JeffHCross
05-17-2016, 11:36 AM
Coach Jerry Brawner enters his sixth season at the helm of the Kansas Jayhawks, and while he has sustained more success in Lawrence than his predecessors, the Jayhawks still need to take that next step to compete for conference and national championships. While last year's senior class was not large in number, a few key losses, including 4-year starting quarterback Ryan Willis, will need to be replaced.
Quarterbacks
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Comp
Att
Yards
TD
INT
Comp
Rate
Yards/
Att.
Sacks
Sack Rate
Ryan Willis
QB
Grad
283
360
3079
24
14
78.6%
8.6
28
7.2%
Carter Stanley
QB
Grad
Adam Maynard
QB
6-1, 190
So
89
20
24
243
2
1
83.3%
10.1
1
4.0%
Orlando Woods
QB
6-1, 194
Fr
75
Redshirt
Matt Barrow
QB
6-2, 208
Jr
88
Ryan Willis leaves Lawrence as the career leader in almost every meaningful passing category, though unfortunately his legacy will be tarnished by his reputation for throwing interceptions in key moments and big games. He will pass the ball to Adam Maynard, a sophomore with a cannon for an arm that got his first start in last year's bowl game against Houston. Maynard also brings an increased threat in the run game, as the Jayhawks search for more success with more balance in their offensive attack.
Spreaking of an offensive attack, look for Orlando Woods to be used in select packages this season. While Woods does not have the passing skill of Maynard, he is one of the fastest players on the team, certainly the fastest quarterback, and so he will likely be used as a change of pace.
Offensive Skill Players
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Touches
Rushing
Yards
Receiving
Yards
Return
Yards
TD
Yards/
Carry
Yds/
Catch
% of Team
Touches
% of Team
Yards
Emmanuel Moore
WR
Grad
58
621
48
5
10.7
8.4%
12.4%
Taylor Martin
HB
Grad
225
1164
128
13
5.5
8.5
32.7%
25.8%
Kyle Kilpatrick
WR
6-3, 190
So
89
98
22
999
1154
12
1.3
12.3
14.2%
20.4%
Bryan Webb
WR
6-5, 221
Sr
86
38
455
4
12.0
5.5%
9.1%
Nick Newman
WR
6-2, 201
So
82
50
481
2
9.6
7.3%
9.6%
George Glover
TE
6-4, 241
Jr
88
38
381
1
10.0
5.5%
7.6%
Jason Taylor
HB
5-11, 185
Sr
90
38
149
47
2
4.3
15.7
5.5%
3.9%
Zach Minor
WR
6-0, 202
So
81
13
128
16
1
9.8
1.9%
2.6%
Anthony Brothers
TE
6-3, 279
Jr
78
4
50
12.5
0.6%
1.0%
Todd Jones
WR
6-5, 216
So
78
1
2
2.0
0.1%
0.0%
Anthony Chavez
HB
6-0, 197
Jr
79
9
Terry Oliver
HB
5-11, 182
Fr
79
:4star:
Thomas Morris
HB
5-10, 217
Fr
71
Redshirt
Jeff Nash
WR
6-3, 207
Fr
74
Redshirt
Quarterbacks
QB
126
384
5
3.0
18.3%
7.7%
With only three returning receiving threats last season, it was expected to be a year of growing pains for the Jayhawk receiving corps last year. While Kyle Kilpatrick emerged as a top threat early in the season, now sophomore Nick Newman eventually emerged as a top slot target late in the season when the Jayhawks returned to a 5-wide passing attack. Kilpatrick will be the #1 receiver this year, and we will see if Coach Brawner rememberes how to scheme in order to get a #1 target the ball. Kilpatrick, and the #2 target Bryan Webb, are both speedsters with the ability to take a top off the defense; but can a new starting QB get them the ball?
