Football solutions

Last years offense on the gridiron set all mad records.
Kerry Meier and Dez Briscoe both had huge seasons combining for 2,500 yards and 170 catches.
TR was TR- outstanding.

BUT

There was one thing that has to be fixed and I've got 2 ways to do that.


What needs to be fixed-
The running game. Last year KU did not have a 100 yard rusher in the last 4 games of the season or the first 5 games of the year.

So obviously if I was playing devils advocate I could say but KU uses 2 backs.

Well the only back to go over 100 yards in a game was Jake Sharp and no one else really got close.

So how do we fix it and what will it mean for the 09 Fighting Mangino's?

How to fix it-
We weren't try to run the ball all the time, we were and still will be a pass first team. So you'd think we'd at least break a couple runs on surprise alone, but you'd be wrong.

So we need 2 things

1- better blocking
Will we get better blocking this year? I believe we will.Why do I believe that?

Because of experience and talent.
Our WR's blocking became exceptional as the year went on.

And I'd they continue to improve, we'll break some long runs.

Tim Biere at TE is only going to get better and I thought he did quite well last year.

But it all starts in the trenches.
And I LOVE this O-line and the potential they have.

You have Jeremiah Hatch who some who have seen him practice this Spring say will be a pro at Center and this is the position he was recruited at.

John Williams or Big John Williams as he's commonly referred to has the inside track and would be the easy guess for starter at LG and he's a mountain of a man and he's quick.

RG could be Sal Capra who got a lot of reps last year and played well.
It could be Ben Lueken who played as a true Frosh last year at Tackle and has since been moved inside.Brad Thorsen the transfer from Wisconsin who played some at Center and Guard next year.

And there's some good depth there too on the line at all positions.

At RT you'll probably have Jeff Spikes who did a lot better at RT than he did at LT. He should be real solid after starting every game last year.
Ian Wolfe could also see some time here / provide a breather.

LT- the most crucial spot on the line.Last year Spikes was so so (see not so good) and Hatch was better but he isn't long and tall so its better and easier for him to play inside.

Insert Tanner Hawkinson.Recruited as a TE and moved to DE where he excelled on the scout team and now he's owning the LT spot and getting bigger and better each day.He's up to 280 now and I'd expect him to be bigger than that by Sept 5th.I personally have not seen him play but from what I have heard his feet are super so that's good.

And since we don't have that swing game in the non-con this year he should be real salty when the Jayhawks get ready to "Win the North 2009"


2-The other thing needed to fix the lack luster running game is a buddy for Sharp.

Who might that be?
Well we know it won't be Quigley since he's been moved to OLB and I doubt it'll be Rell Lewis too not good enough or Deshaun Sands (yes I originally typed Tony and had to go back) he's too little right now but I think he'll make a positive impact in time.

So that leaves us with Joc Crawford and Toben Opurum.

Joc Crawford per a member of the team said "he looks a lot better than last year" other who have seen him this Spring say he's doing very well.If Joc can be the other or big back we need, watch the fuck out Big 12 and nation we're bringing heat.

Opurum is a highly rated recruit from Texas but he won't be on campus until the summer so its hard to say what he'll be able to do yet.

What will it mean?
It'll be mean that Todd will have more time to throw since teams won't be able to drop someone into coverage every play.

Most importantly it means we'll win a lot of games and that'll make a lot of people happy.

Rock Chalk