First KU football depth chart of 2017 includes unresolved battles

By Benton Smith     Aug 28, 2017

Mike Yoder
Kansas junior offensive tackle Charles Baldwin stands during a drill in preseason practice on Monday, Aug. 7, 2017.

Kansas football head coach David Beaty and his staff made public Monday evening their first depth chart of the 2017 season, which included some expected “or” distinctions at the most contested positions on the roster.

As anticipated, the Jayhawks’ quarterback battle remains unresolved according to the two-deep, with junior transfer Peyton Bender and redshirt sophomore Carter Stanley listed as possible starters.

In fact, QB was just one of five spots on the offensive side of the ball where coaches claim to still be weighing their options.

It’s unclear whether junior transfer Charles Baldwin, formerly of Alabama, or sophomore Antione Frazier will start at right tackle for KU’s season-opener Saturday versus Southeast Missouri State (6 p.m. kickoff, Memorial Stadium).

Next to Baldwin or Frazier on the O-line, either redshirt freshman Chris Hughes or junior Larry Hughes is projected as the starter at right guard.

Nick Krug
Kansas defensive tackle Daniel Wise throws down a sled during practice on Monday, Aug. 14, 2017 at the grass fields adjacent to Hoglund Ballpark.

Meanwhile, juniors Steven Sims Jr., Jeremiah Booker, Ryan Schadler and Kerr Johnson Jr. are listed as first-string receivers. Conspicuous by his absence, former Alabama receiver Daylon Charlot not only appears as a second-stringer, but also has an “or” sophomore Evan Fairs next to his name.

One of KU’s two returning running backs from 2016, sophomore Khalil Herbert or junior Taylor Martin, will start in the backfield.

Other offensive starters for Kansas are listed as: sophomore left tackle Hakeem Adeniji, senior left guard Jayson Rhodes, sophomore center Mesa Ribordy and senior tight end Ben Johnson.

Defense

The two-deep for coordinator Clint Bowen’s defense included less mystery.

On the defensive line, junior end Dorance Armstrong Jr. and junior tackle Daniel Wise are joined by two more juniors, end Josh Ehambe and tackle J.J. Holmes, as first-teamers.

As forecasted, juniors Joe Dineen and Keith Loneker Jr. should start at linebacker. Junior Osaze Ogbebor and redshirt freshman Dru Prox are the primary backups for the hometown duo.

In the secondary, the lone returning defensive back with extensive FBS experience, sophomore safety Mike Lee, should line up with senior nickel Derrick Neal, sophomore safety Bryce Torneden and two newcomers at corner, sophomore Hasan Defense and junior Shakial Taylor.

Special teams

According to the initial depth chart, freshman kicker Liam Jones will handle both kickoffs and field-goal duties.

Senior Cole Moos, who also will hold, returns as the No. 1 punter, while redshirt senior John Wirtel will be back to long-snapping duties.

In the return game, Sims (No. 1) and junior Tyler Patrick are listed as the top options for punts. Sims and Charlot are expected to handle kickoffs.

http://www2.kusports.com/photos/2017/aug/11/318518/

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