JaySquawk Preseason Edition 2023

[Bundy]

 

Its been some months since we heard from the Jayhawks, but that doesn't mean all is quiet in Lawrence. 

Through Spring Games, Kansas did Spring Break in Florida, taking on Miami, Florida, and Florida State, and came out "2-1" in unofficial results.

Kansas went 9-4 last year, with a win over Colorado State in the Hawai'i Bowl, and a massive W over Missouri and disgraced Aaron Leamon in their regular season finale.

But Kansas' first ever bowl team graduated a lot of talent. 

The Draft Class

QB Jeff Maeda UDFA, unsigned

Maeda took over after 3 Tyler Summers struggle games, much in the same way that Ian Morgan replaced Maeda in 2022. Maeda finishes his KU career as a 7-4 starter.

RB Bene' Humber UDFA, Minnesota Vikings

Humber finished with 2,102 rushing yards and 17 TDs, with an All-Conference award to his name. Humber started all of 2021 before becoming the sidekick to Cody Casspi and FB Marcell Maysonet in 2022.

WR Trenton Adam 3rd Round, 84th Overall Detroit Lions

Adam was a 1-year player for the Jayhawks, but became the clear WR1 on the 2022 squad, hauling in 41/66 targets for 603 yards and 3 TD. He was more fairly drafted than controversial 2022 selection Junior Ogbah, but even with producing early picks to the NFC North, Kansas isn't a wide receiver hotbed for talent.

WR Adam Williams UDFA, unsigned

Williams was a big part of Kansas' pro-style offense in 2021, hauling in 57 (of 110) receptions for 779 yards and 5 TDs. With KU's focus shifting hard to "backs and TEs move the football safely", Williams step back likely tanked his draft stock, with just 15 receptions and 1 TD in 2022.

OT Rashad Shaw UDFA, unsigned

Shaw was a massive mauler at right tackle, and is one of 4 all-time OL to leave the program seeking the pros. The 6'4", 310 behemoth is still seeking an opportunity in the pros, but will be a part of KU lore for years to come.

OG Ben Gohara 6th Round, 184th Overall Cleveland Browns

Gohara is the first ever offensive lineman to be drafted out of Kansas, and for good reason. He was an exciting lead blocker, and showed 3-star linemen that their pro dreams can be reality.

DE Zack Luke 4th Round, 130th Overall Indianapolis Colts

Luke was relegated to being a special teamer in 2021, with 5 defensive tackles and 3 special teams tackles. Marvin Machado went to the NFL, allowing Luke to earn reps at DE as a senior. Luke ate as a pass rusher, finishing with 7.0 sacks and 14 TFL, becoming someone opponents had to gameplan around. He was the 8th DE selected in the 2023 Draft.

DT Mike Brantly UDFA, Minnesota Vikings

Brantly was a QB's nightmare in the middle, posting 7.0 sacks and 22 TFL in 2022 after a quiet 10 tackle, 1 TFL 2021. Brantly unfortunately was born in the wrong year, as it produced a massively stacked DT class. He went unselected, spent some time with the Vikings in training camp, and then was cut during an early round of Vikings cutdowns.

ILB Ezekiel "Ziggy" Sands UDFA, Minnesota Vikings

Ziggy was the heart of Kansas football for two years, and was heartbroken to not hear his name called during the draft. He followed the KU->Vikings UDFA pipeline like several others before, but has perhaps the biggest chance to make an impact on their roster. Sands finished with 131 tackles, 28 TFL, and 2 INT in his career.

OLB Cooper Morrison UDFA, unsigned

Morrison finished his KU career with 21.5 tackles and an INT. He started at LOLB in 2022.

CB James Davidson UDFA, Minnesota Vikings

Davidson didn't start until his senior year, but earned the CB1 role and never looked back, posting 5 PD and an INT. 

SS Lashard Jones UDFA, unsigned

Jones split time at SS, finishing with just 7 tackles before fully losing his starting role.

 

The Offense

QB Tyler Summers ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (SO) 3 starts, 35/72 (48,61%) O TD, 6 INT; 44 rushes, 229 yards, 5.20avg, 1 TD

Summers started the first three games for the 2022 Jayhawks, but looked atrocious, and the team went 2-1 in spite of his horrid play. Summers is young yet, but should he perform atrociously once again, Kansas has several QBs waiting in the wings. He'll likely get a longer leash in 2023, but NEEDS to lead touchdown drives.

RB Cody Casspi ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (JR) 13 starts, 200 carries, 1136 rushing yards, 8 TD; 24/34, 267 rec yards, 2 TD

Casspi was 2nd-Team All-Conference last year, but excelled given his rushing splits. With Bene' Humber gone, expect Casspi to see an increase in workload.