Last season, Taylor Martin quietly became the first 1,000 yard rusher under Coach Brawner. So quietly, in fact, that Coach Brawner had not even noticed the accomplishment until he was asked about it after the season. Martin took his running skills to the next level, and into that slot will slide a more of running-by-committee approach, with senior Jason Taylor expected to carry the load but share some time with junior pass blocking specialist Anthony Chavez and talented freshman Terry Oliver.
Preseason All-American: WR/CB Kyle Kilpatrick
Slobs
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Car. Starts
Car. P'cakes
Car. Sacks
Aaron Garza
LG
Grad
51
23
15
Lee Mitchell
LT
5-11, 306
Sr
90
26
14
3
Mike Castillo
LG
5-11, 336
So
88
Joe Hill
C
6-4, 325
Sr
93
26
6
5
Jacob McBride
RG
6-2, 320
Sr
88
13
4
4
Dionte Long
RT
6-5, 317
So
88
13
11
6
Quincy Johnson
LT
6-3, 259
Fr
79
Redshirt
Kevin Jones
LG
6-3, 297
Sr
87
Brandon Kendrick
LG
6-7, 262
Fr
75
Redshirt
Will Marshall
C
6-7, 317
So
86
2
Marcus Rush
RG
6-6, 351
Jr
83
1
Marco Clark
RT
6-5, 324
Jr
81
1
Despite only one offensive lineman lost to graduation, the men in the trenches for Kansas will still have to replace a lot of experience, as that single player takes 51 career starts with him to the next level. Three seniors (Lee Mitchell, Joe Hill and Jacob McBride) with lots of experience are left on the line, along with a sophomore (Dionte Long) who started all 13 games as a redshirt freshman. Sophomore Mike Castillo is the only new face, earning his spot in spring practice after a battle with senior Kevin Jones.
Preseason All-SEC: LT Lee Mitchell (2nd team)
Defensive Line
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FumRec
DefTD
Jace Sternberger
DE
Grad
25
4.7%
17
11
1
Steve Atkinson
DE
6-5, 250
Sr
84
Michael Massey
DT
6-6, 270
Jr
89
32
6.0%
8
4
Tyrone Jenkins
DT
6-1, 312
Jr
83
15
2.8%
5
1
Mike Caldwell
DE
6-5, 275
Sr
87
21
4.0%
8
3
Kenneth Holley
DE
6-5, 269
So
82
4
0.8%
1
Brandon Rushing
DT
6-2, 302
So
82
1
Jason Hardin
DE
6-4, 247
So
79
1
0.2%
0
Mike Smith
DE
6-3, 218
Fr
75
Redshirt
Scott Davis
DT
6-5, 275
Fr
74
Redshirt
After a second season with double digit sacks, Jace Sternberger has graduated from Lawrence and hopes to latch onto an NFL team as an undrafted free agent. Everyone else along the defensive line returns, including Michael Massey who impressed in his first season of action at defensive tackle.
Massey, Tyrone Jenkins, and Mike Caldwell all return, and senior Steve Atkinson is expected to jump to the first team to replace the loss of Sternberger. Look for Caldwell to have a career year.
Preseason All-SEC: DT Michael Massey
Linebackers
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FumRec
DefTD
Dorance Armstrong
LEO
Grad
17
3.2%
3
Kyle Whitmore
MLB
Grad
15
2.8%
3
1
Andrew Wiggins
MLB
Xfer
8
1.5%
Travis Bridges
MLB
6-2, 240
Sr
95
Medical RS
Nathan Wright
OLB
6-4, 240
Jr
88
58
10.9%
16
3.5
Mike Gray
MLB
5-10, 255
Jr
88
49
9.2%
14
0.5
2
3
Jesse Robinson
MLB
6-2, 243
So
87
12
2.3%
1
Paul Doty
OLB
6-4, 246
Jr
82
15
2.8%
5
Keith Todd
OLB
6-1, 225
Sr
83
6
1.1%
1
1
The return of MLB Travis Bridges after a season-ending collarbone injury last season will be a boon to the middle of the Jayhawks defense, as Bridges is the most talented defender on the field this season for the Jayhawks. In the base 4-2-5, he'll have junior Nathan Wright next to him, who led the team in tackles while Bridges was recuperating. Mike Gray and Jesse Robinson will be part of the rotation at MLB, and both are talented enough to start for practically any team in the country. The talent drop off is a little larger at OLB, but junior Paul Doty continues to grow and will be called upon in select packages, and senior Keith Todd's experience is invaluable when he's needed.
