Thanks again to all who checked out today’s blog. I’ll leave you with a few clips.For audio of KU linebacker Mike Rivera answering the media’s questions, [click here][1].For the latest spodcasters, Day 2 edition, from Big 12 Media Days, [click here][2]. **11:30 a.m. update**Yesterday, we talked about some of the good (or great) quarterbacks in the Big 12 Conference. In no particular order, Todd Reesing, Chase Daniel, Graham Harrell, Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy. What about K-State’s Josh Freeman, who passed for 3,353 yards and 18 touchdowns (compared to 11 interceptions) last season? Buy or sell as a top-half (six) quarterback in the Big 12?Personally, I’d sell. The Wildcats lost Jordy Nelson’s 122 receptions to the NFL and there are just too many other quarterbacks to choose from. That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if K-State’s Deon Murphy has a big year. Not Nelson-like (122 rec, 1,606 yards, 11 TD’s), but still big (maybe more like 75-1,200-10?).Coach Ron Prince spoke at the podium at Big 12 Media Days about Freeman.”I think his best football is ahead of him,” Prince said. “The sky’s the limit. I wouldn’t trade our quarterback for any other quarterback in the country. And I think our conference has great quarterbacks, maybe eight of them.”**11 a.m. update**Surely, KU fans remember coach Mark Mangino [going ballistic on the sidelines][3] last season after Raimond Pendleton returned a punt and went airborne into the end zone.KU quarterback Todd Reesing was asked if he’s seen the video.”Well, I saw it live,” Reesing said, amongst a chorus of laughter. “I have to say, I guess it might have been a little bit funny. But I think the general point he was trying to get across was that it was a great run and a great punt return, but there were 10 guys that were blocking for him to make it happen.”So has Reesing ever received an earful like that from Mangino?”Absolutely,” Reesing said. “I don’t think I’ve gotten it too bad on the field, but behind closed doors, I definitely took my share.”Well, did you deserve it?”Everyone deserves it at some point,” Reesing said. “Sometimes, you may not believe you deserve it, but in their minds, you do. It doesn’t really matter what you think because it’s their right, because they’re the coaches.”** 10 a.m. update**KU coach Mark Mangino commented at length on the prospect of seeing Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech on the schedule this season. I’m thinking that his response will fire you guys up. No lie, it pretty much pumped me up as a member of the media.”We’ve always said that we want our program to compete with the best teams in the league,” Mangino said. “The fact we’re picking up Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech is something we look forward to. We want to play against all the best teams in our league and be able to beat them. We will never truly get over the hump, in my eyes, until we’re able to defeat those teams as well.”The seventh-year coach continued.”The schedule, yes, is tougher. But let’s back up a minute here,” Mangino said. “Everyone talked about last year’s schedule. Let’s stop and think for a minute. Kansas’ football coach has been asked about his 2007 schedule being tough, in a year (Kansas) defeated Nebraska, Texas A&M, Colorado and Viriginia Tech. All that says is we’re making progress.”Soooo…how many days ’till kickoff? (math isn’t my thing, but Aug. 30 isn’t that far away).Still not fired up? I realize it’s a bit after 10 a.m. This might do it for you, then. Have you guys seen this YouTube clip on the 2007 season? Kind of fitting, especially considering the Foo Fighters just came to Kansas City last week. Take particular note of the 27-second mark. Was that not the biggest hit ever? Speaking of big hits. I asked KU safety Darrell Stuckey who he thought the biggest hitter in the KU secondary was. Surprising answer, actually, although I guess it’s not too surprising he didn’t say himself (because that _ is_ the right answer, isn’t it)?Here were the two names Stuckey gave: Junior safety [Olaitan Oguntodu][4] and senior [Tang Bacheyie][5]. Interesting names to keep an eye on for next season, I suppose.Stuckey said the the KU secondary has natural aggressive intentions on the field.”We’re like big, old kids. It’s crazy how physical we are,” Stuckey said. “Our receivers get on us all the time. Coach (Ed) Warinner (offensive coordinator) gets on us all the time. Coach Mangino gets on us all the time. He’s like, ‘Guys, what are you doing? They have to play on Saturday, too.’ It’s one of those things where we’re just out trying to get better.”**9 a.m. update**Kansas City, Mo – OK, it’s fairly early. For me, at least, as a sports copy editor. If you’re up and following the blog, thank you. And congratulations, really. You truly bleed the crimson and blue. Kansas coach Mark Mangino is about to address the media for Day 2 of Big 12 Media Days at the Downtown Marriott in Kansas City, Mo. Side note: Has anyone actually made the drive to this place? It’s one of the straightest shots ever, but we made it entirely too complicated for Day 1 yesterday. Here’s what I mean: 70 East, stay left to 670 E, exit Central/Downtown’s exit and make a left. The Marriott’s right there. Cake. For anyone thinking of hot spots to bring your significant other/date in downtown K.C., this place is a solid option that has a lot to offer. Sorry for the tangent. We’re here to talk Kansas football. Mangino is sure to answer questions about the following: **Topic 1**: Is there any way the Jayhawks replicate the year they had in 2007? **Topic 2**: Is there any way quarterback Todd Reesing has a year like he had last year (33 TD’s, only seven interceptions)?**Topic 3**: What’s up with replacing Brandon McAnderson at the running back position … Will Jake Sharp handle the bulk of the carries or can highly anticipated junior college recruit Jocques Crawford take over those duties?The Jayhawks have a great lineup of players onhand for media day: Reesing, Mike Rivera and Darrell Stuckey. I’ll be posting audio later this afternoon, so stay posted. And as always, discuss. [1]: http://www2.kusports.com/audioclips/ [2]: http://www2.kusports.com/podcasts/spodcasters/2008/jul/22/big_12_media_days_day_2_kansas_city/ [3]: http://youtube.com/watch?v=zmAYpAzNB34 [4]: http://kuathletics.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/oguntodu_olaitan00.html [5]: http://kuathletics.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/bacheyie_tang00.html
