I'm off to a conference of epic proportions and importance and I'll be back in the great State of Kansas on Saturday and hope to have some stuff from the AAU Tourney in Lawrence at the end of the weekend.
Take er easy and if she's easy take her twice if she's really easy - call me.
Rock Chalk
- thanks to everybody who has been leaving comments, its a nice touch and warms my little soul
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Things to look for in the 09 football season
Since this was second in voting from the most recent poll, I thought I would post it now and I'll do the basketball recruiting blog next week (there's an AAU tourney in Lawrence this weekend and we should be able to have some good info from that)
so without further ado.....
1 -Kerry Meier's progression at WR
With Kale Pick taking the backup QB duties off of KM's plate it'll be interesting to see how this helps KM and in turn the offense as a whole. (this hasn't been stated publicly that KP is going to be the #2 QB but his Spring Game performance should have pretty much locked that up)
Its pretty hard to top 97 catches and over 1,000 yards, but if anyone can do it it'd be Kerry. I think if anything it'll help with his route running and reading defenses from the WR position better and maybe getting off the line (when getting jammed).
2-Who is the #2 running back?
Jake Sharp has the starting spot locked up tighter than a nun's V card but somebody has to help him out.
Candidates-
Rell Lewis
Toben Opurum
Rell Lewis was pretty solid in the spring game, but if I was betting (keep in mind I don't bet like Johnson, but who does) I'd got with Toben.
He's bigger and is a natural RB (Lewis was converted from WR) who has shown the ability to block and catch the ball out of the backfield which will give him a leg up on Lewis, plus I believe he's bigger than Lewis.
Also keep in mind that Rell Lewis came up lame a couple of times in the Spring Game and there's no telling how serious that injury(s) is.
3- Who is going to get to the QB?
This should be the first and most important thing to look forward to and that needs to happen.
Let's just break this down to the bandit and the front 4.
Bandit-
Angus Quigley- at least the spring game gave us the impression that Angus would be manning this spot. And I think he'll prove quite capable from this slot. So that's a plus, will he be as good as James Holt was last year? I doubt it, but Holt put his hand on the ground the second half of the year to get most of his sacks.
Front 4-
Jake Laptad-
i know he was solid last year, not great not bad- just good. He did an interview that was up on the KUAC website where he stated in so many words that Tom Sims ( new DL coach) has taught them a lot more technique than that tool Joe Bob (who is now in Manhattan- how great is it to get rid of a shitty coach and him go to your in state rival) so just based on better coaching Laptad should be better, plus he'll be a year stronger and quicker.
Travis Stephens-
A quick DT that is coming to us from JUCO he'll be used to create chaos in the backfield
Maxwell O-
DE- looks much bigger than last year and had a nice Spring Game, this is another guy that I think will benefit from the new coaching on the DL and he was kind of poised for a good year anyway, he made some big plays against Iowa St and Mizz last year.
Quinton Woods-
DE, he should be the best DE we have by the time conference rolls around (I'm going to give him some adjustment time between arriving on campus in the summer from JUCO and conference play) He's a pass rusher for sure. And is exactly what Bowen ordered off the edge.
Obviously we'll see Wheeler in some at DE and DJ Marshall and Kevin Young are some young guys that might get reps at DE.
Darius Parish, Duane Zlatnik, RIchard Johnson JR (Real), Caleb Blakesly and Jamal Greene also should help out.
I'll have to dig up some numbers to see how many sacks and tackles for loss we had last year because I think we'll blow those numbers out of the water.
4-Will us changing our base defense depending on who we are playing help us or hurt us?
With KU going to a 4-2-5 D against the spread, it'll be interesting.
I think it helps in one area is that there is less importance our your LB's to be studs and since we'll be young at that spot, I think this is a great idea.
The other bonus that I'm looking at is we have some ball players in the secondary.
Stuckey is a BEAST.
Who knows what will happen with Chris Harris but he has shown some flashes and is a VERY good tackler.
Justin Thorton will be a senior and could finish out his career as a nice CB or Safety.
Daymond Patterson has all the talent in the world and will only get better.
Corrigan Powell was good enough to not red-shirt last year and should be improved.
Greg Brown made some plays in the Spring Game.
Lubbock Smith has been mentioned numerous times by both the staff and players as a guy to watch for the coming year.
And on and on, including some of the freshmen that we have coming in, our secondary should be right at the top, but as I'm sure Bowen would admit the secondary looks a lot better when the front 4 brings the noise.
Rock Chalk
Sunday, April 26, 2009
KU players sign
James Holt has signed with the San Diego Chargers per kansascity.com
Mike Rivera is a Chicago Bear having signed a 3 year deal with Chicago.
Congrats to both of these studs, if Rivera is healthy, I think Da Bears just got themselves a helluva pickup.
Rock Chalk
Random Thoughts from the NFL Draft
First off congrats to the baseball Hawks, who swept a doubleheader on Sunday against Nebraska to take the series. After destroying Mizz at Kauffman Stadium on Wednesday it was a good week for Ritch Price's squad.
Mizzou having a handful of guys get drafted is hilarious and also exciting knowing they are going to suck next year.
Its staggering how many players that are getting drafted played against KU last year, makes me appreciate last year even more.
I'd like to watch Wendi Nix and Erin Andrews make out, I think that'd be fun.
There's really nothing worse than watching highlights of Harrel throw balls all over us- and hey, if Debbie Reesing hates him then so do, that guy can eat a huge dick.
When McBath from Tech got drafted they showed him picking off Todd and then they showed Todd getting picked by William Moore as well, the common theme in those highlights? Dexton Fields running bad routes or giving up on routes- him graduating is addition by subtraction for KU.
Seeing multiple players from CU getting picked, a couple of OL from NU, MU Tech and K-st losing their big weapons-
Makes it very clear that the North is there to be Won, we just have to have a good summer in the weight room (our first summer in the weight room- just had to mention that since I am the only one that thinks that important) and KU could be playing in Dallas at the beginning of December.
Rock Chalk
Mizzou having a handful of guys get drafted is hilarious and also exciting knowing they are going to suck next year.
Its staggering how many players that are getting drafted played against KU last year, makes me appreciate last year even more.
I'd like to watch Wendi Nix and Erin Andrews make out, I think that'd be fun.
There's really nothing worse than watching highlights of Harrel throw balls all over us- and hey, if Debbie Reesing hates him then so do, that guy can eat a huge dick.
When McBath from Tech got drafted they showed him picking off Todd and then they showed Todd getting picked by William Moore as well, the common theme in those highlights? Dexton Fields running bad routes or giving up on routes- him graduating is addition by subtraction for KU.
Seeing multiple players from CU getting picked, a couple of OL from NU, MU Tech and K-st losing their big weapons-
Makes it very clear that the North is there to be Won, we just have to have a good summer in the weight room (our first summer in the weight room- just had to mention that since I am the only one that thinks that important) and KU could be playing in Dallas at the beginning of December.
Rock Chalk
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Newest football Jayhawk?
It looks like midweek visitor Daniel Porter, 6-0 200LB, could be the newest Jayhawk.
Its being reported but can't be confirm.
Its being reported but can't be confirm.
Porter is a Juco) that would be eligible to play this fall.
This is probably a good sign that Joc Crawford has played his last snap at KU and also the staff is playing it safe and not counting on a freshman or a coming back from injury Rell Lewis to give Sharpie a break.