Preseason All-SEC: OLB Nathan Wright
Secondary
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FumRec
DefTD
Shaquille Richmond
CB
Grad
31
5.8%
1
1
3
Tyrone Miller
FS
Grad
63
11.9%
3
3
1
1
1
Fred McGuire
SS
Grad
45
8.5%
3
5
2
Clint Smith
CB
6-2, 193
So
86
19
3.6%
1
1
4
1
Lee Davis
CB
6-2, 197
Sr
88
34
6.4%
2
2
2
Donte Harrison
FS
6-1, 214
Jr
81
Steven Willis
SS
6-5, 219
Jr
86
28
5.3%
2
2
1
Larry Fields
STAR
6-1, 207
Fr
79
Redshirt
Taylor Wheatley
CB
5-10, 182
Fr
82
Redshirt
Damon Gibson
CB
6-0, 176
Jr
82
12
2.3%
Kyle Kilpatrick
WR/CB
6-3, 190
So
89
7
1.3%
2
2
Robbie Wilson
FS
6-2, 211
Sr
85
13
2.5%
1
2
Trevor Rucker
FS
6-2, 177
Fr
75
Redshirt
Albert Holmes
SS
6-3, 214
Jr
79
Mark Higgins
SS
5-11, 166
Fr
79
:4star:
Every year, it seems, the Jayhawks take huge hits in the secondary and are forced to rebuild that part of their defense. That will happen yet again this season, with three year starter at FS, Tyrone Miller, no longer playing in Lawrence. The last time Miller was not on the field for the Jayhawks, which happened due to injury, the coaching staff was forced to move other players out of position to cover, and a losing streak derailed he 2016 season. Hopefully the defensive staff is better preparred for this year's loss.
Junior Donte Harrison is likely to fill Miller's spot, after beating out senior Robbie Wilson in spring practice. Harrison's speed and acceleration give him an advantage in playing the centerfield role, though if Harrison struggles, expect Wilson to get his long-awaited shot.
The other defensive backs this season are much more straightforward. Clint Smith and Lee Davis both saw significant playing time last season, so the only surprise is that Smith is being treated as the #1 corner this year, perhaps because of his youth and additional time to grow. Taylor Wheatley, as expected, will move straight to the nickelback spot after a redshirt season.
And at strong safety, after the graduation of breakout star Fred McGuire, Steven Willis will logically slide into the strong safety role, with Larry Fields expected to move into the STAR position after a redshirt season. Fields, junior Albert Holmes, and incoming freshman Mark Higgins are so close in terms of talent that Higgins will likely see playing time this season, though the coaches would have admittedly preferred to give him a redshirt season. Expect Higgins to get the bulk of his playing time on special teams.
Preseason All-SEC: CB Lee Davis (2nd team)
Specialists
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
PAT
FG
FG Pct
Punts
Net Avg
TB
P I20
JD Frederick
P
Grad
21
42.4
28 K/O, 3 P
9
Ethan Greene
K
6-0, 177
Sr
98
47
16
89%
Marc Hines
P
5-10, 231
Fr
84
:3star:
With the graduation of JD Frederick, Ethan Greene now takes over the role of "most talented Jayhawk player, despite being only a kicker". Greene had a slight dip in his performance last season, hitting only 89% of field goal tries, but can be generally relied on whenever the Jayhawks get into field goal range.