RB Aaron Diaz ⭐⭐⭐ SR punt returner in 2021

Diaz returned punts in 2021 for Kansas, and then was the 3rd string QB in 2022. With the wild success of Devonta Doyle, Diaz is being featured as a RB2 throughout the spring, with success. Natural 3-star Jacob Flores could be better-equipped to take on a true Bene' mold, and (FR) 3-star Kamalei Lowe and FR Alonzo Wilson and Kevin Force are also hungry for carries. The RB2 role will probably be less prominent than it was a season ago.

FB Marcell Maysonet ⭐⭐⭐SR 25 starts, 263 carries, 1185 rushing yards, 8 TD; 10/25, 97 rec yards

A 2-year starter heading into this year, Maysonet went from a massive afterthought in 2021, to the leading bell cow in 2022, of the Kansas 3-headed rushing attack. He doesn't rush as efficiently as Casspi does, and could see a very slight reduction in rushes, but will still very much be integral to the inside rushing gameplan.

TE Alex Atkins ⭐⭐⭐⭐ SR 25 starts, 125 receptions, 218 targets, 1667 yards, 9 TD

The premier receiving option in Kansas history, Atkins will line up both at traditional TE and out wide this season depending on opponent. 

TE Steel Blue ⭐⭐⭐⭐ SO 9 receptions, 22 targets, 62 yards, 0 TD

Blue had a very underwhelming freshman season after being Kansas' most hyped recruit of all (one season of) time. BUT he's a 6'6" 19 year old who, like Atkins, will see time at both WR and TE. 

OT Drew Solano ⭐⭐⭐JR

Solano earns the left tackle role out of spring and summer practices as the best pass protector of the candidates, but he's not as great of a run blocker as others, so his role is on thin ice. 

OG David Hager ⭐⭐⭐⭐ FR

A true freshman out of Minnesota, Hager is better at pass protecting than the traditional Kansas guards of past. Hager's early entry into the lineup could be another reminder that Kansas wants to throw the football if given the chance.

C Pete Blythe ⭐⭐⭐ (SR) 13 starts, 0 pancakes, 1 sack allowed

Blythe started last year after redshirting in 2021. He wasn't someone who could dominate defensive linemen, but he also wasn't a liability in blocking.

OG Jose Moustakas ⭐⭐⭐⭐SR 25 starts

Big Moose is one of few potential 3-year starter linemen across the country, but will slide across the line from LG to RG this year. As a true sophomore he started over future NFL draft pick Ben Gohara. Last year he had 7 pancakes with 0 sacks allowed, and has earned a nod at captaincy this year.

OT Zach Rogers ⭐⭐⭐ SR 13 starts

Rogers started at left tackle last year, but shifts to the right side this year in Rashad Shaw's absence. Kansas wanted to keep him and Moustakas paired on the same side of the line.

The Defense

DE Randal Holmes ⭐⭐⭐⭐SR 13 starts, 39.5 tackles, 12 TFL, 6.5 sacks, FF

Holmes saw minimal playing time as a sophomore, with just 2 tackles and a sack, but became a consistent force of pressure as a junior, chasing down 5.5 sacks.

DL Chris Barreto ⭐⭐⭐(SR) FR

Barreto played special teams last year after being redshirted in 2021. Naturally an edge rusher, Kansas kicks him inside to replace Mike Brantly at DT1, hoping to generate inside pressure.

DT Dante Gates ⭐⭐⭐SR 25 starts, 61.5 tackles, 10 TFL, 5.5 sacks, FF

Perhaps Kansas' best player overall, Gates has become a KU-household name as a big plug in the interior. Gates has had consistent success in dominating guards in the passing game, and has hopes of being drafted.

DE Eli Reyes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ JR 12 starts, 31 tackles, 5 TFL, 4.0 sacks, FF

After starting over Zack Luke as a true freshman, Reyes spent his sophomore year fighting for any playing time. He returns back to the lineup with two years of eligibility remaining, and fending off a fellow 4-star for the RE job.

OLB Michael Koehn ⭐⭐⭐⭐(FR)

Koehn redshirted last year after being a big part of Kansas' 2021 recruiting class. He'll start his career playing LOLB in Kansas' 4-3 formations, though its likely he moves to ROLB before too long.

LB Sung Franzese ⭐⭐⭐⭐ FR

Kansas lost 2-year starter Ziggy Sands from the middle of their linebacking corps, but they replace him with the mysterious Korean-Frenchman by way of Minnesota. After valuing experience in years past, Kansas doubles up at the LB spot with two potential 4-year backers. 

OLB Aaron Freeman ⭐⭐⭐SR 25 starts, 74.5 tackles, 1 TFL, INT

Freeman was overshadowed by the other linebackers he played with thus far, but the senior offers experience at a position group lacking an immediate leader. 

