THURSDAY, OCT. 4, 2001
SPORTS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN • 7A
Running back hoping for break-out performance
Freshman eagerly awaits away game against Texas Tech
By Jeff Denton Kansan sportswriter
As a high school senior in Killeen, Texas, Reggie Duncan's stock was sizzling, and Texas teams desired the stout running back.
This Saturday, Duncan will make his first start in Texas since he was a senior in high school, except this time, he will be playing in a Jayhawk uniform and against a team that heavily recruited him — Texas Tech.
Duncan said Red Raider recruiters hounded him and ultimately drove him away.
"Whoever they had recruiting me was like the worst recruiter ever," Duncan said. "He used to call my house every single day. He used to ask me off-the-wall questions like, 'What type of shoes do you like to wear?'"
Duncan shunned Texas Tech from his recruiting list. But he said the passion to go to Texas Tech was never there in the first place.
"I couldn't go to Lubbock, man," he said. "It's eight hours away, and we're in Texas. I might as well have went down the street or somewhere. Out there is nothing."
Duncan will be in the city he loathes this weekend, hoping to have a break-out game for the jayhawks
The season started slowly for Duncan. He missed Kansas' first game of the year because he was suspended for violating team rules.
In week two, against a stingy UCLA defense, Duncan was ineffective. He managed a mealy 16 yards on 11 carries.
But on Sept. 22, against Colorado, Duncan had a much better game while the Kansas offense demonstrated a new look — two tight ends and a full back.
"I felt a lot better being out there," Duncan said. "Adding a fullback and two tight ends was real good for our offense. I felt real comfortable back there running the rock."
The comfort was evident on
Kansas' third drive of the game. He dragged two Buffaloes on his back for six yards on first down. He plowed through the Colorado defensive line on the next two plays to gather enough vardage for a first down.
When Kansas was forced into a third-down-and-seven situation with 5:13 left in the first quarter, Duncan grabbed a screen pass from quarterback Mario Kinsey and romped 23 vards across midfield.
In a matter of seconds, he had doubled his total vardage for the season.
Duncan delivered. It was this sign of life from the sophomore running back that uplifted offensive coordinator Rip Scherer. He hoped that Duncan's brief dominance could translate into consistency.
"We need some big plays from him," Scherer said. "Roggie will improve with the more reps he takes. He has the speed to do it, and he's only gotten better since his first time out."
Scherer said many college running backs had found success running out of a single-back offense. Although Duncan did not disagree with his coach, he
The addition of junior fullback Mitchell Scott to the Kansas offense has delighted Duncan.
said he was more at ease with a fullback blocking in front of him.
"I was used to running with a fullback ever since before high school," he said. "It's real important. I have a lot more confidence with Mitchell leading the way."
Scott smiled about his new role — to open up bigger holes for Duncan.
"It's more of a straight-ahead look than a finesse one when we use a fullback," Scott said. "I think Reggie benefits because it is a different look, different personnel."
Duncan said he thought his goals for the season — 1,000 yards rushing and helping his team reach a bowl game - could still be attained.
But Duncan said he was mostly focused on beating Texas Tech. He said that it was only a matter of time before his first big game of the season.
"We need a win," Duncan said.
"But I am waiting for a break-out game. I am ready for it to happen."
Contact Denton at 864-4858
Soccer player honored
Add one more award to the Kansas soccer team trophy case.
After being the first player in school history to score three goals in one game last weekend, freshman forward Monica Brothers was named the Big 12 Conference Newcomer of the Week.
Brothers, a native of Leavenworth, scored three goals in the Jayhawks 5-3 victory over Oklahoma State, Sunday in Stillwater, Okla. Her three goals and six points were both single-game records.
Brothers is second in total scoring on the team, with 10 points on four goals and two assists. She also scored in the team's opening game against North Texas. Her four goals allow her to be tied for 10th among Big 12 leaders.
The Jashawks, who are 6-2 overall, 2-0 in Big 12 play, have benefited greatly from their freshman class. Along with Brothers, freshman forwards Rachel Gillifan and Amy Geha have both tallied game-winning goals, and freshman goalkeeper Meghan Miller has recorded 25 saves and two shutouts protecting the net.
Kansas, ranked eighth in the Central Region of the National Soccer Coaches' Association of America, looks to remain undefeated in Big 12 play when it plays Iowa State on Friday in Ames, Iowa. They play at No. 5 Nebraska Sunday in Lincoln, Neb.
— Ryan Wood
Budding entrepreneurs: Looking for seed money?
You've got the ideas.
Now all you need are business plans...
and,oh yes... the funding.
Learn more about entrepreneur funding activities at one of our information sessions;
Tuesday, October 9, 5:30 p.m., Room 426, Summerfield Hall Tuesday, October 16, 12:00 noon, Room 320, Summerfield Hall
The KU School of Business and Rudd Foundation announce an opportunity for student entrepreneurs from all disciplines who desire to start their own business. The foundation has set aside $1,000,000 for outstanding student
business plans that benefit the Kansas economy information, visit the Rudd Foundation web site. www.ruddfoundation.org After that, contact Sanjay Mishra at the KU School of Business, 864-7528 or smishra@ku.edu Deadline for expressing interest is October 29.
IN THE HEART OF CHICAGO
The John Marshall Law School prides itself on a rich 102-year history of diversity, innovation and opportunity. Learn about our programs and specialties during our visit to your campus, including:
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- Joint J.D./LL.M. Programs
"Prelaw Forum"; Monday, Oct. 8 10 a.m.to 2 p.m.; Kansas Union
THE JOHN MARSHALL LAW SCHOOL
315 SOUTH PLYMOUTH COURT. CHICAGO, IL 60604
800.497.3299 WWW.JMLS.EDU/UNDERGRAD
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