KU Jayhawks preview
9 months 4 days ago - 9 months 4 days ago #393
by wvu4u2
KU Jayhawks preview was created by wvu4u2
Kansas was one of college football's most improved teams last year, jumping from 2-10 in 2021 to 6-7 and the program's first bowl appearance since '08. The Jayhawks can take another step in the right direction in coach Lance Leipold's third season at the helm, especially with quarterback Jalon Daniels back under center. Scoring points shouldn't be a problem for this team, but Kansas has to restock its defensive front and show overall improvement on this side of the ball to challenge for a spot in the Big 12 title game.
Previewing Kansas' Offense for 2023
Kansas brings back more offensive production than any team in college football, the result of not only bringing back 10 offensive starters but also most of the primary backups from a team that averaged 438.6 yards and 35.6 points per game.
Quarterback Jalon Daniels is the most important of the returners, with the second-team All-Big 12 pick looking to springboard off a historic Liberty Bowl performance (a school-record 544 yards passing and six total TDs). Staying healthy for a full season is paramount — he led the nation in Total QBR last year.
Daniels has plenty of help, as the Jayhawks bring back 1,000-yard rusher Devin Neal and a hopefully healthy Daniel Hishaw Jr.; Hishaw led KU in rushing yards before he was lost for the season to a hip injury. And all of Daniels’ top receivers and tight end targets are back as well.
Kansas returns four starting offensive linemen and adds former five-star offensive tackle Logan Brown as a transfer from Wisconsin. Don’t be surprised if California transfer Spencer Lovell beats out a returning starter at guard.
Kansas offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki did a terrific job getting creative, and his offense is among the most multiple and fun to watch in the country.
Previewing Kansas' Defense for 2023
This group will determine whether the Jayhawks are merely exciting or actually good. Kansas deployed a bend-but-don’t-break philosophy under Brian Borland a year ago, but the Jayhawks broke too often, giving up 35.6 points per game, 124th nationally.
Kansas brings back quite a bit on the back end, including seven starters spread across the linebacking corps and secondary. Bowling Green linebacker transfer JB Brown and LSU transfer cornerback Damarius McGhee will try to give those returning starters more breaks.
But the transfers are particularly important along the defensive line, where Kansas must replace all four starters. One spot should go to Jereme Robinson, who had some star-type moments last year with 8.5 tackles for a loss. Tommy Dunn Jr. has continued to impress at defensive tackle as well. Gage Keys and transfers Austin Booker (Minnesota), Devin Phillips (Colorado State) and Patrick Joyner Jr. (Utah State) could all find rotational spots, if they don’t start outright.
Previewing Kansas' Specialists for 2023
Kansas quickly went out to try and improve what was one of the nation’s worst special teams groups, bringing in multiple kickers — Seth Keller is likely the favorite to win the kicking battle — and Australian punter in Damon Greaves. Perhaps just as importantly, the Jayhawks added former Kansas State special teams guru Sean Snyder (son of Bill Snyder) to the staff as a special assistant to head coach Lance Leipold.
Final Analysis
The schedule is difficult, but the return of so many players from the first Jayhawks team to go bowling since 2008 and the hole-filling from a strong transfer class should have the Jayhawks looking to meet or improve on last year’s results.
National Ranking: 43
Previewing Kansas' Offense for 2023
Kansas brings back more offensive production than any team in college football, the result of not only bringing back 10 offensive starters but also most of the primary backups from a team that averaged 438.6 yards and 35.6 points per game.
Quarterback Jalon Daniels is the most important of the returners, with the second-team All-Big 12 pick looking to springboard off a historic Liberty Bowl performance (a school-record 544 yards passing and six total TDs). Staying healthy for a full season is paramount — he led the nation in Total QBR last year.
Daniels has plenty of help, as the Jayhawks bring back 1,000-yard rusher Devin Neal and a hopefully healthy Daniel Hishaw Jr.; Hishaw led KU in rushing yards before he was lost for the season to a hip injury. And all of Daniels’ top receivers and tight end targets are back as well.
Kansas returns four starting offensive linemen and adds former five-star offensive tackle Logan Brown as a transfer from Wisconsin. Don’t be surprised if California transfer Spencer Lovell beats out a returning starter at guard.
Kansas offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki did a terrific job getting creative, and his offense is among the most multiple and fun to watch in the country.
Previewing Kansas' Defense for 2023
This group will determine whether the Jayhawks are merely exciting or actually good. Kansas deployed a bend-but-don’t-break philosophy under Brian Borland a year ago, but the Jayhawks broke too often, giving up 35.6 points per game, 124th nationally.
Kansas brings back quite a bit on the back end, including seven starters spread across the linebacking corps and secondary. Bowling Green linebacker transfer JB Brown and LSU transfer cornerback Damarius McGhee will try to give those returning starters more breaks.
But the transfers are particularly important along the defensive line, where Kansas must replace all four starters. One spot should go to Jereme Robinson, who had some star-type moments last year with 8.5 tackles for a loss. Tommy Dunn Jr. has continued to impress at defensive tackle as well. Gage Keys and transfers Austin Booker (Minnesota), Devin Phillips (Colorado State) and Patrick Joyner Jr. (Utah State) could all find rotational spots, if they don’t start outright.
Previewing Kansas' Specialists for 2023
Kansas quickly went out to try and improve what was one of the nation’s worst special teams groups, bringing in multiple kickers — Seth Keller is likely the favorite to win the kicking battle — and Australian punter in Damon Greaves. Perhaps just as importantly, the Jayhawks added former Kansas State special teams guru Sean Snyder (son of Bill Snyder) to the staff as a special assistant to head coach Lance Leipold.
Final Analysis
The schedule is difficult, but the return of so many players from the first Jayhawks team to go bowling since 2008 and the hole-filling from a strong transfer class should have the Jayhawks looking to meet or improve on last year’s results.
National Ranking: 43
Last edit: 9 months 4 days ago by wvu4u2.
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