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THE BIGGEST & NEWEST BACK TO SCHOOL
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2009
B SPORTS
FOOTBALL
Ryan Waggoner/KANSAN
The run-down on offense
Senior quarterback Todd Reesing talks to the offensive line and receivers moments before a drill on Aug. 11 at the Anderson Family Football Complex. Tuesday's practice was open to the media, as the team prepared for its Sept. 5 home opener against Northern Colorado.
The Kansan takes a look at this year's offensive potential
BY JAYSON JENKS
jjenks@kansan.com
QUARTERBACKS So begins Todd Reesing's final stretch as Kansas' playmaking signal caller. When Reesing leaves his jersey and pads behind at Kansas, he'll also leave behind his name etched throughout the school's offensive record books.
OUARTERRACKS
Throw in backups Kerry Meier and Kale Pick and the Jayhawks are thoroughly set at the position - something that hasn't always been the case during Mangino's tenure.
The Kansan's outlook: Not much needs to be said for Reesing, who has dazzled fans and defenses while elevating the program. Meier is a sturdy backup unless, of course, Mangino places Pick, the apparent quarterback of tomorrow, at second string.
But the real highlight of this unit glows when comparing the rosters of other Big 12 North teams. Only Iowa State has a proven starter returning but the Cyclones are expected to remain in the North's cellar this year. That's good news for Kansas.
Mangino wrestled early last season between three running backs before settling on lake Sharp at the beginning of conference play.
RUNNING BACKS
Now in his senior season, the job and the majority of the carries are Sharp's for the taking. Sharp rushed for 860 yards and eight touchdowns, while adding 283 yards and another score receiving in '08.
With Joques Crawford's transfer, the backup situation becomes far more uncertain. But this much is known, the backup duties will likely fall to one of four players: sophomore Rell Lewis, freshmen Toben Opurum and Deshaun Sands or junior college transfer Daniel Porter.
The Kansan's outlook: Sharp gives the Jayhawks a dependable and proven starter. After splitting time last season, he'll be eager to prove that he can be a featured back in the Big 12.
Still, there's no doubt that the Jayhawks need a dependable backup. Sands is diminutive but showed flashes during the spring game. At 6-foot-2, 235 pounds, Opurum provides Kansas with a bigger short yardage back as well as a different look for defenses in the backfield.
Expect Lewis, though, to earn most of the backup carries - at least early in the season.
WIDE RECEIVERS AND TIGHT ENDS
Meier became Reesing's go-to receiver in big situations and hauled in 97 passes for 1,045 yards last season.
The decision to allow Kerry Meier to spend more practice time with the wide receivers should only strengthen an already ultratented cast.
Fresh off a 92-catch, 1,407-yard season, junior Dezmon Briscoe is tabbed by many as a preseason All-Big 12 First Team selection while many also list him as an All-American candidate. Briscoe missed spring practices for unspecified disciplinary reasons. But now that he's back, Briscoe should only continue to thrive in Kansas' attack.
In Briscoe's absence this spring, teammates said junior Johnathan Wilson stepped into a playmaker role: He had 133 yards in the spring game.
Sophomores Tim Biere and AJ Steward are reliable options at tight end and in the slots. The two should see more passes thrown their way with the graduation of receiving target Dexton Fields.
The Kansan's outlook: Many so-called experts consider this to be Kansas' strongest unit. And for once it's hard to argue.
Meier has the surest hands in the Big 12 and is crafty when Reasing sheds the pocket to improvise. Briscoe and Wilson both possess big play ability and turned in plenty of noteworthy performances last season.
The two could improve upon game-to-game consistency but that's truly nitpicking. Basically, expect big numbers again this season.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The only proven commodity at the same position on the offensive line is sophomore Jeff Spikes, a 6-foot-6, 314-pound giant who will protect Reeing from the right tackle position.
Spikes performed well as the season progressed and should only improve his technique with experience.
Mangino slid sophomore Jeremiah Hatch from left tackle to his natural position at center - a move that will help fill the void of losing three interior linemen to graduation. Former teammates said Hatch has all the necessary skills to transition smoothly to center.
Freshman Tanner Hawkinson appears to have a solid hold on the left tackle position but he isn't a lock. And the guard spots are even murkier.
Other than that, the line features a host of new faces.
Juniors Sal Capra and Carl Wilson are the early starters on the depth chart, but are in close competition with redshirt freshmen John Williams and Trevor Marrongelli.
The Kansan's outlook: The line will be young and that usually translates into early season struggles in college football. Reeing took too many hits last season, although some of those were his fault for holding on to the ball or leaving the pocket early.
Still, pass protection must be solid for Kansas to be successful. Reeing is elusive enough to create plays if and when protection breaks down – an ability that should help an inexperienced line.
The threat of the pass alone should help loosen up opposing run defenses. Sharp is most effective in open space and the line must create those holes allowing him to take advantage of his speed.
Edited by Jonathan Hermes
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MLS
MLS Galaxy beats Chicago despite Beckham absence
BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. — Mike Magee had a goal and an assist to help the Los Angeles Galaxy overcome David Beckham's absence and beat the Chicago Fire 2-0 Wednesday night at Toyota Park.
Magee scored in the 23rd minute after Jovan Kirovski converted a midfield turnover into a counterattack for the Galaxy. Los Angeles was playing without Beckham after he earned a one-game suspension for a red card in Saturday's 2-0 loss to Seattle.
In the 54th minute, Magee sent a lead pass to Landon Donovan, who raced 50 yards past two defenders before scoring past goalkeeper Jon Busch.
Donovan started for the first time since being diagnosed with the swine flu last week. The illness limited the Galaxy captain to 45 minutes off the bench Saturday.
Los Angeles moved past Seattle and into second in the Western Conference.
The Galaxy lost goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts in the 85th minute after a collision with Fire forward Stefan Dimitrov. Ricketts was replaced by backup Josh Saunders.
Associated Press