Here is the Cliff’s Notes version of Kansas football coach Turner Gill’s comments at his weekly press conference today.
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• **Gill’s reasons that fans should be excited about this season:** 1. Team speed and explosiveness; 2. More playmakers; 3. Being more physical.
• **Seven to 10 true freshmen will play in KU’s first game.** Gill later clarified and said that as few as six true freshmen could play in the first game, but at least eight will play in the first two to three games, based on different scenarios.
• **Tight end Jimmay Mundine and receiver Erick McGriff have been suspended two games because of violation of team policies.** Defensive end Tyrone Sellers has been suspended one game for violation of team policies.
• **Defensive tackle Pat Dorsey, linebacker Jake Farley and receiver Chris Omigie will be out the first game with injuries.**
• **Darrian Miller has stood out the most out of the true freshmen.** Gill won’t list the other names just in case something changes between now and Saturday.
• **Freshman defensive end Pat Lewandowski will be available to play on Saturday.** He suffered a leg injury on Aug. 9.
• **Gill said he’s talked to his players about what they can learn from last year’s North Dakota State loss.** But the coaches have also shown the players on film how they have improved and how they are different from last year.
• **Receiver Kale Pick is a great example of how you would want a KU football player to be.** He understands the game, is a team player and wants to be the best.
• **Gill said linebacker Toben Opurum is talking more this season.** He sees now that he can make more plays. Gill likes his demeanor.
• **Kicker Alex Mueller is a guy that is consistent when he strikes it and gets the kick up quickly.** He’s been consistent. Ron Doherty might handle longer field-goal attempts. Coaches haven’t determined who will handle kickoffs yet.
• **Texas A&M and Big 12 speculation hasn’t affected KU’s football team.** The biggest thing for Gill is that he has confidence in his chancellor and athletic director. He doesn’t believe any potential changes in the conference would affect KU’s recruiting.