The question I get after almost every commit, especially in football is this "Stud?"
I would say no. If he is going to be a Jayhawk the only reason he's coming in is to be a safety valve, no more no less and if Opurum beats him out, which I expect to happen, he'll be there for depth and maybe he can get on Special Teams and make a tackle or two or a key block and that'd be satisfactory.
Rock Chalk
09 Class in a nutshell
Is real bad ass.
X has been discussed ad nausem but the other 2 guys are hardly slouches and both should figure prominetly in KU's quest for another banner.
The first guy to pull the trigger was Thomas Robinson. T-rob is a guy who went from a solid prospect to a full on stud.
After dominating the summer AAU circuit Robinson shot up to a 5 Star recruit and when the final rankings came out he was in the top 30 and a 4 Star recruit.
Robinson has stated publicly that he is using his snub for the McDonald's All American game as motivation to get better.
He has a motor that is fit for Nascar and is the best rebounder in the class. He's one of those guys that has an ever improving offensive game. With the way he plays the game he's going to get some garbage buckets and some tough Offensive rebounds which everyone not name Cole couldn't do.
I don't think I'd look for T-Rob to start but its very possible. I'm assuming Marcus Morris is going to get a lot better and consistent and start at the 4 but if he slips T-rob will be right there and should be one of the first off the bench.
Elijiah Johnson from Vegas told Bill Self right after Late Night in the Phog.
He's a combo guard, just like Bill Self likes, who can jump out of the building.
You think I'm kidding- go youtube him for his 360 Between The Legs dunk- During a game!!!
Johnson has a 46.5 inch vertical and at 6-3 that is pretty silly.
I don't know a lot of his shot or range except that he is a great kid who is very close to his autisc brother and Johnson has been a KU fan since the third grade and anytime you can get a kid that wants to be a Jayhawk and has wanted to be Jayhawk for that long its a bonus.
Johnson will be in the guard rotation and when him and Taylor are in the game it'll be the most athletic back court in the country.
Also there is semester transfer Jeff Withey who this blogger is really hoping will wear the number 10.
Jeff is a legit 7 footer and has some long arms. His tape is impressive but he is thin. Another offseason with Coach Hudy and he should be a decent weight.
Since Withey has been on campus since January he has already begun to gain weight (I'm assuming) but has also had the chance to go against Cole every day in practice and improve with the coaching of Danny Manning.
Withey will be the back up to Cole and is eligble to play once finals conclude in the fall semester so around December 20th. He's a shot blocker and the mere thought of having him and Cole in at the same time is awesome.
Bill Self did it again and brought in a stellar class that fills a lot of needs for the 09-10 team.
Rock Chalk
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Friday, April 24, 2009
KU football - IS made for TV
On September 12th KU travels to well basically Mexico to play UTEP, the Miners are going to get smoked.
Anyway, the whole point is that the game will be on TV, so instead of listening to Bob Davis get excited for the other team you can watch it on TV.
I have no idea what network it'll be on but its going to be a later game, so I'm guessing its one of 3 networks, ESPN2, TBS or FSN.
Either way, its great pub and I see what Mangino was thinking playing this game, a winnable game in the heart of Texas, aka, our recruiting wheelhouse.
How funny is it in retrospect that Mizzou thought that playing in the Cotton Bowl was going to be beneficial for them recruiting in Texas, well we already have 2 kids from Texas for 2010, so again Mizzou can pound sand.
And while they were playing in a non-BCS game and we we're winning the Orange Bowl, KU is making further in roads in Florida as well. After getting a couple of kids from the state of Orange Juice in 2009 (RB- Deshaun Sands and WR - Eric McGriff) KU is in on some kids for 2010 as well.
Rock Chalk
Anyway, the whole point is that the game will be on TV, so instead of listening to Bob Davis get excited for the other team you can watch it on TV.
I have no idea what network it'll be on but its going to be a later game, so I'm guessing its one of 3 networks, ESPN2, TBS or FSN.
Either way, its great pub and I see what Mangino was thinking playing this game, a winnable game in the heart of Texas, aka, our recruiting wheelhouse.
How funny is it in retrospect that Mizzou thought that playing in the Cotton Bowl was going to be beneficial for them recruiting in Texas, well we already have 2 kids from Texas for 2010, so again Mizzou can pound sand.
And while they were playing in a non-BCS game and we we're winning the Orange Bowl, KU is making further in roads in Florida as well. After getting a couple of kids from the state of Orange Juice in 2009 (RB- Deshaun Sands and WR - Eric McGriff) KU is in on some kids for 2010 as well.
Rock Chalk
Thursday, April 23, 2009
What does it all mean?
Getting Xavier (Zah Vee Ay) Henry means a lot of things to me personally and to the immediate and long term future of the University of Kansas Basketball.
First it means that I need something else to think about, which will probably be KU baseball and then football and basketball recruiting as we get into the summer.
I have been following X's recruitment back when I didn't have an emerging bald spot and I'm so glad it is over, I've gotten so pissed at the situation but always wanted him to be in the Crimson and Blue and now that its a reality, I'm relieved more than happy but I'm very happy.
As far as the immediate future being impacted by the arrival of Bros. Henry it gives KU that much more momentum towards another National Championship.
The 09-10 Jayhawks were already going to wreck people, be the fave in the Big 12 and the sexy pick to cut down nets in Indy. Now those thoughts are even more logical.
Henry has what Roscoe refers to as "freakish athletic ability" and according to me he can put the ball in the tin from distance and off of the dribble and will give KU what they lacked so badly last year, a guy who can get his own shot (other than Sherron) and a 3rd scorer.
Henry also already has a NBA body so getting stronger isn't going to be a problem like what most freshmen encounter.
So there's those immediate positives to X heading to the hill. But once X leaves Mt. Oread he will have the chance to help Bill Self show that he can get you to the league and get you there quick, which will in turn help with guys like Harrison Barnes and Josh Smith form the 2010 classes and 2012 prospect Perry Ellis from Wichita.
If you are super excited and can't wait for the season to start, you're not alone.
Next year has all the pieces in place to be a very special year in Lawrence.
Rock Chalk
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
First it means that I need something else to think about, which will probably be KU baseball and then football and basketball recruiting as we get into the summer.
I have been following X's recruitment back when I didn't have an emerging bald spot and I'm so glad it is over, I've gotten so pissed at the situation but always wanted him to be in the Crimson and Blue and now that its a reality, I'm relieved more than happy but I'm very happy.
As far as the immediate future being impacted by the arrival of Bros. Henry it gives KU that much more momentum towards another National Championship.
The 09-10 Jayhawks were already going to wreck people, be the fave in the Big 12 and the sexy pick to cut down nets in Indy. Now those thoughts are even more logical.
Henry has what Roscoe refers to as "freakish athletic ability" and according to me he can put the ball in the tin from distance and off of the dribble and will give KU what they lacked so badly last year, a guy who can get his own shot (other than Sherron) and a 3rd scorer.
Henry also already has a NBA body so getting stronger isn't going to be a problem like what most freshmen encounter.
So there's those immediate positives to X heading to the hill. But once X leaves Mt. Oread he will have the chance to help Bill Self show that he can get you to the league and get you there quick, which will in turn help with guys like Harrison Barnes and Josh Smith form the 2010 classes and 2012 prospect Perry Ellis from Wichita.
