Monday, August 17, 1998
The University Daily Kansar
Section B · Page 9
Hopes, changes mark season
Continued from page 1B
needed replacing, and I don't think the defense is going to have any troubles at all this year."
It is not defense or offense that worries Allen — it is depth and inexperience.
Unlike last year, there will be no competition for the top spot at the quarterback position. Wegner, who started six games his sophomore year for the Jayhawks and played in 10, has clinched the starting position at quarterback.
There still is competition to be his backup. Three players are trying to land the spot at backup quarterback, and all three are new to the Jayhawk program — freshman Jonas Weatherble and walk-onns Jay Alexander and Jake Letourneau.
Both Weatherbie and Letourneau are freshmen, but Alexander is a transfer from Independence Junior College, where he did not play football.
Although none of them have played college football, Alexander is the favorite after a stellar high school career at Independence High School, where he was an all-state quarterback.
"We're trying to find somebody who can be a competent backup." Allen said. "All three of the young men who are backups, this is the first time we've coached them. Right now, we're trying to differentiate which one will be the best backup at this point."
According to Wegner, all three have tremendous talent, but Alexander is the front-runner.
"Jay, he's in the two spot right now,
he can get it all done; it's just about
him running our system." Wegner said.
"Jonas and Jake, they're three
and four, and those two are freshman,
and they have a lot to learn."
Although the quarterback position contains less depth than last season, other offensive problems from last season have been worked out.
Although injuries and illness plagued last year's receivers, this year's arsenal could be stronger with the return of Harrison Hill and the addition of new players.
Hill, who suffered a broken ankle in the second game last year and was forced to take a medical redshirt, has returned to the Jayhawk line-up to join last year's receivers; sophomores Tanner Hancock and Termaine Fulton and junior Michael Chandler.
"Our unit as a whole are as good as they've been," Hill said. "I think we're more deep that we've ever been. We've got a lot of guys with a lot of talent. I think we all feel pretty strong about our receivers."
Coach Terry Allen watches as the Jayhawks practice. Veterans reported to practice last week. Photo by Augustus Anthony Piazza/KANSAN
But the hottest item in the Jayhawk's receiving corps may be freshman Byron Gasaway, Grandview, Mo., who spent his final two seasons in high school as a quarterback. During his sophomore season in high school as a receiver, he had 30 receptions for 600 yards and is the school record holder in the 100 and 200 meter dashes. His 40-yard dash has been clocked at 4.29 seconds.
"He's got a great amount of talent, but he's still a true freshman," Allen said. "He still has to learn the game
a little bit, but the potential he carries—he's very good.
Although the Jayhawks have significantly improved their receiving corps, they still are without sophomore John Gordon.
Gordon, who took a medical red-shirt last season after being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and sleep apnea, has not yet been cleared to play this season. More tests will be run in a few weeks.
"He's still kind of a long shot," Allen said. "Even if he were to get cleared right now, he's still got to get back in shape. So the reality of him making a contribution this year is probably pretty minimal, but we'd like to keep the option open."
Andrew Davison, freshman defensive back/wide receiver, reaches back for a pass. Davison and the rest of the team began two-a-day practices last week. Photo by Augustine Anthony Pizzaza/KANSAN
Kansas football Fall 1998
Kansas football Fall 1998
Sept. 5 Oklahoma State 2:30 p.m. Lawrence
Sept. 12 Missouri 2:30 p.m. Columbia, Mo.
Sept. 19 Illinois State 6:30 p.m. Lawrence Band Day
Sept. 26 Alabama Birmingham 6:00 p.m. Birmingham, Ala.
Oct. 3 Texas A&M 1:00 p.m. Lawrence Parents' Weekend
Oct. 10 Baylor 6:00 p.m. Waco, Texas
Oct. 17 Nebraska 1:00 p.m. Lincoln, Neb.
Oct. 24 Colorado 1:00 p.m. Lawrence Homecoming
Oct. 31 Kansas State 1:00 p.m. Lawrence
Nov. 7 North Texas 1:00 p.m. Lawrence
Nov. 14 OPEN 1:00 p.m.
Nov. 21 Iowa State 1:00 p.m. Ames, Iowa
Despite the loss of running back Eric Vann, the backfield is loaded with players that can contribute.
Sophomore David Winbush brings depth into the position after running for 338 yards on 61 attempts last year, which ranked second on the squad behind Vann.
Junior Mitch Bowles Winbush after playing minimally in all 11 games last year, rushing for 165 yards on 20 carries. He also averaged a team-best 8.3 yards a carry.
Kristi Elliott / KANSAN
Senior running back Julius Bruce also adds depth after rushing for 99 yards on 28 carries in six games last season.
"We're looking real good," Winbush said. "We've definitely got a lot of talented running backs that could play at the varsity level."
offense and defense is not what the players are focusing on. According to Winbush, it is team effort and unity that they are striving to achieve.
Allen predicted that 10 of the 12 teams in the Big 12 Conference will be stronger this year, even without perennial powerhouse Nebraska.
But the success of the Kansas football team is not solely in the hands of the players.
"They're a great football team, national champions, but Nebraska might not be as good as they've been in the past—but they're still the best team in the league." Allen said.
The strength of Big 12 teams and the questions surrounding the Jayhawks'
"All we can do is keep reiterating after every game, win or loss, it'a a team effort," Winbush said. "As long as everybody knows in their heart that they went out there and gave it their best and we still came out with a loss, you can't ask for much more."
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