Jayhawk coaches were surprised when the redshirting Shaun Jefferson elected to transfer to Missouri, presumably due to playing time, rather than take over the starting punting duties this season. Jefferson must not have believed KU coaches when they said they planned to turn Marc Hines into a kicker. Instead, Hines will stay at his recruited position of punter, and immediately play as a freshman.
Quarterbacks
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Comp
Att
Yards
TD
INT
Comp
Rate
Yards/
Att.
Sacks
Sack Rate
Ryan Willis
QB
Grad
283
360
3079
24
14
78.6%
8.6
28
7.2%
Carter Stanley
QB
Grad
Adam Maynard
QB
6-1, 190
So
89
20
24
243
2
1
83.3%
10.1
1
4.0%
Orlando Woods
QB
6-1, 194
Fr
75
Redshirt
Matt Barrow
QB
6-2, 208
Jr
88
Ryan Willis leaves Lawrence as the career leader in almost every meaningful passing category, though unfortunately his legacy will be tarnished by his reputation for throwing interceptions in key moments and big games. He will pass the ball to Adam Maynard, a sophomore with a cannon for an arm that got his first start in last year's bowl game against Houston. Maynard also brings an increased threat in the run game, as the Jayhawks search for more success with more balance in their offensive attack.
Spreaking of an offensive attack, look for Orlando Woods to be used in select packages this season. While Woods does not have the passing skill of Maynard, he is one of the fastest players on the team, certainly the fastest quarterback, and so he will likely be used as a change of pace.
Offensive Skill Players
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Touches
Rushing
Yards
Receiving
Yards
Return
Yards
TD
Yards/
Carry
Yds/
Catch
% of Team
Touches
% of Team
Yards
Emmanuel Moore
WR
Grad
58
621
48
5
10.7
8.4%
12.4%
Taylor Martin
HB
Grad
225
1164
128
13
5.5
8.5
32.7%
25.8%
Kyle Kilpatrick
WR
6-3, 190
So
89
98
22
999
1154
12
1.3
12.3
14.2%
20.4%
Bryan Webb
WR
6-5, 221
Sr
86
38
455
4
12.0
5.5%
9.1%
Nick Newman
WR
6-2, 201
So
82
50
481
2
9.6
7.3%
9.6%
George Glover
TE
6-4, 241
Jr
88
38
381
1
10.0
5.5%
7.6%
Jason Taylor
HB
5-11, 185
Sr
90
38
149
47
2
4.3
15.7
5.5%
3.9%
Zach Minor
WR
6-0, 202
So
81
13
128
16
1
9.8
1.9%
2.6%
Anthony Brothers
TE
6-3, 279
Jr
78
4
50
12.5
0.6%
1.0%
Todd Jones
WR
6-5, 216
So
78
1
2
2.0
0.1%
0.0%
Anthony Chavez
HB
6-0, 197
Jr
79
9
Terry Oliver
HB
5-11, 182
Fr
79
:4star:
Thomas Morris
HB
5-10, 217
Fr
71
Redshirt
Jeff Nash
WR
6-3, 207
Fr
74
Redshirt
Quarterbacks
QB
126
384
5
3.0
18.3%
7.7%
With only three returning receiving threats last season, it was expected to be a year of growing pains for the Jayhawk receiving corps last year. While Kyle Kilpatrick emerged as a top threat early in the season, now sophomore Nick Newman eventually emerged as a top slot target late in the season when the Jayhawks returned to a 5-wide passing attack. Kilpatrick will be the #1 receiver this year, and we will see if Coach Brawner rememberes how to scheme in order to get a #1 target the ball. Kilpatrick, and the #2 target Bryan Webb, are both speedsters with the ability to take a top off the defense; but can a new starting QB get them the ball?
Last season, Taylor Martin quietly became the first 1,000 yard rusher under Coach Brawner. So quietly, in fact, that Coach Brawner had not even noticed the accomplishment until he was asked about it after the season. Martin took his running skills to the next level, and into that slot will slide a more of running-by-committee approach, with senior Jason Taylor expected to carry the load but share some time with junior pass blocking specialist Anthony Chavez and talented freshman Terry Oliver.