If you are super excited and can't wait for the season to start, you're not alone.
Next year has all the pieces in place to be a very special year in Lawrence.
Rock Chalk
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
WELCOME HOME X
IT'S OFFICIAL.
XAVIER HENRY WILL BE AT KU!
some quotes from the first lady who was listening with head phones-
He told Self on Tuesday and Self busted his balls make sure he was serious and positive.
X said that CJ can play next year, so that's wild, and CJ will be at KU too.
At the start of the conference, he pulled out the chair for his mom, which makes him a pimp and a stud and dudes like that are hard to find.
He stated again that it was important to him that Sherron and Cole are coming back.
ROCK CHALK
XAVIER HENRY WILL BE AT KU!
some quotes from the first lady who was listening with head phones-
He told Self on Tuesday and Self busted his balls make sure he was serious and positive.
X said that CJ can play next year, so that's wild, and CJ will be at KU too.
At the start of the conference, he pulled out the chair for his mom, which makes him a pimp and a stud and dudes like that are hard to find.
He stated again that it was important to him that Sherron and Cole are coming back.
ROCK CHALK
X- UPDATED
About 15 minutes left until the conference, according to my source on campus (sup Moosh) the players are "congregating on Wescoe Beach awaiting the decision"
Dirty
2 hours til judgement day. And since I've been beating off about X for the better part of 3 years the suspense is killing me.
Dirty
2 hours til judgement day. And since I've been beating off about X for the better part of 3 years the suspense is killing me.
According to reports yesterday afternoon- the AD at X's HS said no Kentucky hat would be needed and that "dorthy might be there"
So I'm liking our chances but this thing has been way to weird to call it a done deal.
Let's hope that X marks the spot.
Rock Chalk
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Xavier announcing at 11:15am CST (UPDATED)
I'm just going to update this entry as more info comes out.
So far the following are "reporting" that X is going to KU
ESPN
ESPN's Paul Bincardi (mentions it multiple times in his chat)
The Oklahoman
Fox Sports- Jeff Goodman
CBS Sports - Gary Parrish
Zagsblog
Andy Katz
A million or so posters from Kentucky fan and Rivals.com sites and KU fans
The most $$$ info so far is that he has signed and faxed his GAD (Grant Aid Document) which basically means that he has accepted a scholly to KU- since he couldn't sign another LOI (Letter of Intent) since he signed one with that scum Calimari.
https://twitter.com/xavier_henry (here's why I love the internet)
Stay tuned and I'll get you the info you need
Rock Chalk
So far the following are "reporting" that X is going to KU
ESPN
ESPN's Paul Bincardi (mentions it multiple times in his chat)
The Oklahoman
Fox Sports- Jeff Goodman
CBS Sports - Gary Parrish
Zagsblog
Andy Katz
A million or so posters from Kentucky fan and Rivals.com sites and KU fans
The most $$$ info so far is that he has signed and faxed his GAD (Grant Aid Document) which basically means that he has accepted a scholly to KU- since he couldn't sign another LOI (Letter of Intent) since he signed one with that scum Calimari.
https://twitter.com/xavier_henry (here's why I love the internet)
Stay tuned and I'll get you the info you need
Rock Chalk
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Orange Bowl - fake punt- the real story
So, to lighten it up, I thought I'd post something I've been holding onto for a bit. I have traded messages with Micah Brown former KU WR and I asked him what "what went through your head during the fake punt?"
Below is his response- pretty good stuff actually for one of the more memorable plays in recent KU football history if not all of history.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y1JsQiaXhI (in case you need to watch it)
Honestly it was a pure God thing. We'd never practiced that play before. I didn't even know they were throwing it to me. Because the protection was set to the other side we were only supposed to throw to the other side. But the return guy rolled down over the top of JT (justin Thornton).
My guy checked into a block stance so I was screaming at Bmac to check me in tight to help block so he didn't block the punt. Instead they snapped the ball. I jogged off the line, preparing myself to chase down anyone who blocked it. I saw the ball come wobbling out of a crowd of people. I thought "oh lord don't drop it" .
As soon as I caught it I turned to run, but the DB already had an angle on me since I had to stop, run back to the ball, turn around and go. I didn't see him at first so when I caught it the first thing I thought was ," I'm gonna score a touchdown, I'm gonna do a flip into the end zone" hahahhaa. I mean, at the time I was a walk on. I would take a cursing ! I didn't care! But I started to run and the guy was there.. tried to stiff arm him... but I had separated my shoulder a couple plays before diving for the guy who ran the punt back for VT. So when I stuck my arm out, it just gave out.. got pushed out of bounds. After that I felt like I was in a dream. It all happened so fast, yet while the ball was in the air it was like it was slow motion..... Great memory. Few people know that it wasn't the coaches call. They alerted us to the POSSIBILITY of running a fake. But never to my side. It should have been called off due to the look. B mac got cussed out on the sideline actually. He told coach to shut up, that it worked, and that he had faith in me to make a play. I owe it to him.
Hope you enjoyed that, what a cool ass story-
Rock Chalk-
Below is his response- pretty good stuff actually for one of the more memorable plays in recent KU football history if not all of history.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y1JsQiaXhI (in case you need to watch it)
Honestly it was a pure God thing. We'd never practiced that play before. I didn't even know they were throwing it to me. Because the protection was set to the other side we were only supposed to throw to the other side. But the return guy rolled down over the top of JT (justin Thornton).
My guy checked into a block stance so I was screaming at Bmac to check me in tight to help block so he didn't block the punt. Instead they snapped the ball. I jogged off the line, preparing myself to chase down anyone who blocked it. I saw the ball come wobbling out of a crowd of people. I thought "oh lord don't drop it" .
As soon as I caught it I turned to run, but the DB already had an angle on me since I had to stop, run back to the ball, turn around and go. I didn't see him at first so when I caught it the first thing I thought was ," I'm gonna score a touchdown, I'm gonna do a flip into the end zone" hahahhaa. I mean, at the time I was a walk on. I would take a cursing ! I didn't care! But I started to run and the guy was there.. tried to stiff arm him... but I had separated my shoulder a couple plays before diving for the guy who ran the punt back for VT. So when I stuck my arm out, it just gave out.. got pushed out of bounds. After that I felt like I was in a dream. It all happened so fast, yet while the ball was in the air it was like it was slow motion..... Great memory. Few people know that it wasn't the coaches call. They alerted us to the POSSIBILITY of running a fake. But never to my side. It should have been called off due to the look. B mac got cussed out on the sideline actually. He told coach to shut up, that it worked, and that he had faith in me to make a play. I owe it to him.
Hope you enjoyed that, what a cool ass story-
Rock Chalk-
Monday, April 20, 2009
NO VISIT to UK
According to an interview CJ Henry gave to Rivals.com.
So the plot thickens.
Rock Chalk
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Just kidding about the last post
The Brothers Henry are going to visit UK and that means they ain't going to KU.
So bring on Born Ready and bring on football.
Rock Chalk
So bring on Born Ready and bring on football.
Rock Chalk
latest on X and CJ and Born Ready and Orton
Daniel Orton according to his dad is about certain that he'll stick with Kentucky, which is good because we don't really have room for him and him and X apparently hate each other.
