MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2005
SPORTS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN 9b
Junior running back turns around
BY C.J. MOORE
cjmoore@kansan.com
KANSAN SPORTWRITER
After last season, Jon Cornish realized that football in the United States was taken a little more seriously than in his native Canada
The realization may translate into more carries this season for the New Westminster, British Columbia junior running back.
Cornish was thought to be a regular in Kansas coach Mark Mangino's doghouse last year. Since then, he has climbed his way out and was impressive in training camp.
"I'm not sure how focused or into this he had been," Mangino said. "He realized that it's time for him to make a contribution or he may never see the field."
Mangino pointed to a meeting he had with Cornish after spring football that led to a new attitude.
"He said I realized that
Cornish
you guys take American football pretty seriously." Mangino said. "So I said, well, I'm glad you caught on; better late than never."
on the team last season. He only ran the ball twice for five yards. He is ready to make a contribution this season, though.
Cornish is going to be a great back for us. He's quicker than I've ever seen him before and he knows the offense better than he ever has before."
Banks Floodman
He had a life-altering moment that changed his perspective. Last year, Cornish witnessed his family going through tough times. His mother developed thyroid cancer.
Cornish referred to another factor in his transformation. He admitted that he had immaturity issues when he arrived in Lawrence.
With the loss of John Randle.
last year's starting running back, Cornish has an opportunity to compete for the starting job. He will share the running back duties with senior running back Clark Green, who is the early favorite to start, and freshman Garv Green II, Garv
"After having seen them go through what they did, it just made me realize some of my problems aren't nearly as serious as theirs and it's really helped me mature." he said.
Cornish had minimal impact
Senior linebacker
Green took a redshirt during the 2004 season.
Clark Green is known for his power and Gary Green is known for his speed. Cornish has both the size, at six feet, 205 pounds, and the speed. Mangino described the junior tailback as explosive with good vision and the endurance of a
marathon runner
Cornish said he used his speed in the past to make defensive players miss tackles. Kansas defenders have already noticed.
"Cornish is going to be a great back for us," senior line-backer Banks Floodman said. "He's quicker than I've ever seen him before and he knows the offense better than he ever has before."
After the team experimented with Cornish as a linebacker in the spring, there is no doubt that his spot on the team is in the backfield. Kansas coaches have noticed his potential.
"I'm really fired up here about Jon Cornish," Mangino said.
BIG 12 FOOTBALL
BY DANIEL BERK
dberk@kansan.com
KANSAN SHORE SPORTS WRITES
- Edited by Ty Beaver
Big games for Big 12 teams
Big 12 South:
Baylor Bears: 2004 record 3-8 (1-7 Big 12)
Top Players: Paul Mosley, running back, Willie Andrews, wide receiver/kick returner, Maurice Lane, safety
Key Games: Sept. 3 at Southern Methodist, Oct. 22 at Oklahoma, Nov. 5 vs. Texas
Outlook:
The Bears were the only team in the Big 12 South that did not go to a bowl game last year. This season's schedule includes road games at Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Missouri.
Baylor has a chance to open the season 3-0 as it starts the season with games against SMU, division 1-AA Samford and Army.
Oklahoma Sooners: 2004 record 12-1 (8-0)
Top Players: Adrian Peterson, running back, Dusty Dvoracek, defensive tackle, Travis Wilson, wide receiver
Key Games. Oct. 8 vs.. Texas.
Oct. 29 at Nebraska, Nov. 26 vs.
Oklahoma State
Outlook:
The Sooners are ranked in the top five in most preseason polls and with good reason. While the team lost talent, including former Heisman trophy winner Jason White, the Sooners return a Heisman hopeful in sophomore running back Adrian Peterson.
The toughest game on the schedule for Oklahoma will be its game against the Texas Longhorns in Dallas. If the Sooners win that game, it could mean back-to-back undefeated conference seasons.
Oklahoma State Cowboys:
2004 record 7-5 (4-4)
Top Players: D'Juan Woodswide receiver, Donovan Woodsquarterback, Vernon Grant-cornerback
Key Games: Oct. 8 vs. Missouri, Oct. 29 vs. Texas, Nov. 26 at Oklahoma
In order to break through in the Big 12 South, Oklahoma State will have to beat Texas and Oklahoma. The team has been able to be competitive against Oklahoma, but is 1-8 against Texas in Big 12 conference play.
Texas Longhorns: 2004 record 11-1 (7-1)
Top Players: Vince Young, quarterback, Rodrigue Wright, defensive tackle, Aaron Lewis, linebacker
Key games: Sept. 10 at Ohio State, Oct. 8 vs. Oklahoma, Nov. 25 at Texas A&M
Outlook:
Outlook:
It could be a special year in Austin for Longhorn fans. Texas boasts a legitimate Heisman trophy candidate in quarterback Vince Young and has one of the best defensive units in the country.
