NCAAF Team Report – Kansas – INSIDE SLANT
First, Charlie Weis needed to clear up a misconception.
“Too many times in junior college you get these guys stereotyped like they all went because they can’t read and write,” said the Kansas coach.
Maybe that was one of the preconceived notions Weis had about recruiting junior college players. After all, he didn’t have to go that route during his five years coaching Notre Dame.
To get Kansas righted, however, the Jayhawks’ second-year coach decided to invest heavily in juco assistance. To the tune of 17 transfers who signed as part of the 2013 class.
The recruiting pitch was simple after the Jayhawks went 1-11 overall and had their Big 12 losing streak extended to 21 straight defeats with an 0-9 conference finish.
“We provide a unique opportunity,” Weis said. “Most people can see themselves getting into the mix.”
Not only did Marquel Combs, a defensive tackle from Pierce Community College in Woodland Hills, Calif., envision that, he was so encouraged by the juco haul that he labeled the incoming class at Kansas the dream team.
Unfortunately for the Jayhawks, football has been a bad dream ever since the program failed to build on an Orange Bowl appearance in 2007.
To attempt a quick fix, Weis studied the junior college blueprint established by arch-rival Kansas State and its coach, Bill Snyder. Weis even told Snyder he was going to borrow from the model, to which the veteran coach offered a cordial laugh.
Figure on the juco prospects Kansas signed to get a quick bump into meaningful playing time. That’s why they were recruited. In particular, both lines were addressed after Kansas was manhandled up front much of last season. Combs and defensive end Chris Martin are considered the two biggest impact players for a defense that lacked a pass rush in a pass-happy league.
“The overhaul personnel-wise on defense is going to be dramatic,” Weis said. “I don’t think it’s going to be slight, I think it’s going to be dramatic. I think it’s going to be solid for years.”
The one transfer who must excel most for the Jayhawks was already in the system. That would be Jake Heaps, who sat out a year after coming in from BYU to play quarterback. Most other positions, except for the well-stocked running back spot, will probably be manned to some extent by juco transfers.
TOP OF THE CLASS
DT Marquel Combs (Pierce C.C., Woodland Hills, Calif.) — The juco transfer not only was ranked as a four-star prospect (Rivals), his commitment was considered a breakthrough since he chose Kansas over Kansas State. The 305-pounder is expected to step right in and give the Jayhawks some needed bulk and push within the interior.
DE Chris Martin (City College of San Francisco, Calif.) — Another four-star prospect, Martin played one season at Florida when Kansas coach Charlie Weis was the Gators’ offensive coordinator. Martin figures to join Combs in attempting to provide a transformation of the Kansas front.
CB Kevin Short (Fort Scott C.C., Fort Scott, Kan.) — Juco All-American almost changed commitments at the last minute when New Mexico swooped in. Another juco transfer expected to make an immediate impact as a long (6-2, 185) cover man.
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NCAAF Team Report – Kansas – NOTES, QUOTES
–Kansas had such a pressing need last season at the kicking spots that coach Charlie Weis opted to use a scholarship to address the shortcoming. Trevor Pardula, a punter and placekicker from De Ariza College in San Jose, Calif., was a juco transfer who earned an offer. In addition, Kansas announced the addition of Michael Mesh, a preferred walk-on who also played at the juco level for Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College. John Wirtel, a long snapper from Chicago, could not be announced as part of the 2013 class, but is also committed to walk-on and expected to boost the Kansas special teams.
–A year ago after arriving at Kansas, Weis resorted to a short-term fix by welcoming four graduate transfers from other FBS programs. None panned out as big contributors, including Dayne Crist, the former Notre Dame quarterback who was anointed as both a starter and a captain, yet fizzled as a Jayhawk and was eventually benched. With three scholarship spots still available as he announced his 2013 class on signing day, Weis said he would exercise caution before adding a graduate transfer. “If we were going to take a college graduate, we’re bringing in a guy we think can start,” Weis said. “I mean, a guy who can be a difference-maker. Other than that, I’m not really listening.”
SPRING SNAPSHOT
Practice priorities: Sorting through an assortment of junior college prospects, many of whom enrolled in time for spring classes, will be an initial objective as Kansas immediately shuffles its depth chart. Coach Charlie Weis is all about securing talent and promising spots, though motivating newcomers can be a bit difficult with that approach.
QB Jake Heaps, a BYU transfer, participated in practice a year ago while redshirting, so he is familiar with the system. Now is the time, though, for him to bond with teammates. The offensive line must be re-tooled to clear holes for the Big 12’s top returning rushing tandem, RB James Sims and RB Tony Pierson.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “You’d like to think that things could happen in a hurry. ? As you start plugging different players into that vision, things become a lot easier.” — Kansas coach Charlie Weis.
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NCAAF Team Report – Kansas – STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
KEY LOSSES: OT Tanner Hawkinson, OG Duane Zlatnik, FS Bradley McDougald.
PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2013:
QB Jake Heaps, a BYU transfer, has already been assured the quarterback job, despite the problems that arose with Notre Dame transfer Dayne Crist, who also was promised the position and struggled badly this season. If Heaps can handle the obligation and meet the expectations Kansas coach Charlie Weis seems are possible, then the Jayhawks’ passing game should be rekindled. If not, 2013 could be another long season.
RB Tony Pierson is a burner. Pierson used his speed to give the Jayhawks big gains both off rushes and short passes. He benefitted from the pounding RB James Sims was willing to take as the Jayhawks’ primary back. Finding additional methods to involve Pierson, perhaps as a slot receiver, could be a smart move unless Kansas greatly upgrades its receiving corps.
LB Ben Heeney was a first-year starter and immediately fit into the defensive schemes introduced by new coordinator Dave Campo. Heeney ranked second in Big 12 play with 9.8 tackles on average. He showed great range, instincts and fundamentals as a sure tackler. Kansas needs strengths it can build on defensively following back-to-back blowouts to end the season. Heeney is one of them.
PLAYER NOTES
–RB Marquis Jackson will no longer be able to play because of medical issues. His situation prompted Kansas to assign a recruit, RB Colin Spencer, to the offensive backfield mix. Previously, Kansas did not intend to recruit any running backs because of sufficient depth.
–PK Michael Mesh was listed among the 2013 class as a preferred walk-on. Kansas coach Charlie Weis said other walk-ons will be added and announced when they meet NCAA stipulations.
–Former QB Dayne Crist completed 7 of 10 passes for 61 yards and a touchdown, while adding a rushing TD, in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Crist was named the game’s most valuable player. Other Jayhawks to play in the game were offensive linemen Trevor Marrongelli and Duane Zlatnik, and defensive ends Josh Williams and Toben Opurum.
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