Self and Calimari both met with the Brother's Henry this weekend in NYC (X was there playing in the Jordan Brand Classic)
According to a reader of this blog, some guy from 810 told him that Born Ready had signed with KU
(WHILE THAT MIGHT END UP HAPPENING- IT HASN'T YET)
Born Ready is set to announce later this week, when that is, I don't know.
X and CJ are announcing on Wednesday (according to Carl, so take that shit with a grain of salt)
X and CJ are not visiting UK.
X hated UK growing up (so did I kid, I feel you,)
So we should know something in the next 60 hours
Rock Chalk-
Self and Calimari both met with the Brother's Henry this weekend in NYC (X was there playing in the Jordan Brand Classic)
According to a reader of this blog, some guy from 810 told him that Born Ready had signed with KU
(WHILE THAT MIGHT END UP HAPPENING- IT HASN'T YET)
Born Ready is set to announce later this week, when that is, I don't know.
X and CJ are announcing on Wednesday (according to Carl, so take that shit with a grain of salt)
X and CJ are not visiting UK.
X hated UK growing up (so did I kid, I feel you,)
So we should know something in the next 60 hours
Rock Chalk-
Sunday, April 19, 2009
You know you're lucky when
You are in a foreign city, talking to random dudes and chicks and they go out of their way to tell you how pissed they are at Bill Self for leaving Illinois.
That's a pretty good indicator that your coach is a bad man.
Seriously, illini fan get over it. He left your shitty conference and shitty school to come to the capital of college hoops, to sit in the hot seat and coach in the mecca, Allen Field House.
So get over it, but thanks for reminding me how much I love Bill Self.
And to the fucking turd that was wearing a carolina shirt and told me that Kansas "sucked" and I in turn told "go die you faggot"
I'm not sorry.
Rock Chalk
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Hell yeah Mangino
Stud corner commits to KU from Juco
December grad
6-1- Dave Clark
December grad
6-1- Dave Clark
From Lousinia( or however you spell it- I've had 10 heavies at murphy's in chitown)
Looks like he'll be a highly rated juco guy- what a fucking week for KU football- we're going to keep rolling.
Rock Chalk
Live from Chicago
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Friday, April 17, 2009
Interesting note on X
At KCI reading "Slam" and X has been doing a diary entry for them each month since last summer.
In the past he has said he almost picked a school in the summer but backed out.
Said it wasn't that hard to turn down Self the first time.
In this entry he talks about how he helped recruit Cousins to Memphis and how they we're fixin to ball out (obviously before Calimari left)
So its kind of comical how this whole deal is going down.
We should know in the next week or so on him and Born Ready.
Rock Chalk
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Newest Jayhawk is big and fast and from Texas
Jeremiah Edwards at 6-1 270 already has pretty stellar size for a HS JR. and now KU can benefit from that size and quickness when he arrives on campus in 2010.
Mangino secured his second commit in as many days for the class of 2010 (both from Texas and I'm of the opinion that you can never have enough Texas kids on your squad)
I believe that David Beaty was the lead recruiter for both of these kids so he's off to a smashing start.
Welcome to KU big fella, from all of us (which is only me) we're looking forward to seeing you in the Crimson and Blue.
Rock Chalk
Mangino secured his second commit in as many days for the class of 2010 (both from Texas and I'm of the opinion that you can never have enough Texas kids on your squad)
I believe that David Beaty was the lead recruiter for both of these kids so he's off to a smashing start.
Welcome to KU big fella, from all of us (which is only me) we're looking forward to seeing you in the Crimson and Blue.
Rock Chalk
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The latest on X and Born Ready
X is in NYC for the Jordan Brand Classic and Born Ready is in NYC because he lives on Coney Island.
National signing day started yesterday.
Born Ready can sign a Letter of Intent- X can not because he has already signed a LOI and you can not sign more than one. (that is if Born Ready is academically eligible- which I nor anyone else can confirm or deny but its believed but not confirmed that his BornreadyTV website is ok for the NCAA)
Born Ready is not talking or is his coach Tiny Morton.
NO word on when Born Ready will announce, but its somewhat safe to assume it'll be KU or St John's..
Per Zagsblog.com Daniel Orton is going to stay at Kentucky (it was rumored if he switched he'd be interested in KU, but also its long been rumored that him and X are not buddies and would not play together in college- if true that helps us in the x/cj sweepstakes)
Below is part of an article from ESPN, that I think (and this shit changes by the minute that we have a good shot at getting X. And I know what he means, I've watched that video a ton and it makes me very emotional)
When he returns home Sunday, Henry will gather his thoughts, confer with his family and "decide within a week" between Kansas and Kentucky.
Memphis was quickly eliminated when first-year coach Josh Pastner was hired. "Josh recruited me hard to Memphis but I'm going with [head coaching] experience," he said.
DeMarcus Cousins, a talented 6-10 post from LeFlore (Mobile, Ala.), did the same after verbally committing to the Tigers during the season. He recently chose Kentucky.
Will Henry follow?
"I'll know soon," he said.
Here's what Henry had to say about his finalists.
Kansas:
"It's only a four and a half hour drive from Oklahoma City, my brother originally committed there out of high school before signing a professional baseball contract and I know the Kansas tradition through my mom and dad. When my dad received a DVD of their 2008 National Championship season, I watched it 50 times; it gave me chills," he said.
Kentucky:
"I don't know anything about the program's history, but I do know Calipari is the coach. Cal has a feel for building a program. He makes you already feel a part of the program and wants you to succeed. He'll tell you honestly if you are ready for the NBA."That won't be for at least one season."Even if I could go straight to the NBA, I won't bypass college," Henry said. "I need to learn the game and get stronger. I'd like to go where the school could win a national championship; and have a chance to play with my brother."
(above is from ESPN- the worldwide leader in sports)
National signing day started yesterday.
Born Ready can sign a Letter of Intent- X can not because he has already signed a LOI and you can not sign more than one. (that is if Born Ready is academically eligible- which I nor anyone else can confirm or deny but its believed but not confirmed that his BornreadyTV website is ok for the NCAA)
Born Ready is not talking or is his coach Tiny Morton.
NO word on when Born Ready will announce, but its somewhat safe to assume it'll be KU or St John's..
Per Zagsblog.com Daniel Orton is going to stay at Kentucky (it was rumored if he switched he'd be interested in KU, but also its long been rumored that him and X are not buddies and would not play together in college- if true that helps us in the x/cj sweepstakes)
Below is part of an article from ESPN, that I think (and this shit changes by the minute that we have a good shot at getting X. And I know what he means, I've watched that video a ton and it makes me very emotional)
When he returns home Sunday, Henry will gather his thoughts, confer with his family and "decide within a week" between Kansas and Kentucky.
Memphis was quickly eliminated when first-year coach Josh Pastner was hired. "Josh recruited me hard to Memphis but I'm going with [head coaching] experience," he said.
DeMarcus Cousins, a talented 6-10 post from LeFlore (Mobile, Ala.), did the same after verbally committing to the Tigers during the season. He recently chose Kentucky.
Will Henry follow?
"I'll know soon," he said.
Here's what Henry had to say about his finalists.
Kansas:
"It's only a four and a half hour drive from Oklahoma City, my brother originally committed there out of high school before signing a professional baseball contract and I know the Kansas tradition through my mom and dad. When my dad received a DVD of their 2008 National Championship season, I watched it 50 times; it gave me chills," he said.
