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KU looking to Vaughn, Smith
Only returning wide receivers to lead young Jayhawks team
By Arvin Donley Kansan sportswriter
Senior Willie Vaughn and junior Quentin Smith want to be a dynamic duo on this year's Kansas football team.
They are the only returning wide receivers to have caught a pass last season. Vaughn caught 25 passes for 622 yards while Smith had 17ceptions for 282 yards.
Despite the team's lack of experience at wide receiver, Smith said he didn't think depth would be a problem as long as he and Vauhn stayed healthy.
"Willy and I don't look to get hurt, so I don't think that 'll be a problem,' Smith said. "If it happens, we'll deal with it when it comes."
One reason for the lack of depth at wide receiver is that several players who were recruited at that position such as Rodney Jones and Steve Sullivan, new, had been converted to defensive backs.
Receivers coach John Hald said freshman Kendra Drayton was the third receiver going into turnover's season opener against Baylor.
"He has a lot of talent, but obviously lacks experience." Hadi said.
other receivers competing for playing time include seniors Byron Hornung and John Brehm, freshman Rob Licuris and walk-on Todd Foldt.
The receiver with the most experience is Vaughn, who was a second team All-Big Eight selection last season. He scored a team high four touchdowns and let the big
catching the football is not the only thing Vaughn wants to accomplish this year.
"I want to be more of a complete player," Vaughn said. "I "I'm a better blocker this year and coach Mason has got me in great condition."
The Kansas City native said that as a
11.
Last year's team wasn't a throwing team, we ran the ball on first down a lot to try and establish the run. This year 1 expect Willie and me to catch 30 or more passes, at least.'
Quintin Smith KU junior
"I'm a teacher and there'a a lot of freshmen. 'Vaughn said.' I'm trying to put in their mind to be good now and not to wait until their junior or senior year."
senior, other receivers looked to him to be a leader.
Smith, who started five games last season, said he expected his offensive numbers to increase because of this year's more pass-oriented offense.
*Last year's team wasn't a throwing team, we ran the ball on first a lot to try and establish the run. Smith said, "This year is less teamwork and me to catch it."
Working closely with Vaughn is something that Smith said had helped him to become a better player
"We help each other out," Smith said.
"We tell each other how we think a route should be run or how to get open."
should be bit or how to get open.
Both receivers said that listening to Hadi
had helped them immensely.
"I'm playing under a legend," Vaughn said of the former NFL quarterback and two-time Kansas All-American "Every time he talks, you gotta listen to what he says because he's been where we hope to go someday."
Senior wide receiver Willie Vaughn needs 24 receptions to become Kansas' all-time leading pass receiver.
mrong coach Glen Mason's workouts in both the spring practice and this fall, they could be the best condition, Budee said.
At times Budle wondered if he would make it through the intense conditioning sessions during two a-day workouts.
Brown found himself in the starting position when Allen injured his ankle. Because of that, Brown said he felt the pressure to succeed.
During *training* camp, if you didn't ask yourself whether it was worth or not, you were crazy. Budde said "But if you go through it, both the coaches and you know that playing football is fun." You are successful; we way we are going to be successful in by paying the price."
"If they make you a starter, they expect you to do a good job," Bowen said.
you'd be able to say the Jayhawks season opener against Baylor maybe just might give an indication of how the rest of the year could go for the team and the offensive line.
The key for everyone is having a good first game. Budle said, "Baylor has a good team, but if we can do well against them, we can use it in build on the rest of the year."
Sonphore center Chin Budde cools off before the 1988 team picture is taken.
Sophomore center Chip Budde cools off before the 1988 team picture is taken.
University Daily Kansan FOOTBALL '88 September 9, 1988 11