The Sideline Report with Marcus Herford

By Staff     Aug 24, 2008

A note before we get to the latest Sideline Report.Kansas football will release its depth chart on Monday morning. I know we’ve been getting complaints that our Web site hasn’t updated the [depth chart][1] since April, but, truthfully, we haven’t had an official one to put up since then. If you read the [Open Practice No. 2 blog][2], you probably have a rough idea of how the first team will shake out. Still, there are a few things I think will be interesting to see come Monday:**1. Will it be Bradley Dedeaux or A.J. Steward as the No. 1 tight end?** Early on in practices, Steward looked like he could be one of the surprises of this year’s team with his athleticism and speed, but Dedeaux is the better blocker and has been getting most of the first-team snaps in the last week. Steward looked to be dinged up a little about a week ago, so it will be interesting to see if Dedeaux really has locked down that spot.**2. Who will be the Jayhawks’ starting right defensive end?** Jeff Wheeler was with the first team at last check. John Larson started every game a year ago. Meanwhile, the coaches have been impressed with the athleticism of Maxwell Onyegbule. This will definitely be a position battle to watch through the first few weeks of the year.**3. Is Mike Rivera listed with the first team?** I would think that he would be, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s completely healthy. He sat out of a practice I watched last week with a brace on his right knee, and virtually unknown true freshman Steven Johnson replaced him. I’m sure Mangino will talk more about Johnson during media sessions on Monday and Tuesday, but if Rivera is out, will he be the one next to [Joe Mortensen][3] and James Holt? We’ll see.** 4. Who will be in the receiver rotation?** Kansas seems to have unlimited options at wideout. Obviously Dezmon Briscoe, [Dexton Fields][4] and [Kerry Meier][5] will most likely be the No. 1s, but who will be next? Raymond Brown, Gary Green and Johnathan Wilson have all snuck their ways onto the field with the first team, and other guys, such as our Sideline Report interviewee [Marcus Herford][6], also look like they can help the Jayhawks’ aerial attack. ![][7] Without any more delay, let’s get to this week’s Sideline Report with Marcus Herford.**KU kick returner Marcus Herford**_JN: I hear you’re one of 10 siblings._MH: It’s fun. I love a big family. I grew up in it. We all didn’t grow up in the same house like some people may think, but I love them all. It’s always been fun messing with some of my little brothers, punching them and stuff._JN: How did your dad get the name [Money][8]?__Ed. Note – I know I stretched a little bit on the first video, but it’s worth a look. You came here at least partly to be entertained, right?_MH: I don’t know the reason behind it, I really don’t. But his mom decided to name him Money for some reason. _JN: How was it growing up with a dad named Money? That’s kind of different, isn’t it?_MH: The same reaction you gave me is what I get every time somebody asks about that. My little brother’s named after him, so people joke about it all the time. But it’s pretty fitting for both of them._JN: Do you ever ask him for cash?_MH: Well, of course (laughs). It’s my dad, so there’s a lot of times I had to ask him for cash._JN: I read that you pray before playing. Is that a ritual you have each game?_MH: It is. That’s something I really take seriously – my spirituality. I think that’s something that’s led me to this point. The only reason why I’m here is because of that. That’s definitely a ritual of mine before games and practices._JN: What specifically do you do?_MH: I kind of go in my locker, my own space, and really just get my own time to be one-on-one. _JN: What pre-game food do you like to eat the most?_MH: Well, we really only eat one meal, and that’s pasta and chicken. I don’t mind. It’s pretty good._JN: It has to be your favorite, then._MH: Right._JN: Is it good?_MH: It is. I love chicken anyway, so it’s just fitting._JN: What’s a TV show I’d be surprised that you watch?_MH: Maybe [Baldwin Hills][9]. I don’t know. That’s just something I watch. I think it’s pretty interesting, I guess._JN: Is that a reality show?_MH: Yeah, it’s like a reality show about these teenagers in some uppity part of California, I guess. _JN: Are you a video-game nerd?_MH: Love them._JN: Which ones?_MH: Any sports games. I love them. I just recently got into the adventure-type games._JN: Have you ever played as yourself on an NCAA football game?_MH: Most definitely._JN: Were you impressed with your ability on there?_MH: Not really (laughs). Not really. I must say I think they kind of cheated me a little bit on my speed. But it’s all good. It’s all fun and games._JN: Did you go in there and bump up your speed a little bit like it’s supposed to be?_MH: Most definitely. _JN: Were your stats on the video game pretty good at the end of the season?_MH: Oh, of course, after I got done bumping up stuff. It was very good. _JN: So you’re more unstoppable in NCAA Football ’09?_MH: (smiles) Probably so. [1]: http://www2.kusports.com/football/depthchart/2008/ [2]: http://www2.kusports.com/blogs/newell_post/2008/aug/15/practice2/ [3]: http://www2.kusports.com/football/hawktrax/2008/joe_mortensen/ [4]: http://www2.kusports.com/football/hawktrax/2008/dexton_fields/ [5]: http://www2.kusports.com/football/hawktrax/2007/kerry_meier/ [6]: http://www.flickr.com/photos/13636927@N03/2169544675/ [7]: http://worldonline.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2008/08/07/ku_fbc_media_day_herford.jpg” width=”266″ height=”339 [8]: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hkjkTe5kZE [9]: http://www.bet.com/onblast/?chan=3&id=2106&sub=6&itype=v

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