Kentucky:
"I don't know anything about the program's history, but I do know Calipari is the coach. Cal has a feel for building a program. He makes you already feel a part of the program and wants you to succeed. He'll tell you honestly if you are ready for the NBA."That won't be for at least one season."Even if I could go straight to the NBA, I won't bypass college," Henry said. "I need to learn the game and get stronger. I'd like to go where the school could win a national championship; and have a chance to play with my brother."
(above is from ESPN- the worldwide leader in sports)
Rock Chalk
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Welcome to KU
Ricki Herod JR.- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYGaONcGxcE (short but impressive clip)
Herod JR becomes the first known commitment for the 2010 football recruiting class.
And boy does he look like a great start to the class.
Herod Jr hails from the same high school as sophomore to be Daymond Patterson.
He was just named the MVP of the Fort Worth Nike and in January he was voted a member of the US Army National Combine team (but I have not the slightest clue what that is)
According to Rivals.com he is 6-2 and weighs 175 (he's still just a Jr in HS so he should get bigger)
Seems like a great get and start for the class and if I'm Kale Pick I'm just getting a boner thinking about throwing the ball to him, J Wil, McGriff and Omigie.
Rock Chalk
Baseball looking good
last night KU won the first of what will hopefully be many games at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, NE defeating Creighton 7-6 in 10 innings, Bruce Bochy's son pitched 3 strong innings to close it out.
Last weekend KU swept then number 17 Oklahoma State in Lawrence and this week made there first appearance in the rankings since 2006.
Since the last spring football practice is today and the only basketball related event is the recruiting saga of the Henry kids and Born Ready, the baseball team might be all we have for a little while.
Rock Chalk
ps- it looks like we got a couple new followers of the blog, welcome to the blogosphere, I'm going to throw a poll up so you can have your say on what you want, party!
Last weekend KU swept then number 17 Oklahoma State in Lawrence and this week made there first appearance in the rankings since 2006.
Since the last spring football practice is today and the only basketball related event is the recruiting saga of the Henry kids and Born Ready, the baseball team might be all we have for a little while.
Rock Chalk
ps- it looks like we got a couple new followers of the blog, welcome to the blogosphere, I'm going to throw a poll up so you can have your say on what you want, party!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Xavier Henry chat transcript from ESPN
Buzzmaster: Xavier will be with us at 4 p.m. ET everyone.
Buzzmaster: Xavier is here!
John T. (Lexington, KY): Xavier, what's the official list of top contender schools?
Xavier Henry: Kansas, Memphis and Kentucky.
Evan (Kansas): Xavier, Does the fact that Sherron and Cole are returning next season impact your decision at all?
Xavier Henry: Not really. It just helps to know that we'll have a good team if we go to Kansas.
Daniel: (Lexington, KY): Do you prefer playing in a fast paced offense or a set half court offense?
Xavier Henry: A fast pace. Everybody gets touches in a fast pace and none of your teammates get mad.
Chris, Louisville: So are you and your brother a package deal?
Xavier Henry: Yeah, it turned out that way. I think we're going to do that, go to the same school.
Chapel Hill, NC: Xavier, how important is it for you to play college basketball at a tradition rich program such as Kansas, where both of your parents played?
Xavier Henry: It wasn't a deciding factor, but it's kind of cool if your whole family went to the same school. It's not a deciding factor, but it's cool.
Mckenzie (Erlanger KY): does calipari's offense affect your overall decision in any way?
Xavier Henry: It's a big factor, the style that he plays and how his team works. Now he has to start all over and the team is not going to play like it has. It will be different than what its been in Memphis.
Mark Columbus, OH: When do you think you will decide?
Xavier Henry: I haven't put a timetable on it, but it will be as quick as possible. After these games.
Aaron Sivori (Louisville, Ky): What is the highest number of threes you have hit in a single game?
Xavier Henry: Honestly, I don't know. It was probably a lot! I know one time, this past year in Missouri, I think it was the ''Show Me Classic'' I think I had 10 or 12, or maybe it was 10 of 12.
Kevin (Louisville Ky): Love your game! what do you base your decision on?
Xavier Henry: There are a lot of things. Me and my brother making sure we're happy where we're going. Keeping my family happy and keeping them together is what I'm basing my decision on.
Ross (Lawrence, KS): How good of a relationship do you have with Self? Calipari?
Xavier Henry: We have real good relationships. They've been recruiting me over the years. They know my families well. We keep communicating all the time.
Lawrence, KS: Xavier- How important is being able to play on an established national championship caliber team for you now preparing to make your college decision?
Xavier Henry: It's real important. That's what you go to college for, to win it all and prepare yourself to be the best. I'm fortunate to have those schools looking at me.
Nathan (Bowling Green, Ky): What NBA player would you say has a game similar to yours?
Xavier Henry: I don't know. I take different parts of a lot of people's games and make them my own.
Parker: Memphis, TN: Did you have much of a relationship with coach Pastner before Cal left for Kentucky?
Xavier Henry: Yeah. That was the main guy that was recruiting me, Coach Pastner. He's a positive guy and we have a good relationship.
Matt (Lexington, KY): Do you plan on taking anymore visits before making a decision?
Xavier Henry: Yeah, I plan on taking one visit with my brother to Kentucky. We've never been out there. After that, we'll take a couple of days and probably make our decision.
Taylor (Baton Rouge, LA): Have you already made your decision and you are waiting to announce or are you still struggling with making a decision?
Xavier Henry: I'm still deciding where I'm going to go. If I knew where I was going, I would have made the announcement a long time ago. I'm not trying to hold out on anybody.
Jeff (Asheville, NC): What player did you most admire growing up?
Xavier Henry: My brother. Always getting to see him play. He taught me a lot.
Brian (Chicago): Will you wait to hear from the NCAA on CJ's status next year before making a decision?
Xavier Henry: Yeah. CJ's a big part of my decision. I'm waiting to hear about him before I decide where I'm going.
stephen (Dallas,TX): Xavier, you once pinned one of my lay-ups on the backboard so hard that I thought the ball was going to pop. What are you most excited for going into next season?
Xavier Henry: Just seeing how good they can prepare me to be for the next level. Seeing how they can take my game and being with my brother the whole year and my family.
Rod, Los Angeles, CA.: Do you get tired of all the recruiting and hype?
Xavier Henry: After a while it gets boring. Just stagnate. I'm just waiting for it to be over with so I can go on and go to college and further my career.
Ryan (Lexington, KY): How much does Jodie Meek's decision to stay in the draft or come back next year affect your opinion of coming to UK? Could you all play well together?
Xavier Henry: That would. That changed the team and the whole outlook of the team. I'd have to look at that if he decides to stay in or play at Kentucky. We'd have to talk about it.
Xavier Henry: Thank you for following me!
Buzzmaster: Xavier is here!
John T. (Lexington, KY): Xavier, what's the official list of top contender schools?
Xavier Henry: Kansas, Memphis and Kentucky.
Evan (Kansas): Xavier, Does the fact that Sherron and Cole are returning next season impact your decision at all?
Xavier Henry: Not really. It just helps to know that we'll have a good team if we go to Kansas.
Daniel: (Lexington, KY): Do you prefer playing in a fast paced offense or a set half court offense?