CB Chaz Tuivailala ⭐⭐⭐JR 25 starts, 69 tackles, 13 INT

One of the most prolific pass catchers in the nation the past two years, Tuivailala has been ball hawking the Big 12, and returns with two more years of eligibility. Versatile, Kansas often moves him around, playing him both inside in the slot and outside depending on that weeks' matchup. 

CB Ross Patton ⭐⭐⭐⭐(FR)

Patton hasn't yet taken a live CFB snap, but being Tuivailala's understudy is a major rewarding role. Patton will likely feature in nickel and dime formations.

DB Kevin Suarez ⭐⭐⭐SR 13 starts, 47 tackles, TFL, FR, 3 INT

After starting 2022 at free safety, Kansas moves Suarez into a hybrid role, where he'll likely line up at corner in many sets. A big, physical defensiveback, Suarez isn't afraid to take on running backs who find an outside lane, and has capable hands.

FS Eric Gaherty ⭐⭐⭐⭐ FR

Lacking a true identity, Kansas has gone hard on coaching up their two recruiting classes, looking to get them onto the field early. Gaherty was a 4-year varsity starter in high school, but seemed to peak heading into his junior year. Kansas inserts him into their lineup early.

S Pedro Murphy ⭐⭐⭐JR

Last year Kansas split SS reps between Chance Johnson and Lashard Jones, with undcerwhelming results between the two. This year they turn to Pedro Murphy, a free safety convert, and potentially Mike Jamerson, another FS convert. 

The Specialists

K Jake Ramirez ⭐⭐⭐⭐SO 13 games, 20/25 FG (80%), Long 51, 35/36 XP

Ramirez was a top-3 kicker recruit of the 2021 recruiting class, and he quickly out-kicked George Jones during last years' summer practices to earn his opportunity. A big leg, Ramirez' kicks generally only missed from deep, and he should be on everyones' national awards watchlists for his impressive feats (and feets). 

P Craig Lonergan ⭐⭐⭐⭐ FR

A late recruiting swing sent Longergan to a potential special teams powerhouse in Kansas. Lonergan replaces true sophomore Victor Weigel, who wasn't bad for a freshman, but also doesn't impress compared to his peers. 

 

Redshirt Report

C Enrique Guerra ⭐⭐⭐⭐ FR

C Jesus Hernandes  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ FR

Guerra and Hernandes are already penciled in as 2024 interior OL starters, but each take a redshirt season to learn up the CFB game.

CB Tim Keller ⭐⭐⭐ SR

Keller is a surprise redshirt, though he's the likely CB1 in 2024. Citing inexperience elsewhere on the D, Kansas saves Keller's final year of eligibility.

DE Kevon Jeter ⭐⭐⭐ SO

Jeter was a special teamer last year, who will now take a year to learn the interior DL spot as understudy to Chris Barreto.

DT Adrian Morris ⭐⭐⭐ JR

Morris is taking a year to focus on grades, which helps keep him in Kansas' future plans.

FB Alfred Schneider  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ FR

With Marcell Maysonet firmly the FB1 this year, Alfred Schneider will look to be a 4-year starter beginning in 2024.

FS James Penta  ⭐⭐⭐ FR

OLB Daniel Allison  ⭐⭐⭐ FR

Penta and Allison were both late additions in Kansas' 2022 class, and with both positions having some murkiness in years ahead, the two 18-year olds take a redshirt season to prepare for competition.

QB Joseph Perkins  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ FR

Perkins could be the heir to the KU-throne. A 4-star out of Georgia, He's the top passing-oriented QB in Kansas history, and could push Tyler Summers for playing time as soon as next season.

QB William Abshire  ⭐⭐⭐ FR

QB Robert Lemberger  ⭐⭐⭐ FR

With the Devonta Doyle craze now ending its chapter at the CFB ranks, Kansas and other schools continue his legacy by bringing in versatile athletes who played "QB" at the high school level. 

TE Frank Greco  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ FR

TE Travis Campbell  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ FR

The greatest position on offense, Kansas will look to optimizie Greco and Campbell in the wake of Alex Atkins' departure after this year. 

WR Nate Lucas  ⭐⭐⭐ SR

Kansas' best remaining natural wide-receiver, Lucas takes a redshirt season hoping Tyler Summers accuracy has improved enough to send the WR to the League.

WR Stanley Tweedie ⭐ FR
A walk-on, Tweedie has already been anointed "scout team MVP" for his special teams work this spring. He likely won't see true WR work ever, but could be a regular on the special teams unit for years to come.

[tsweezy]

Kansas went 2-1 while the players were on spring break mode? Big 12 gonna need help