JeffHCross
09-07-2016, 10:00 AM
After last year's season preview was lost at the publisher, the KU staff made sure to send it early this year.
Coach Jerry Brawner enters his eighth season (how time flies) at the helm of the Kansas Jayhawks, and have finally broken through the glass ceiling, winning the Big XII in their first season in the conference. They return a lot of key pieces for their senior year, including their quarterback, top four receivers, and both starting linebackers for their final shot at a collegiate title. Can the senior leaders accomplish what they didn't last season?
Quarterbacks
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Comp
Att
Yards
TD
INT
Comp
Rate
Yards/
Att.
Sacks
Sack Rate
Mark Barrow
QB
Grad
1
1
14
100.0%
14.0
Adam Maynard
QB
6-1, 194
Sr
99
316
413
3827
33
29
76.5%
9.3
13
3.1%
Brad Johnson
QB
6-4, 214
So
87
6
9
103
0
2
66.7%
11.4
Orlando Woods
QB
6-1, 198
Jr
87
2
2
16
0
0
100.0%
8.0
Kansas's offensive attack last season was seemingly all one way or another. All pass or all run. Not every offensive performance was positive, mind you, but when the offense was rolling the Jayhawks got balance in the most unusual way. Senior quarterback Adam Maynard, a preseason All-Big XII selection, is the catalyst for the offense, setting a school record for passing yards in 2018, then nearly matching that record again in 2019. Maynard has struggled like his predecessor Ryan Willis with interceptions, notably throwing four interceptions in an early loss to Arkansas State. If he can avoid throwing to the other team, Maynard has the arm and accuracy to get the ball to his speedy weapons on the outside.
Backup QBs Brad Johnson and Orlando Woods return, and both are speedy runners that are different types of players than the starter Maynard.
Preseason Hype: QB Adam Maynard (All-Big XII)
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
George Glover
TE
Grad
49
527
3
10.8
6.9%
8.8%
Anthony Chavez
HB
Grad
32
199
14
4
6.4
14.0
4.5%
3.5%
Anthony Brothers
TE
Grad
Kyle Kilpatrick
WR
6-3, 194
Sr
97
141
16
1736
760
20
1.1
13.7
19.7%
29.1%
Todd Jones
WR
6-5, 220
Sr
86
32
289
2
9.0
4.5%
4.8%
Nick Newman
WR
6-2, 203
Sr
91
20
250
566
4
12.5
2.8%
4.2%
Aaron Hart
HB
6-2, 195
So
83
232
1092
87
18
4.9
7.9
32.4%
19.6%
Zach Minor
WR
6-0, 206
Sr
90
45
590
1
2
13.1
6.3%
9.8%
Nate Mack
WR
6-3, 212
So
83
34
399
5
11.7
4.8%
6.6%
Jeff Nash
WR
6-4, 225
Jr
82
3
42
81
14.0
0.4%
0.7%
Thomas Morris
HB
5-10, 221
Jr
81
TJ Gray
TE
6-6, 249
So
87
1
Sean Lambert
WR
6-4, 196
Fr
77
Redshirt
Bryan Howard
HB/WR
5-11, 182
Fr
85
Redshirt
Randy Stuckey
FB
6-1, 235
Fr
78
:3star:
Lonnie Garrison
TE
6-3, 261
Fr
73
:3star:
Quarterbacks
QB
127
764
10
10
6.1
10.0
17.8%
12.9%
Four senior wide receivers sit at the top of the offensive skill depth chart. Kyle Kilpatrick, a preseason All-American, is the top weapon for the Jayhawks, and will get one final chance to live up to his billing as a speedy gamebreaker that can affect a game through the air and on the ground. Kilpatrick set a school record with 1736 yards receiving last season, but only ran the ball 14 times with barely 1 yard per carry. If the Jayhawks can get him in space this year, they could finally have the nationally recognized weapon they've been trying to find.
Nick Newman is the #2 receiver for the Jayhawks, but last year he struggled lining up outside. Todd Jones, a 6-5 receiver with nearly the same speed at Newman, is better suited to being an outside target, and that will give Newman the ability to return to the slot where he thrived in 2018.
Halfback Aaron Hart became the second 1,000 yard rusher under Coach Jerry Brawner. Hart averaged nearly 5 yards per carry last season, and was honored with preseason All-Big XII recognition. Hart will return as the feature back this year, but will also be expected to share some of the running load with talented freshman Bryan Howard.
