Big-play receiver takes top spot after season opener

By Matt Tait     Sep 4, 2016

article image
Kansas wide receiver Steven Sims Jr. (11) celebrates with Kansas wide receiver LaQuvionte Gonzalez (1) after Gonzalez's touchdown during the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016 at Memorial Stadium.

**1. Steven Sims Jr.** – The sophomore receiver showed off his speed in a big way in this one, leading Kansas with 124 yards receiving to go along with five receptions and two touchdowns. Sims also was the second most targeted Jayhawk in the game.

**2. Daniel Wise -** Led the team in tackles with five (including four solo) and was a monster early on when the Kansas defense set the tone. Also added two QB hurries and played a major role in one KU takeaway.

**3. Montell Cozart -** If not for one bad decision, which Cozart said he regretted the minute he let the ball go, the junior quarterback probably would’ve been No. 1 in these rankings. He finished 18-of-25 for 199 yards and 3 TDs and looked crisp, confident and in complete control most of the night.

**4. LaQuvionte Gonzalez -** Showed up early and finished as KU’s leading receiver with seven receptions on nine targets. Finished with 78 yards and one touchdown that showed off his athleticism, coming back to an under-thrown ball and plucking it away from a defender.

**5. Ryan Willis -** Rotating with Cozart, Willis also had a good night, firing quick, crisp passes that found the right hands 7 of 9 times. Finished with 144 yards and 2 TDs.

**6. Courtney Arnick -** Senior linebacker filled up the stat sheet with four tackles (3 solo), KU’s lone sack and one pass break-up.

**7. Tyler Patrick -** Somewhat quietly finished with 51 yards and a touchdown on five receptions while being targeted six times. Patrick continues to show steady progress and sure hands, which make him one of the most reliable wideouts on this roster.

**8. Bazie Bates IV -** Four tackles, one for loss, one pass break-up and one all-instinct-and-athleticism interception made for a great night for a player who struggled early last season but came on late and appears to have picked up right where he left off.

**9. Damani Mosby -** Senior defensive end poked knocked a ball loose to give Kansas its second takeaway of the night. Also added 2 solo tackles.

**10. Chevy Graham -** Graham’s fumble recovery following a punt on KU’s first offensive possession sparked the rout. Also recorded a pass break-up.

Season standings
———–

1. Steven Sims Jr. – 10
2. Daniel Wise – 9
3. Montell Cozart – 8
4. LaQuovionte Gonzalez – 7
5. Ryan Willis – 6
6. Courtney Arnick – 5
7. Tyler Patrick – 4
8. Bazie Bates IV – 3
9. Damani Mosby – 2
10. Chevy Graham – 1

PREV POST

Notebook: First win extra special for KU football after winless season

NEXT POST

49371Big-play receiver takes top spot after season opener

Author Photo

Written By Matt Tait

A native of Colorado, Matt moved to Lawrence in 1988 and has been in town ever since. He graduated from Lawrence High in 1996 and the University of Kansas in 2000 with a degree in Journalism. After covering KU sports for the University Daily Kansan and Rivals.com, Matt joined the World Company (and later Ogden Publications) in 2001 and has held several positions with the paper and KUsports.com in the past 20+ years. He became the Journal-World Sports Editor in 2018. Throughout his career, Matt has won several local and national awards from both the Associated Press Sports Editors and the Kansas Press Association. In 2021, he was named the Kansas Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. Matt lives in Lawrence with his wife, Allison, and two daughters, Kate and Molly. When he's not covering KU sports, he likes to spend his time playing basketball and golf, listening to and writing music and traveling the world with friends and family.