Preseason All-American: WR/CB Kyle Kilpatrick
Slobs
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Car. Starts
Car. P'cakes
Car. Sacks
Aaron Garza
LG
Grad
51
23
15
Lee Mitchell
LT
5-11, 306
Sr
90
26
14
3
Mike Castillo
LG
5-11, 336
So
88
Joe Hill
C
6-4, 325
Sr
93
26
6
5
Jacob McBride
RG
6-2, 320
Sr
88
13
4
4
Dionte Long
RT
6-5, 317
So
88
13
11
6
Quincy Johnson
LT
6-3, 259
Fr
79
Redshirt
Kevin Jones
LG
6-3, 297
Sr
87
Brandon Kendrick
LG
6-7, 262
Fr
75
Redshirt
Will Marshall
C
6-7, 317
So
86
2
Marcus Rush
RG
6-6, 351
Jr
83
1
Marco Clark
RT
6-5, 324
Jr
81
1
Despite only one offensive lineman lost to graduation, the men in the trenches for Kansas will still have to replace a lot of experience, as that single player takes 51 career starts with him to the next level. Three seniors (Lee Mitchell, Joe Hill and Jacob McBride) with lots of experience are left on the line, along with a sophomore (Dionte Long) who started all 13 games as a redshirt freshman. Sophomore Mike Castillo is the only new face, earning his spot in spring practice after a battle with senior Kevin Jones.
Preseason All-SEC: LT Lee Mitchell (2nd team)
Defensive Line
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FumRec
DefTD
Jace Sternberger
DE
Grad
25
4.7%
17
11
1
Steve Atkinson
DE
6-5, 250
Sr
84
Michael Massey
DT
6-6, 270
Jr
89
32
6.0%
8
4
Tyrone Jenkins
DT
6-1, 312
Jr
83
15
2.8%
5
1
Mike Caldwell
DE
6-5, 275
Sr
87
21
4.0%
8
3
Kenneth Holley
DE
6-5, 269
So
82
4
0.8%
1
Brandon Rushing
DT
6-2, 302
So
82
1
Jason Hardin
DE
6-4, 247
So
79
1
0.2%
0
Mike Smith
DE
6-3, 218
Fr
75
Redshirt
Scott Davis
DT
6-5, 275
Fr
74
Redshirt
After a second season with double digit sacks, Jace Sternberger has graduated from Lawrence and hopes to latch onto an NFL team as an undrafted free agent. Everyone else along the defensive line returns, including Michael Massey who impressed in his first season of action at defensive tackle.
Massey, Tyrone Jenkins, and Mike Caldwell all return, and senior Steve Atkinson is expected to jump to the first team to replace the loss of Sternberger. Look for Caldwell to have a career year.
Preseason All-SEC: DT Michael Massey
Linebackers
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FumRec
DefTD
Dorance Armstrong
LEO
Grad
17
3.2%
3
Kyle Whitmore
MLB
Grad
15
2.8%
3
1
Andrew Wiggins
MLB
Xfer
8
1.5%
Travis Bridges
MLB
6-2, 240
Sr
95
Medical RS
Nathan Wright
OLB
6-4, 240
Jr
88
58
10.9%
16
3.5
Mike Gray
MLB
5-10, 255
Jr
88
49
9.2%
14
0.5
2
3
Jesse Robinson
MLB
6-2, 243
So
87
12
2.3%
1
Paul Doty
OLB
6-4, 246
Jr
82
15
2.8%
5
Keith Todd
OLB
6-1, 225
Sr
83
6
1.1%
1
1
The return of MLB Travis Bridges after a season-ending collarbone injury last season will be a boon to the middle of the Jayhawks defense, as Bridges is the most talented defender on the field this season for the Jayhawks. In the base 4-2-5, he'll have junior Nathan Wright next to him, who led the team in tackles while Bridges was recuperating. Mike Gray and Jesse Robinson will be part of the rotation at MLB, and both are talented enough to start for practically any team in the country. The talent drop off is a little larger at OLB, but junior Paul Doty continues to grow and will be called upon in select packages, and senior Keith Todd's experience is invaluable when he's needed.