Preseason Hype: WR Kyle Kilpatrick (AA-1st), HB Aaron Hart (All-Big XII)
Slobs
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Car. Starts
'19 Pancakes
'19 Sacks
Marcus Rush
RG
Grad
3
1
Marco Clark
RT
Grad
3
1
Jim Freeman
LT
6-5, 292
Fr
83
Redshirt
Paul Barber
LG
6-4, 294
So
89
14
14
1
Will Marshall
C
6-7, 321
Sr
98
14
11
1
Mike Castillo
RG
5-11, 338
Sr
95
24
13
5
Dionte Long
RT
6-5, 323
Sr
97
40
11
2
Quincy Johnson
LT
6-3, 272
Jr
86
11
3
2
Brandon Kendrick
LG
6-7, 272
Jr
85
Seth Thompson
LG
6-6, 316
Fr
81
Redshirt
Tony Colvin
C
6-2, 292
So
91
Calvin Mason
RT
6-0, 286
So
80
All five significant starters from last season return to the Jayhawks offensive line, though only four are expected to start this season after freshman Jim Freeman beat junior Quincy Johnson during spring practice this season. Three seniors (Will Marshall, Mike Castillo and Dionte Long) will anchor the center and right side of the line, bringing talent and experience to that side. Sophomore guard Paul Barber, who started all 14 games last season, returns to the left side as well. Johnson will be the swing tackle, leveraging his experience as a backup. Backup center Tony Colvin may also be considered as a swing player, or may even get some starting time. If the left tackle begins to struggle, starting center Will Marshall, who was originally recruited as a tackle, could move out wide and move Colvin to the starting spot to leverage the talent of both.
Preseason Hype: T Dionte Long (AA-1st), C Will Marshall (All-Big XII), G Mike Castillo (All-Big XII)
Defensive Line
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FumRec
Def Score
Michael Massey
DT
Grad
29
4.4%
15
6
3
1
Tyrone Jenkins
DT
Grad
8
1.2%
4
1
Matt Freeman
DE
6-2, 248
So
85
40
6.1%
25
21
2
Brandon Rushing
DT
6-2, 307
Jr
92
Redshirt
Tyler Jackson
DT
6-2, 258
So
85
1
0.2%
1
1
1
Kenneth Holley
DE
6-5, 273
Sr
92
23
3.5%
15
4
1
Terrell Rich
DE
6-4, 249
So
84
2
0.3%
2
1
Jason Hardin
DE
6-4, 252
Sr
89
2
0.3%
1
Mike Smith
DE
6-3, 224
Jr
85
2
0.3%
2
1
Scott Davis
DT
6-5, 284
Jr
84
Keith Abrams
DT
6-2, 285
Fr
80
Redshirt
The top two defensive tackles have left Lawrence, but end Matt Freeman returns after a record setting freshman season, which saw him break the school record for sacks that was set just the season before. Freeman, end Kenneth Holley and now departed tackle Michael Massey were a disruptive force last season, combining for 31 sacks. Massey's production inside should be replaced by Brandon Rushing, who was redshirted last season to preserve a year of eligibility. Rushing now has two seasons remaining as the undisputed starter inside. Sophomore Tyler Jackson, who recorded a strip sack last season in very limited work, will be the other DT in four man lines.
Preseason Hype: DE Matt Freeman (AA-2nd team)
Linebackers
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FumRec
Def Score
Mike Gray
MLB
Grad
77
11.8%
27
4
1
1
1
Paul Doty
OLB
Grad
33
5.0%
8
4
2
1 TD
Jesse Robinson
MLB
6-2, 247
Sr
96
91
13.9%
14
2
1
6
1
1 TD
Nathan Wright
OLB
6-4, 246
Sr
97
Medical
Andrew Walker
OLB
6-3, 217
So
84
19
2.9%
1
1
Matt Murphy
MLB
6-2, 246
So
76
6
0.9%
Steve Todd
OLB
6-1, 222
So
72
1
0.2%
Antwan Smith
MLB
5-11, 221
Fr
84
Redshirt
Tristan Wilson
OLB
6-1, 240
Fr
79
Redshirt
Kansas entered last season needing to replace Travis Bridges, their star middle linebacker, and lost outside linebacker Nathan Wright to a season-ending knee injury. With two stars being replaced, a dropoff was expected. Instead, middle linebacker Jesse Robinson turned into a star himself, recording a team-leading 91 tackles, which is the highest total returning in the Big XII this season. Robinson returns, and with Wright returning to be next to him in the Jayhawks' base 4-2-5, the linebacker corps will be a strength this year. Mike Gray and Paul Doty, last season's starting outside linebackers, were both NFL draft picks, leaving sophomore Andrew Walker to be the next outside linebacker in the rotation. Redshirt freshmen Antwan Smith and Tristan Wilson will both be part of the rotation as well.
