun day. My only complaint is the white tents on the hill. If you're going to cover the hill in tents, let's make 'em blue and put some big a** Jayhawks on them.
LAJayhawk 10 years, 7 months ago
Excellent point on the tents. Hadn't even thought about that, but it makes complete sense.
Also, get rid of the chain link fence and put an actual brick/concrete wall in that will match the style or Memorial Stadium. It would make that side of the field look considerably better.
Dan Pawlowski 10 years, 7 months ago
+1
Bangkok_Jayhawk 10 years, 7 months ago
Blackhawkjayhawk... I enjoy the suggestions. This is exactly what I would like kusports.com to comment on. You are making my point for me!
Matt Tait 10 years, 7 months ago
There's way too much going on right now for us to even begin looking into this.
I'll say this, though, I haven't heard a whole lot of talk about it with regard to anything being done in the near future. That could change and very well might now that Weis is in town. But I don't know of any immediate plans to do much.
I'll put this on my list and really dive into the issue when I get a chance. I think we could do some awesome stuff with this during the summer.
Stay tuned...
Bangkok_Jayhawk 10 years, 7 months ago
Thanks Matt!
FSUJHAWK 10 years, 7 months ago
Tait is da man!
Bangkok_Jayhawk 10 years, 7 months ago
VaJay... Thanks for the sarcasm.
There is enough talk on the message boards about a stadium renovation to warrant a response or even an article from someone at Kusports.com. I have not seen one, but could very well have missed it if there was one. I would like to hear what Tait has to say.
Also, are you really going to argue that 3 transfers means that our stadium is good enough to entice top talent year after year?!
VaJay 10 years, 7 months ago
Sorry, but I do get tired of repetitive posts. I think we've made a pretty good start in recruiting & the program has incurred a rather high cost in removing the former coach, and we still don't know the total annual cost of Weis's staff. One step at a time.
Bee Bee 10 years, 7 months ago
How about a TEAM renovation? They could play in the parking lot for all I care. Just win baby! ROCK CHALK!
Bangkok_Jayhawk 10 years, 7 months ago
Thanks for the link. I completely agree on your point. Most of us have no idea about the possibilities for the stadium which is why I would like Tait or someone to do an article on it.
90sHawk 10 years, 7 months ago
I'd like the stadium to look respectable to, with a packed house and loud fans at every home game.....but I get what you're saying.
Jeff Coffman 10 years, 7 months ago
Can we get a marketing team to improve the name of the sunflower showdown? I feel like we are going to a dance or something.
blackhawkjayhawk 10 years, 7 months ago
How about Hicks vs. Hawks?
Ron Prichard 10 years, 7 months ago
How about The Battle for Bloody Kansas, or Bleeding Kansas or something steeped in some kind of history. Although I'm not totally opposed Hicks v. Hawks.
justoneperson 10 years, 7 months ago
hicks v. hawks is awesome!
seems like bleeding kansas is more of a civil war reference--in which case mizzu would be the opposing team. good riddance to that.
Dan Pawlowski 10 years, 7 months ago
Every Other Man vs Every Other Man ?
David Robinett 10 years, 7 months ago
Tweed vs. Seed, which makes me think... Sheep Wearers vs Sheep Scarers (if you get my drift) Thought vs. Afterthought Higher Ed. vs Higher Shed Cool vs. Stool...
okiedave 10 years, 7 months ago
How about the "Kansas Hawk-Cat fight'?
number1jayhawker 10 years, 7 months ago
Matt FYI, Justin told Brian Hanni on RCST that he is now 6'3" 220 lbs.
LAJayhawk 10 years, 7 months ago
Recruiting update:
Weis visited Schyler Miles, an Inside LB out of Tampa. He's a 3-star, but he has offers from both Florida and Notre Dame. Weis apparently told him he's number 1 on the board, and it looks like the kid may take a visit (he said he's taking a visit on the 13th to either us or West Virginia).
Also, Matt mentioned De'Jon Wilson above when talking about Crawley. I read the other day that we may still be in the mix for Wilson as well. If Crawley's showing interest, the two might end up committing together. You never know.
JayHok 10 years, 7 months ago
Three five stars in three weeks for Weis, only one five star behind 'Bama right now. Previous record for Kansas---zero five stars in 120 years.
*Paging Dorian Green-Beckman*
Bee Bee 10 years, 7 months ago
Bama has 13 Nat Titles. Dont like them, just the facts. ROCK CHALK!
Steve Brown 10 years, 7 months ago
dorial-green-beckham.
Matt, any chance Chuckie W can get this kid to visit. He can catch it and we have some QB to sling it.
JayHok 10 years, 7 months ago
From Tom Lemming----
LAJayhawk 10 years, 7 months ago
We. Have. No. Chance.
You need to start to understand that. We haven't even offered a scholly.
Dan Pawlowski 10 years, 7 months ago
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Bville Hawk 10 years, 7 months ago
Japanese?
bayareajhawk 10 years, 7 months ago
Enjoy some Belushi and chuckle at his reference (I did, anyway).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8lT1o0sDwI
bayareajhawk 10 years, 7 months ago
Enjoy some Belushi and chuckle at his reference (I did, anyway).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8lT1o0sDwI
Dan Pawlowski 10 years, 7 months ago
Thanks for the link. It reminded me I need to watch that movie again. Classic
Bee Bee 10 years, 7 months ago
Germans? WT*?
JayHok 10 years, 7 months ago
McCay wasn't on Kansas' list 4 weeks ago. Crist certainly wasn't. Heaps, no way.
What if Weis calls Dorial Green-Buckman and schedules a visit? Weis has four superbowl rings after all. Seems there's a chance Green-Buckman might be interested in taking the phone call. What is it, about a 2 hour drive from Springfield to Lawrence?