Preseason All-SEC: OLB Nathan Wright
Secondary
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FumRec
DefTD
Shaquille Richmond
CB
Grad
31
5.8%
1
1
3
Tyrone Miller
FS
Grad
63
11.9%
3
3
1
1
1
Fred McGuire
SS
Grad
45
8.5%
3
5
2
Clint Smith
CB
6-2, 193
So
86
19
3.6%
1
1
4
1
Lee Davis
CB
6-2, 197
Sr
88
34
6.4%
2
2
2
Donte Harrison
FS
6-1, 214
Jr
81
Steven Willis
SS
6-5, 219
Jr
86
28
5.3%
2
2
1
Larry Fields
STAR
6-1, 207
Fr
79
Redshirt
Taylor Wheatley
CB
5-10, 182
Fr
82
Redshirt
Damon Gibson
CB
6-0, 176
Jr
82
12
2.3%
Kyle Kilpatrick
WR/CB
6-3, 190
So
89
7
1.3%
2
2
Robbie Wilson
FS
6-2, 211
Sr
85
13
2.5%
1
2
Trevor Rucker
FS
6-2, 177
Fr
75
Redshirt
Albert Holmes
SS
6-3, 214
Jr
79
Mark Higgins
SS
5-11, 166
Fr
79
:4star:
Every year, it seems, the Jayhawks take huge hits in the secondary and are forced to rebuild that part of their defense. That will happen yet again this season, with three year starter at FS, Tyrone Miller, no longer playing in Lawrence. The last time Miller was not on the field for the Jayhawks, which happened due to injury, the coaching staff was forced to move other players out of position to cover, and a losing streak derailed he 2016 season. Hopefully the defensive staff is better preparred for this year's loss.
Junior Donte Harrison is likely to fill Miller's spot, after beating out senior Robbie Wilson in spring practice. Harrison's speed and acceleration give him an advantage in playing the centerfield role, though if Harrison struggles, expect Wilson to get his long-awaited shot.
The other defensive backs this season are much more straightforward. Clint Smith and Lee Davis both saw significant playing time last season, so the only surprise is that Smith is being treated as the #1 corner this year, perhaps because of his youth and additional time to grow. Taylor Wheatley, as expected, will move straight to the nickelback spot after a redshirt season.
And at strong safety, after the graduation of breakout star Fred McGuire, Steven Willis will logically slide into the strong safety role, with Larry Fields expected to move into the STAR position after a redshirt season. Fields, junior Albert Holmes, and incoming freshman Mark Higgins are so close in terms of talent that Higgins will likely see playing time this season, though the coaches would have admittedly preferred to give him a redshirt season. Expect Higgins to get the bulk of his playing time on special teams.
Preseason All-SEC: CB Lee Davis (2nd team)
Specialists
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
PAT
FG
FG Pct
Punts
Net Avg
TB
P I20
JD Frederick
P
Grad
21
42.4
28 K/O, 3 P
9
Ethan Greene
K
6-0, 177
Sr
98
47
16
89%
Marc Hines
P
5-10, 231
Fr
84
:3star:
With the graduation of JD Frederick, Ethan Greene now takes over the role of "most talented Jayhawk player, despite being only a kicker". Greene had a slight dip in his performance last season, hitting only 89% of field goal tries, but can be generally relied on whenever the Jayhawks get into field goal range.
Jayhawk coaches were surprised when the redshirting Shaun Jefferson elected to transfer to Missouri, presumably due to playing time, rather than take over the starting punting duties this season. Jefferson must not have believed KU coaches when they said they planned to turn Marc Hines into a kicker. Instead, Hines will stay at his recruited position of punter, and immediately play as a freshman.