More Media day fun and knowledge

A little copy and paste from Jesse Newell of LJW's media day coverage, my notes in ( )

For anyone who is in a hurry, here's a Cliff Notes version of what Mangino had to say.

• The linebacking position still needs a lot of work and still needs a lot of attention. Some of the young guys are putting heat on the veterans. (this is going to have to be monitored constantly and hopefully the 3 best guys are out there whether they're 5th year seniors or true frosh)

• One or two of the freshmen receivers will probably be in the rotation this fall. (McDougald is one and I'd be surprised if another one was out there, although if DJ Beshears who played WR in HS is returning KO's then he very well could be in the 2nd or 3rd string WR)

• The team has a chance to be really good and deep at the running-back position. (yep- agreed)

• The Jayhawks will have more than five quality offensive linemen. (great to hear)

• Defensive lineman Duane Zlatnik has made lots of improvement, and Mangino is hoping that he will be in the rotation to help the team. (sounds really god he is very big and very athletic, I'll never forget his HS highlight reel when he was catching bubble screens, it was unreal)

• On linebacker Angus Quigley: “His growth at that position has not been nearly as fast as I’d like for it to be.”

• On the switch to offensive tackle for Darius Parish: “Darius had offensive line written all over him from Day 1.” (well hopefully he can contribute, don't be surprised if he somehow ends up starting at RT and Spikes gets moved over to RG, that would be one big ass side on the right)

Mangino said the team didn't have the defensive line depth to move Parish to O-line last year, but the coach thinks Parish has found a home at offensive tackle.

• On junior-college linebacker Vernon Brooks: “I can’t tell you what impact, if any at all, that he’ll have.” Brooks left camp today to attend to a family emergency, and the coach said he didn't know when the linebacker would be back. (thoughts and prayers with his family, especially if our LB's are not doing so hot, we need him more than ever)

• Junior-college defensive end Quintin Woods is not just a pass-rush guy, but he can also be a good run-stopper, too. He still needs to get stronger, though.

• The coach said that his teams needed to take the next step and win against the OUs, UTs and Texas Techs of the world. “I didn’t come here to be 6-5, 7-4 every year, and everybody just think that’s good.” (music to my ears, this is the year we get to he next level, dream big win big)

• KU's base defensive set is 4-3 (not a 4-2-5), but the team has modified its nickel package. (we'll see that makes me thing they are going to play 3 safeties instead of 3 CB's- but if the LB's are slow to progress they will have to figure out something)

• On freshman linebacker Huldon Tharp: “He’s going to be out there playing. He has been impressive as a freshman. I think it’s a matter of time before he wins a job. I think we’re just counting the days.”

• Junior linebacker Drew Dudley has done nice things and is improved.

• Linebacker Justin Springer has not gotten a lot of work because of injuries, and the coach can’t tell what he will be able to contribute this year. (needs to get healthy only if for SPT)

• Offensive lineman Ben Lueken had medical considerations, but ultimately decided to leave the program because he wanted a fresh start. (having your teammate run over you in car usually ends in "needs a fresh start")

• On punt returns: Daymond Patterson has looked good, Bradley McDougald also will get a chance.

• Dezmon Briscoe will probably do kickoff returns. The coach wants to keep Dez healthy, but if he’s best guy at the position, the team will need him there. (well let's hope the D doesn't allow many points because I'm not that stoked about him being back there)

• Cornerback Anthony Davis is much improved and is understanding his position better. He's right there battling for a starting position, and there's a good chance he’ll be one of the starting corners. (congrats to him for hitting the books and making grades when a lot of people said he wouldn't. I read today that he was going to get offered by OU, but they didn't want to risk that he would be ineligible so he wound up at KU and it looks like we are lucky to have him, keep up the great work- all I heard was great things about him from today's practice)

• Junior-college running back Daniel Porter has a good attitude and is super serious. He's quick, has good speed, and the coach doesn’t think he will struggle with the transition from junior-college to a Division-I tempo. (need someone to take the load off of Sharp so this is good)

Rock Chalk