You do realize ---the list---- is something recruits are quoted on as long as a year ago. If Weis is interested ----and surely he very well could be---- why would Weis bother to call Rivals to update the list?
Now you might be completely right. Weis might have zero interest in Buckman-Green. Judging from what Tom Lemming said about DGB, I find that hard to believe. Weis has already worked with numerous players every bit as talented as DGB and through the QB and Weis' pro set, made them champions. Weis would do nothing but help this young man as he works towards a prolific NFL career.
Especially with our new strength coach, one of the best if not the best in the country, along with a top 5 strength facility, Weis certainly could help his career an awfully lot.
RCJ
JayHok 10 years, 7 months ago
I don't know Chit. But Weis knows Crist.
Dan Pawlowski 10 years, 7 months ago
Apparently bayareajhawk is the only one who got the Animal House reference.
John Randall 10 years, 7 months ago
Not true, but also not worth mentioning.
JayHok 10 years, 7 months ago
Attn Dorial Green-Beckham----
This could be your QB. Notice the height of the ball. Notice the accuracy. Notice how long it takes for the ball to travel 50 yards. Make sure you compare footage of possible college QB's. This five star QB is an absolute certified gamechanger and he'll play for Weis, in Weis' pro set that he won 3 superbowl rings with.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M2UBEBcOnw&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Michael Pannacciulli 10 years, 7 months ago
Keep the good news coming!
Dan Pawlowski 10 years, 7 months ago
Hey its all good news but it wont be instant success. If we go 5-6 next year don't be surprised. It takes time for a team to gel with a new staff and for the staff to gel with each other. It is what it is.
Jeff Coffman 10 years, 7 months ago
I would be very surprised if we go 5-6 next year...we play 12 games, so something would be very surprising.
If we win 6 games next year and get picked up in a bowl game, KU fans will be happy (more than happy).
I think most of us would be happy with 1-2 Big XII victories next year.
Dan Pawlowski 10 years, 7 months ago
So given that logic you would immediately boot any coach who only wins 2 conference games no matter if its their first season or not . Now while that would have saved us from TGs second season it would never allow the majority of quality coaches to coach more than a year at any one school. Defying reality is a loser mentality.
Bee Bee 10 years, 7 months ago
I think 6 wins is a stretch unless we add some big time recruits. Our defense wont be that good over night.
Bville Hawk 10 years, 7 months ago
I don't know that I am at all on board with all of you who want to overhaul the stadium, but...
Let me toss this out, though. Since a new location is needed for Track and Field would it be feasible and more economical for KU to just buy Haskell's stadium and put an all-weather track around it? As I recall that stadium seats around 7000 (I'm thinking LHS used to play their games there back before Free State). I don't know if Haskell even uses the stadium any longer, don't know what condition it's in, etc. It just seems that it is about the right size and might fit the bill.
danmoore 10 years, 7 months ago
No big hurry on the stadium reno. First things first. Start winning and build fan support and then we can talk stadium.
But when that time comes I'd like to fill in the north end. Removing the track is not going to add that many seats. I understand the argument about making it less user friendly for the visiting teams but showing up and staying 4 quarters will do the same thing and won't cost us a dime.
Dan Pawlowski 10 years, 7 months ago
Let me toss this out. Build a team and they will come.
Bville Hawk 10 years, 7 months ago
Agree 100%
jhawk2325 10 years, 7 months ago
Also agree. That being said, the track is still a huge eyesore.
Dan Pawlowski 10 years, 7 months ago
Disagree, but then I loved chilling on a nice spring day watching the Kansas relays.
danmoore 10 years, 7 months ago
Looks like the Chiefs are going to hire Crennel. If he was on your wish list you can cross him off.
KGphoto 10 years, 7 months ago
Why don't we bring Henderson to visit alongside Crawley? Other than Ole Miss he doesn't have much on the table.
http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/ncfrecruiting/on-the-trail/post?id=4591&action=upsell&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fblog%2fncfrecruiting%2fon-the-trail%2fpost%3fid%3d4591
JayHok 10 years, 7 months ago
Anyone see who won the FCS championship?
John Randall 10 years, 7 months ago
The Fighting Sioux are no more, but the Bison went out with a big victory.
http://www.chron.com/sports/college-football/article/SHSU-s-run-ends-with-loss-in-FCS-title-game-2447977.php
timtation 10 years, 7 months ago
I just can't believe this is happening with KU football. I teared up when KU won the Orange bowl cause I never thought that would ever happen let alone 3 five star players. Way to go Z and CW! Everyone who helped pay off TG's contract (that he should not have gotten) I owe a big THANK YOU!
timtation 10 years, 7 months ago
it's finally happening
John Randall 10 years, 7 months ago
A 12-1 season was like catching lightning in a bottle, especially going 0-1 against the top four Big12 teams and 1-0 in BCS bowls.
Putting a few catchy names on the roster is more like catching lightning bugs in a mayonnaise jar.
Call me a pessimist, but I remember the last two 5✫ results in March as well as I do the 2-0 run in April ('08, that is). True lachrymal bliss will have to come from accomplishment.
danmoore 10 years, 7 months ago
I need another story to feed my KU football addiction. Come on LJW, make one up if you have to.
JayHok 10 years, 7 months ago
Tait,
If you get a chance could we hear more about Weis' chances of getting Brice Butler from USC?
Also, there are many prospects out there worthy of a story. How about one about Dorial Green-Beckham?
Bee Bee 10 years, 7 months ago
My friends at SC say that Butler is going to San Diego ST. We ll see what happens. I m an SC fan and hate to see him go. To much talent in front of him. Rock Chalk
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