The tests for the Longhorns will be the games at Ohio State and against Oklahoma in Dallas. If Texas fails to win these games, Coach Mack Brown's job could be in jeopardy.
Texas A&M Aggies; 2004 record 7-5 (5-3)
Top Players: Reggie McNeal, quarterback, Courtney Lewis, running back, Jaxson Appel, safety
Key games: Oct. 8 at Colorado, Nov. 12 at Oklahoma, Nov. 25 vs. Texas
The Aggies will be led by senior quarterback Reggie McNeal and could find themselves playing in a New Year's Day bowl game.
Outlook:
The most difficult part of the season will come when Texas A&M finishes the season against Oklahoma and Texas.
Texas Tech Red Raiders:
2004 record 8-4 (5-3)
Top Players: Taurean Henderson, running back, Jarrett Hicks, wide receiver, Brock Stratton, linebacker
Key games: Oct. 8 at Nebraska, Oct. 22 at Texas, Nov. 5 vs. Texas A&M
Big 12 in senior running back Taurean Henderson and junior wide receiver Jarrett Hicks.
The Red Raiders return two of the most explosive players in the
Outlook:
The team will have to replace quarterback Sonny Cumbie, who led the nation in passing yards last season.
The Red Raiders have yet to settle in on a quarterback and will probably have a battle throughout training camp.
Big 12 North:
Colorado Buffaloes: 2004 record 8-5 (4-4)
Top Players: Joel Klatt, quarterback, Joe Klopfenstein, tight end, Lawrence Vickers, fullback
Key games: Oct. 1 at Oklahoma State, Nov. 5 vs. Missouri, Nov. 12 at Iowa State
Outlook:
Colorado is being picked by a lot of people to come out on top in the unpredictable Big 12 North. The Buffaloes boast a hard schedule this year, with nonconference games against rival Colorado State and a game at Miami.
Joel Klatt will lead a veteran team in his last season under center. With talent surrounding him, he could have a big final season.
Iowa State Cyclones: 2004 record 7-5 (4-4)
Top Players: Todd Blythe, wide receiver, Bret Meyer, quarterback, Stevie Hicks, running back
Key games: Oct. 1 at Nebraska, Oct. 15 at Missouri, Oct. 22 vs. Oklahoma State
Outlook:
Iowa State snuck up on teams last year and had a winning season. Teams will be more prepared for the Cyclones this season.
Coaches and fans at Iowa State are excited about quarterback Bret Meyer, who emerged last year as the team's top quarterback. Meyer is expected to have another big season.
Top Players: Scott Edmonds,
defensive end, Brandon Archer,
Kansas State Wildcats: 2004 record 4-7 (2-6)
linebacker, Derek Marso, defensive tackle
Key games: Oct. 8 vs. Kansas, Oct. 15 at Texas Tech, Nov. 19 vs. Missouri
Outlook:
It was a disastrous last season for the Wildcats, and the team will try to rebound in 2005. The defense should be solid this year, but there are some question marks on the offensive side of the ball.
Coach Bill Snyder has not had back-to-back losing seasons since the early '90s. It could happen again this season with the Wildcats having challenging games all over their schedule.
Missouri Tigers: 2004 record
5-6 (3-5)
Top Players: Brad Smith, quarterback, Sean Coffey, wide receiver, Jason Simpson, safety
Key games: Oct. 8 at Oklahoma State, Oct. 22 vs. Nebraska, Nov. 5 at Colorado
Outlook:
There is a sense of urgency in Columbia this year, as fifth-year coach Gary Pinkel is in a must-win situation to keep his job. The Tigers had high expectations last year, but fell short.
If Missouri gets off to a good start and gains confidence, it could have a good year.
Nebraska Cornhuskers: 2004 record 5-6 (3-5)
Top Players: Cory Ross, running back, Daniel Bullocks, safety, Matt Herian, tight end, Stewart Bradley, linebacker
Key games: Oct. 1 vs. Iowa State, Oct. 22 at Missouri, Nov. 25 at Colorado
Outlook:
Coach Bill Callahan enters his second year in Lincoln. He now has his own recruits, who are still getting comfortable with his West Coast Offense.
The Huskers have a huge hole to fill on defense, losing linebacker Barrett Ruud, who finished with school records for tackles in a career.
Senior safety Daniel Bullocks will lead the defense this season.
Edited by Alison Peterson
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