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Kerry Meier: A new kind of MVP
It looked like a sure two points for Duke. The Blue Devils had just blocked an extra point attempt and one of their players scooped up the ball. He was headed for the Jayhawks end zone and no was going to stop him. No one except Kerry Meier.
Meier saved two points for Kansas by chasing down the Duke defender. But it wasn't easy. After holding the ball for kicker Jacob Branstetter, Meier had to spring to his feet and chase the returner for about 60 yards before pushing him out of bounds.
Kerry Meier was the only Kansas player with a chance to make the play. And Kerry Meier got the job done.
Seconds after the play, the student section started the now familiar chant of "KER-RY MEI-ER!" as he ran off the field.
The Passer
Most Kansas fans know Kerry Meier was recruited to play quarterback at Kansas. He started as a freshman before Todd Reesing became the starter during his sophomore season.
Most Kansas fans know the story of the quarterback turned-receiver who caught 97 passes last season. But few people realize just how much he does for this Kansas team.
He threw for 13 touchdowns that year, which set a KU record for freshmen. Coach Mark Mangino tried him out at receiver during his sophomore season, but Mangino did not forget about his arm.
Mangino still occasionally calls on Meier's arm to come up with a big play to surprise opponents. Just
two weeks ago, Meier delivered a 56-yard strike to Dezmon Briscoe on a trick play against UTEP that got the Kansas offense offen. He's still got it.
The Receiver
It was a big change and probably a bigger disappointment for Kerry Meier to be the backup quarterback. But more than anything, Meier wanted to get on the field and help the team. Mangino gave him a shot at receiver and Meier hasn't looked back.
In a way, it all worked out for Kerry Meier during his sophomore season. When Kansas was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, it was Meier who was shown catching a touchdown pass.
Meier had never played receiver before that year, but he got pretty good in a hurry. Last year, he was as reliable as any receiver in the nation and is now on the radar of many NFL scouts.
The Blocker
When not catching or throwing passes, Meier does
a lot to open up lanes for other players. He understands the importance of good blocking on the outside and has become very good at clearing space for Dezmon Briscoe and others to pick up extra yardage.
The Holder
Maybe the most underestimated role Meier plays for the team is being the holder for kicker Jacob Branstetter. Mangino made a great move by having Meier hold for field goals and extra points. It takes a great pair of hands to be an effective holder, and there is no better choice than Meier.
The Tackler
Kerry Meier showed last Saturday that he can play some defense too. It wasn't the hardest hit ever made at Memorial Stadium, but it didn't have to be. Meier chased the Duke returner down the sideline and shoved him out of bounds. The play displayed his speed and athleticism, but most importantly, the hustle he shows on every play for the Jayhawks.
Reseing might still be this team's best player, and Briscoe might still be the most talented, but it will be even tougher to replace Kerry Meier when he graduates this year. He's still the Jayhawks' MVP — Most Versatile Player — and that can never be taken for granted.
Weston White/KANSAN
Senior receiver Kerry Meier looks for a running lane last Saturday against Duke. Meier had 64 yards against the Blue Devils.
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
THE WAVE SEPTEMBER 25, 2009