Preseason Hype: MLB Jesse Robinson (All-Big XII)
Secondary
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FumRec
Def Score
Donte Harrison
FS
Grad
60
9.2%
1
1
5
Steven Willis
SS
Grad
70
10.7%
3
2
3
1
1
Damon Gibson
CB
Grad
47
7.2%
2
3
6
Albert Holmes
SS
Grad
6
0.9%
Clint Smith
CB
6-2, 195
Sr
97
35
5.3%
1
2
9
Taylor Wheatley
CB
5-10, 184
Jr
93
36
5.5%
1
5
2
1 TD
J.R. Malone
FS
6-1, 195
So
82
2
0.3%
Mark Higgins
SS
5-11, 170
So
88
Redshirt
Lance Quinn
STAR
5-11, 166
Fr
82
Redshirt
Jimmy Bradley
CB
5-10, 183
So
88
24
3.7%
1
1
Trevor Rucker
FS
6-2, 179
Jr
85
11
1.7%
Larry Fields
SS
6-1, 209
Jr
88
23
3.5%
3
1
3
Kyle Kilpatrick
WR/CB
6-3, 194
Sr
97
7
1.1%
1
1 TD
Alvin Mason
CB
6-1, 183
Fr
79
Redshirt
Brandon Gibbs
FS
6-0, 173
Fr
78
Redshirt
We've discussed the returning strength at practically every position this season for Kansas ... and now we get to the secondary. Two starting safeties, and last year's nickelback, have moved on. The Jayhawks staff is used to performing rebuilds on the secondary, but with early games against rival Kansas State and top-ranked Arkansas State, the new faces in the secondary has very little room for error as they gel early in the season. J.R. Malone, a prototypical safety, is expected to roam centerfield as the free safety. Mark Higgins and Lance Quinn, two young players that are basically clones of each other, are expected to man both strong safety positions, and both bring cornerback-type skills to the strong safety position.
The only top returning players in the secondary are both starting cornerbacks, and if Clint Smith could manage to actually catch balls this season he has a chance to set a record for interceptions. Taylor Wheatley, a preseason All-Big XII selection, ended the season impressively, so continuing that momentum will be important for the secondary this year.
Behind the starters, sophomore Jimmy Bradley will slide from dimeback to nickelback, with redshirt freshman Alvin Mason expected to play dimeback. Larry Fields, who started last season as the STAR but was beaten in spring practice, may play a role as a nickel or dimeback.
Preseason Hype: CB Taylor Wheatley (All-Big XII)
Specialists
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
PAT
FG
FG Pct
Punts
Net Avg
TB
P I20
Nate Sanders
K
6-0, 218
So
93
72
15
100%
21
42.4
9
Marc Hines
P
5-10, 237
Jr
92
8
44.4
43 K/O
3
Starting placekicker Nate Sanders, a preseason All-American honoree, returns and will take over kickoff duties this year, after a perfect kicking record last season. Punter Marc Hines also returns, and looks to improve on his 44.4 yard average from last season.
Preseason Hype: K Nate Sanders (AA-2nd)
Coach Jerry Brawner enters his eighth season (how time flies) at the helm of the Kansas Jayhawks, and have finally broken through the glass ceiling, winning the Big XII in their first season in the conference. They return a lot of key pieces for their senior year, including their quarterback, top four receivers, and both starting linebackers for their final shot at a collegiate title. Can the senior leaders accomplish what they didn't last season?
Quarterbacks
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Comp
Att
Yards
TD
INT
Comp
Rate
Yards/
Att.
Sacks
Sack Rate
Mark Barrow
QB
Grad
1
1
14
100.0%
14.0
Adam Maynard
QB
6-1, 194
Sr
99
316
413
3827
33
29
76.5%
9.3
13
3.1%
Brad Johnson
QB
6-4, 214
So
87
6
9
103
0
2
66.7%
11.4
Orlando Woods
QB
6-1, 198
Jr
87
2
2
16
0
0
100.0%
8.0
Kansas's offensive attack last season was seemingly all one way or another. All pass or all run. Not every offensive performance was positive, mind you, but when the offense was rolling the Jayhawks got balance in the most unusual way. Senior quarterback Adam Maynard, a preseason All-Big XII selection, is the catalyst for the offense, setting a school record for passing yards in 2018, then nearly matching that record again in 2019. Maynard has struggled like his predecessor Ryan Willis with interceptions, notably throwing four interceptions in an early loss to Arkansas State. If he can avoid throwing to the other team, Maynard has the arm and accuracy to get the ball to his speedy weapons on the outside.