Xavier Henry: A fast pace. Everybody gets touches in a fast pace and none of your teammates get mad.
Chris, Louisville: So are you and your brother a package deal?
Xavier Henry: Yeah, it turned out that way. I think we're going to do that, go to the same school.
Chapel Hill, NC: Xavier, how important is it for you to play college basketball at a tradition rich program such as Kansas, where both of your parents played?
Xavier Henry: It wasn't a deciding factor, but it's kind of cool if your whole family went to the same school. It's not a deciding factor, but it's cool.
Mckenzie (Erlanger KY): does calipari's offense affect your overall decision in any way?
Xavier Henry: It's a big factor, the style that he plays and how his team works. Now he has to start all over and the team is not going to play like it has. It will be different than what its been in Memphis.
Mark Columbus, OH: When do you think you will decide?
Xavier Henry: I haven't put a timetable on it, but it will be as quick as possible. After these games.
Aaron Sivori (Louisville, Ky): What is the highest number of threes you have hit in a single game?
Xavier Henry: Honestly, I don't know. It was probably a lot! I know one time, this past year in Missouri, I think it was the ''Show Me Classic'' I think I had 10 or 12, or maybe it was 10 of 12.
Kevin (Louisville Ky): Love your game! what do you base your decision on?
Xavier Henry: There are a lot of things. Me and my brother making sure we're happy where we're going. Keeping my family happy and keeping them together is what I'm basing my decision on.
Ross (Lawrence, KS): How good of a relationship do you have with Self? Calipari?
Xavier Henry: We have real good relationships. They've been recruiting me over the years. They know my families well. We keep communicating all the time.
Lawrence, KS: Xavier- How important is being able to play on an established national championship caliber team for you now preparing to make your college decision?
Xavier Henry: It's real important. That's what you go to college for, to win it all and prepare yourself to be the best. I'm fortunate to have those schools looking at me.
Nathan (Bowling Green, Ky): What NBA player would you say has a game similar to yours?
Xavier Henry: I don't know. I take different parts of a lot of people's games and make them my own.
Parker: Memphis, TN: Did you have much of a relationship with coach Pastner before Cal left for Kentucky?
Xavier Henry: Yeah. That was the main guy that was recruiting me, Coach Pastner. He's a positive guy and we have a good relationship.
Matt (Lexington, KY): Do you plan on taking anymore visits before making a decision?
Xavier Henry: Yeah, I plan on taking one visit with my brother to Kentucky. We've never been out there. After that, we'll take a couple of days and probably make our decision.
Taylor (Baton Rouge, LA): Have you already made your decision and you are waiting to announce or are you still struggling with making a decision?
Xavier Henry: I'm still deciding where I'm going to go. If I knew where I was going, I would have made the announcement a long time ago. I'm not trying to hold out on anybody.
Jeff (Asheville, NC): What player did you most admire growing up?
Xavier Henry: My brother. Always getting to see him play. He taught me a lot.
Brian (Chicago): Will you wait to hear from the NCAA on CJ's status next year before making a decision?
Xavier Henry: Yeah. CJ's a big part of my decision. I'm waiting to hear about him before I decide where I'm going.
stephen (Dallas,TX): Xavier, you once pinned one of my lay-ups on the backboard so hard that I thought the ball was going to pop. What are you most excited for going into next season?
Xavier Henry: Just seeing how good they can prepare me to be for the next level. Seeing how they can take my game and being with my brother the whole year and my family.
Rod, Los Angeles, CA.: Do you get tired of all the recruiting and hype?
Xavier Henry: After a while it gets boring. Just stagnate. I'm just waiting for it to be over with so I can go on and go to college and further my career.
Ryan (Lexington, KY): How much does Jodie Meek's decision to stay in the draft or come back next year affect your opinion of coming to UK? Could you all play well together?
Xavier Henry: That would. That changed the team and the whole outlook of the team. I'd have to look at that if he decides to stay in or play at Kentucky. We'd have to talk about it.
Xavier Henry: Thank you for following me!
Our apology to the nation
You had your chance last year but 2010 is all about us. Have fun going for 2nd.
Rock Chalk
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Game- Spring Version
(Insight Bowl poster in the stadium, with Briscoe scoring the fastest TD in history)
(Karma- 2 years ago Kelting and I slammed beers at Jet Lag and we went to the BCS so we went back on Saturday and I personally apologize for not going last year, that was my bad)
(Kale Pick telling the backups that they are lucky to be able to play with him)
(look at all the work those guys put into setting up the tent, MASSIVE)
(Todd with no mercy for the D)Rewatching the game-
In this first quarter I'm really watching Hawkinson. He's got some quick toes, like he's got some hot socks and he's strong. T Hawk said after the game that he's at 269 and he needs to get to 290. Chris Dawson has proved that he can do wonders with guys in the weight room (and remember this is the first summer that they will have access to the new facility) so I think he'll add some good weight and keep his quickness.
Let's just mention both TR and KM- studs- nothing else needs to said.
J Wil (aka- Wilson- #81) might be ready to turn the corner as a really solid WR. He'd be a really good 3rd option, kind of like how the hoops team was when Tyshawn would do well, we were unstoppable.Wilson looks as if he got faster since last year. If he can give you 50 catches and Meier and Brisoce do what they do- watch out.
Wilson finished with 133 yards and a TD.
Jake Sharp is good, I mean I like him a lot. He's going to be a nice little back for us this year. (He averaged 9 yards per carry and took a couple shovel passes for big gains)And Deshaun Sands really does remind me of Jake Sharp- I think its because they are both small (but I haven't seen enough of Sands to know- I do know that he is on KO's hopefully returning I think he'd be good in that role)
How the hell about Rell Lewis. Who the hell is Rell Lewis (I was asked this today) he's a guy that came in from Oklahoma and was at WR and switched to RB and he seems to really have found a home there. He looked real solid catching the ball out of the backfield and was dangerous in space. He carried 14 times for 66 yards and caught 2 balls for 50 yards including a great play where Kale Pick found him bleeding out of the back field in the 4th quarter. (Went back and watched this play again and Lewis was really sprung free by Biere blocking someone down field 15 yards, its like a young Derek Fine)
The depth on the lines is baffling to me. Unreal.
You've got the 2nd string O-line blocking real well and the 2nd string D-line was getting some good push.I'm so excited about this because it let's you have fresh legs, it doesn't hurt if a guy gets dinged up and going against talent in practice will make you better come the fall.
Look at the DT's for example-
You got Richard Johnson Jr coming back, Darius Parish should be better as a sophomore (and worse case scenario he's unreal in short yardage situations and goal line) Caleb Blakesly is a senior and has always been solid. Jamal Greene ran with the 2's today but he started last year and he was solid. (He gets great penetration on a play in the 4th quarter and tackles Rell Lewis for a loss)
So you got 4 returners there. Plus add Redshirt FR Duane Zlatnik who's a mountain of a man. Travis Stephens from Blinn Community College who most think will play right away.
There's others that I am forgetting but that SIX- 6- guys that you can plug in there, so I'm really looking forward to that.
This 2 minute drill at the end of the half by Kale Pick is unreal. When he tucks it, its on.The first run he had on the drive was great he went through his progression the pocket collapsed and he got flushed out but he kept his head up and got a real nice gain. He had another good run on the drive and that TD pass- that's a special throw, 25 yard fade rout on the hitch and go and he puts in on him perfectly.
Going back and looking at the line play a little bit more closely, I was impressed with some of the following guys.
"Big" John Williams- probably going to be the LG next year, he's an absolutely huge human, and he's pretty athletic
Brad Thorsen- RG- I thought he might be the center this year before they moved Hatch, which was possible thanks to Hawkinson's quick improvement at LT. But Thorsen looks like a real solid guy at RG, and since Lueken got hit by a car he won't be playing any RG.
Hawkinson - as I mentioned in earlier but I like his game, all he needs is to get bigger. I really could see him making money playing that position.
I didn't see enough of Hatch, Spikes, Carl Wilson or Alex Smith to have an opinion on them either way. There was one play where Hatch looked real solid and Center is his natural position so he should be solid.
Here in the third quarter we're seeing a formation I don't remember seeing. Kale Pick is running with the 2's still and instead of having the back next to him in the shot gun formation Sands was about 4 yards behind him. They moved Sands out as soon as the ball was snapped in a blocking/ receiver option.The play wound up being a run by Pick for 6-7 yards but as vanilla as spring games are- this was a nice little wrinkle.
Very nice counter run by Rell Lewis in the 3rd- do mostly to Tim Biere and Jeremiah Hatch absolutely putting people to the ground.
I think a lot of people were curious to see what Angus Quigley would look like at LB. Well- he's fast- he looks a heck of a lot faster/quicker than he was at RB but can still hit as evidence by covering Rell Lewis inside the 10 and stayed with him in pass coverage and then laid a lick on him. I don't know if he'll be an every down LB but he could play Bandit today- for sure. (think Brandon Perkins with more hit power)
Kale Pick looks like he can make all the throws. In 4 straight snaps he threw a 30 yard fade, a 10 yard out, a swing pass to the WR and then checked down to the RB and completed all 4 of them. (And he's doing this with a thrown together WR corp. Further evidence of this is Ingram dropping a 20 yard corner route that Pick put on his numbers after stepping up in the pocket)
Jordan Webb is going to prove to be very capable at the QB position, he made a very Reesing like play when he tried to step up in the pocket it wasn't there, they he rolled to his right and got stopped so he went back to his left and made a 20 yard throw across his body that he put right on Ted McNutly, very nice play. (remember that if anyone even touched him during this play he was down due to spring game rules, so even more impressive)
Webb also showed some good feet on some running plays. I don't know if he'll overtake Pick this year to be the backup, but I think he'll give him a run for his money in 2010 and worse case scenario he seems like he'll be a very capable back up. (He ran an offense that is very similar to KU's in high school and put up some wild numbers)
At halftime- I ran into (walked right by) Donovan Vestal a DE out of TX, he's a package deal with Lavonte Wheeler. They are down to Ok ST and KU. So I made sure that I sold the program to him and told him how wack Ok St was, just doing my part to build a better KU football for everyone.
Ted McNutly might be a decent depth guy at TE.
Reece Petty was really not very good at WR
I like Willie O'Quinn quite a bit, he was really solid on special teams last year, sans the 15 yard penalty in the Insight Bowl where he got injured, he looked good at WR.
I liked Greg Brown quite a bit at CB but not as much as I like Anthony Davis, it looks like the light might have come on for him he was like glue on people and he looks like he might have gotten bigger and speed was never a question with him. He very well could be a nickle or dime back next year.
Starters at corner next year I would guess will consist of Daymond Patterson and Calvin Rubbles. I feel less confident about Rubles but he has the size, he just needs to make that adjustment from JUCO ball.
Props to Mangino for having Kerry Meier running as a QB, that as Lund pointed out was his way of telling Pick he hasn't earned shit. Pick is a bright kid and he is really competitive so I think that message got across real clear. Pick having a good spring and summer is so crucial for this program its not even funny.
Final thoughts-
I came away very encouraged with this team and the thing that should be noted is look who wasn't there.Dezmon Briscoe -1st team AA
Bradley McDougald- probably going to start at the slot WR.
Quinton Woods- will likely start at DE (he might not be at his full talent until conference play just due to adjusting to Div 1 ball
Julian Jones- will play at LB
Some other Juco LB that we got late, most reports are that he'll start and be studly (Jon Bon Watts is his name- that was a weird feeling not knowing a name for a second)
Travis Stephens - DT will be in the rotation.
Toben Opurum- RB - could be the big back we've been missing.
You've also got guys like Prinz Kande and Dextor Linton at the safety position that could push for some immediate time next year.
If you're a fan of KU football you should be stoked with the squad.
Rock Chalk
please free to leave any questions in the comment section or e-mail at - ryanbauer9@gmail.com and I'll answer / discuss them
Spring Game - Pre game notes
(Is that tent just glorious or what, we offered it to KUAC in case players need to get loose before rainy games, or play actual games underneath it)
(this thing provided more fun that you know, especially when I sent it after a native american, just saying)
O-Line vs. D-Line drills-Laptad looked pretty good
(this thing provided more fun that you know, especially when I sent it after a native american, just saying)watching QB's and receivers get loose and I see TR5 just throw a perfect seem route to Kerry and I'm reminded how fucking good those guys are.
O-Line vs. D-Line drills-Laptad looked pretty good
Oyengbule looked huge (now wears number 90 instead of 47)
Darius Parish looks like he slimmed down a bit (I couldn't tell if he was any quicker because I wasn't paying that close of attention)
The O-line as a whole looks quick, not saying they aren't strong and big just saying they seemed quick.
DJ Marshall looks really quick at DE, but he is still little. I could see him as an option in obviously passing downs but not anything else at this point in his development(he'll be a RS FR in the fall)
QB / Passing drills-
Deshaun Sands looks really small he told the LJW he was 5-6 1/2 (which means he my height) but he seems like he has the ability to be the home run threat we need.
Jordan Webb looks taller than I thought (probably because KU has listed Reesing at 6-0 even though he's pushing 5-10, Webb is a legit 6-1)
Kale Pick has a nice easy throwing motion and can put some zip in the ball if needed
AJ Steward continues to be a physical specimen, he's a load and I think he could really create some matchups in the passing game.
Justin Springer (who was thought to be this years starting MLB, until he tore his ACL against K-st) was in pads today, didn't practice all spring and did not play in the spring game but the fact that he was in pads seems like a good sign.
You'll remember this blog spoke to him about his rehab in January.
The DB's were doing a drill where they back pedaled and the turned to catch a ball.
My takeaway from this drill was that they all seems to have good hips and change of direction (for the most part) and we might have some serious ball hawks.
(Daymond Patterson is fine even though he dinged his shoulder in the game)
Kevin Young and Tanner Hawkinson went head to head a couple of times in drills and it was a good match up both are quick and need to gain weight but both have bright futures (Hawkinson especially)
Justin Thorton and Greg Brown were running with the 2's at CB. (Greg Brown is a guy that we offered very early last year, so you know he's highly thought of and so far doesn't seem to be disappointing- he had 8 tackles in the game)
Rock Chalk
Friday, April 10, 2009
Not too bad for a b-day
So first of all I hate my birthday- as much as I love attention I hate my birthday kind of like how I hate weddings.
But this one wasn't so fucking bad.
As LJ said "we want that so bad and for it to actually happen is awesome"Or some facsimile of the above statement.
Obviously in reference to QT and Appleton.Both of them transferring allows KU to now have 1 available scholly for next year instead of being 1 over the limit (and Withey now has his scholly accounted for)
So if you are Bill Self and you have 1 scholly left, the best rebounder in the class of 09 and one of if not the most athletic combo guard in the class coming to Mt. Oread PLUS you have 2 All Americans coming back (most likely- almost certain) in Sherronatron and Cole's Block Party USA (Kudos to Roscoe for the nickname) well you go get the number 1 player in the land in Xavier Henry (according to Espn) (#3 according to Rivals).
Which it appears is closer to happening (not saying it will but where there's smoke there's firing and somebody might want to call the Fire Dept - SOON)
So we can say for sure that next year we'll have an improved Tyshawn Taylor, Marcus Morris, Markieff Morris and returning Brady Morningstar and Tyrel Reed along with a healthy and one would figure substantially better Mario Little. Couple that shit with 2 top 30 players coming in and that looks like a nice little ball club.
Well we ain't gonna be nice- we're gonna be some mean mother fuckers who are totally unaware of other people's feelings. Because you should have the only player in Kansas history to record a Triple Double and a guy who's going to have his jersey in the rafters (if Sherron has the same year he did this year he's going to be up there)
Plus the aforementioned possibility of adding a stud at the wing position.
Focus on the Spring Game but be giddy about Self's next squad.
Rock Chalk
But this one wasn't so fucking bad.
As LJ said "we want that so bad and for it to actually happen is awesome"Or some facsimile of the above statement.
Obviously in reference to QT and Appleton.Both of them transferring allows KU to now have 1 available scholly for next year instead of being 1 over the limit (and Withey now has his scholly accounted for)
So if you are Bill Self and you have 1 scholly left, the best rebounder in the class of 09 and one of if not the most athletic combo guard in the class coming to Mt. Oread PLUS you have 2 All Americans coming back (most likely- almost certain) in Sherronatron and Cole's Block Party USA (Kudos to Roscoe for the nickname) well you go get the number 1 player in the land in Xavier Henry (according to Espn) (#3 according to Rivals).
Which it appears is closer to happening (not saying it will but where there's smoke there's firing and somebody might want to call the Fire Dept - SOON)
So we can say for sure that next year we'll have an improved Tyshawn Taylor, Marcus Morris, Markieff Morris and returning Brady Morningstar and Tyrel Reed along with a healthy and one would figure substantially better Mario Little. Couple that shit with 2 top 30 players coming in and that looks like a nice little ball club.
Well we ain't gonna be nice- we're gonna be some mean mother fuckers who are totally unaware of other people's feelings. Because you should have the only player in Kansas history to record a Triple Double and a guy who's going to have his jersey in the rafters (if Sherron has the same year he did this year he's going to be up there)
Plus the aforementioned possibility of adding a stud at the wing position.
Focus on the Spring Game but be giddy about Self's next squad.
Rock Chalk
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Props to the baseball team
KU swept Iowa this week in a midweek series as they continue to inch closer to getting in the big dance.
My professional teams both suck and I realized that I have a long summer ahead of me. Nothing better than shitty baaseball and skin irration in the cock region, fucking super.
Rock Chalk
My professional teams both suck and I realized that I have a long summer ahead of me. Nothing better than shitty baaseball and skin irration in the cock region, fucking super.
Rock Chalk
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Who will be at KU next year
Born Ready
or
Zaveeyah Henry
or
Both
or
Neither
-Well, a little over a week ago, I was watching BornReadyTV with the roomie and basically foaming at the mouth of him being at KU.
Then that fucker Calamari got the UK job and now X is fair game.
Then Born Ready was going to announce for KU and then he canceled his presser (for who knows why) then X was rumored to be going to KU and his loud ass dad keeps telling every tom dick and harry that he's gonna go to KU and here we are today.
No Born Ready
NO X
and I'm losing my hair and sanity.
please let this end soon and in a positive way for KU.
Rock Chalk
or
Zaveeyah Henry
or
Both
or
Neither
-Well, a little over a week ago, I was watching BornReadyTV with the roomie and basically foaming at the mouth of him being at KU.
Then that fucker Calamari got the UK job and now X is fair game.
Then Born Ready was going to announce for KU and then he canceled his presser (for who knows why) then X was rumored to be going to KU and his loud ass dad keeps telling every tom dick and harry that he's gonna go to KU and here we are today.
No Born Ready
NO X
and I'm losing my hair and sanity.
please let this end soon and in a positive way for KU.
Rock Chalk
Monday, April 6, 2009
This week
Well there's quite a bit of shit going down this week.
(if you haven't read the football solutions blog, you should, its good)
(if you haven't read the football solutions blog, you should, its good)
First of all last weekend was brutal, watching the Final 4 sans KU was hard so I didn't watch much of it, not caring is fun.
Also had a chance to get an autograph from Gale Sayers, his buddy or agent or whoever was one of the few people to think Kelting was cooler than me, so that was hard to swallow, but all in all a very good time.
EDIT FOR STORY TIME-
So while I basically got really scared of Gale, Kelting drops that pic (see above) on him and his little buddy, says "who is that young man, look at him" (which is a gay thing to say but also a very easy way to hurt my feelings, guy) and so kelting snapped that photo, he couldn't take a pic of me getting the mini-helmet signed, because he signs those under the table, honestly, I couldn't even see him sign it, but when he gave me that helmet back it was signed, so that's good.
We have the on going soap opera that is X, CJ, Born Ready, Calamari, whoever Memphis hires, NCAA transfer rules, is an anyone transferring , Cole is rumored to be staying, Sherron has a kid so he'll go pro even if he might not make it - gate.
So that's fun!
This weekend we'll all get free magnet schedules and card schedules for the 2009 edition of the Fighting Mangino's (while supplies last per KUAC)
Then the much discussed Spring Game.
Rock Chalk
We have the on going soap opera that is X, CJ, Born Ready, Calamari, whoever Memphis hires, NCAA transfer rules, is an anyone transferring , Cole is rumored to be staying, Sherron has a kid so he'll go pro even if he might not make it - gate.
So that's fun!
This weekend we'll all get free magnet schedules and card schedules for the 2009 edition of the Fighting Mangino's (while supplies last per KUAC)
Then the much discussed Spring Game.
Rock Chalk
Friday, April 3, 2009
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
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
Thursday, April 2, 2009
X - I'm sorry
Please come to KU. Don't visit Kentucky. I visited a school in Kentucky and I'm not sure what was worse the tour of the campus, my mom crying on the way home or when they showed me the gym and I thought it was a high school.
Come on home. There's lots of hotties at KU with real loose morals, trust me I know and I couldn't pull up and knock down treys or take cats to the rack so you'll do just fine.
Rock Chalk
Come on home. There's lots of hotties at KU with real loose morals, trust me I know and I couldn't pull up and knock down treys or take cats to the rack so you'll do just fine.
Rock Chalk
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Awesome
Look at this picture I got with these two tools from Memphis. Just 2 weeks ago they were so confident that they would be going to another Final 4, instead they are at home, without a coach and without recruits, whoops.
These guys called me a "SOB" because I wanted to get a pic with them since we rolled them last April. Hilarious
Rock Chalk
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