Backup QBs Brad Johnson and Orlando Woods return, and both are speedy runners that are different types of players than the starter Maynard.
Preseason Hype: QB Adam Maynard (All-Big XII)
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
George Glover
TE
Grad
49
527
3
10.8
6.9%
8.8%
Anthony Chavez
HB
Grad
32
199
14
4
6.4
14.0
4.5%
3.5%
Anthony Brothers
TE
Grad
Kyle Kilpatrick
WR
6-3, 194
Sr
97
141
16
1736
760
20
1.1
13.7
19.7%
29.1%
Todd Jones
WR
6-5, 220
Sr
86
32
289
2
9.0
4.5%
4.8%
Nick Newman
WR
6-2, 203
Sr
91
20
250
566
4
12.5
2.8%
4.2%
Aaron Hart
HB
6-2, 195
So
83
232
1092
87
18
4.9
7.9
32.4%
19.6%
Zach Minor
WR
6-0, 206
Sr
90
45
590
1
2
13.1
6.3%
9.8%
Nate Mack
WR
6-3, 212
So
83
34
399
5
11.7
4.8%
6.6%
Jeff Nash
WR
6-4, 225
Jr
82
3
42
81
14.0
0.4%
0.7%
Thomas Morris
HB
5-10, 221
Jr
81
TJ Gray
TE
6-6, 249
So
87
1
Sean Lambert
WR
6-4, 196
Fr
77
Redshirt
Bryan Howard
HB/WR
5-11, 182
Fr
85
Redshirt
Randy Stuckey
FB
6-1, 235
Fr
78
:3star:
Lonnie Garrison
TE
6-3, 261
Fr
73
:3star:
Quarterbacks
QB
127
764
10
10
6.1
10.0
17.8%
12.9%
Four senior wide receivers sit at the top of the offensive skill depth chart. Kyle Kilpatrick, a preseason All-American, is the top weapon for the Jayhawks, and will get one final chance to live up to his billing as a speedy gamebreaker that can affect a game through the air and on the ground. Kilpatrick set a school record with 1736 yards receiving last season, but only ran the ball 14 times with barely 1 yard per carry. If the Jayhawks can get him in space this year, they could finally have the nationally recognized weapon they've been trying to find.
Nick Newman is the #2 receiver for the Jayhawks, but last year he struggled lining up outside. Todd Jones, a 6-5 receiver with nearly the same speed at Newman, is better suited to being an outside target, and that will give Newman the ability to return to the slot where he thrived in 2018.
Halfback Aaron Hart became the second 1,000 yard rusher under Coach Jerry Brawner. Hart averaged nearly 5 yards per carry last season, and was honored with preseason All-Big XII recognition. Hart will return as the feature back this year, but will also be expected to share some of the running load with talented freshman Bryan Howard.
Preseason Hype: WR Kyle Kilpatrick (AA-1st), HB Aaron Hart (All-Big XII)
Slobs
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Car. Starts
'19 Pancakes
'19 Sacks
Marcus Rush
RG
Grad
3
1
Marco Clark
RT
Grad
3
1
Jim Freeman
LT
6-5, 292
Fr
83
Redshirt
Paul Barber
LG
6-4, 294
So
89
14
14
1
Will Marshall
C
6-7, 321
Sr
98
14
11
1
Mike Castillo
RG
5-11, 338
Sr
95
24
13
5
Dionte Long
RT
6-5, 323
Sr
97
40
11
2
Quincy Johnson
LT
6-3, 272
Jr
86
11
3
2
Brandon Kendrick
LG
6-7, 272
Jr
85
Seth Thompson
LG
6-6, 316
Fr
81
Redshirt
Tony Colvin
C
6-2, 292
So
91
Calvin Mason
RT
6-0, 286
So
80
All five significant starters from last season return to the Jayhawks offensive line, though only four are expected to start this season after freshman Jim Freeman beat junior Quincy Johnson during spring practice this season. Three seniors (Will Marshall, Mike Castillo and Dionte Long) will anchor the center and right side of the line, bringing talent and experience to that side. Sophomore guard Paul Barber, who started all 14 games last season, returns to the left side as well. Johnson will be the swing tackle, leveraging his experience as a backup. Backup center Tony Colvin may also be considered as a swing player, or may even get some starting time. If the left tackle begins to struggle, starting center Will Marshall, who was originally recruited as a tackle, could move out wide and move Colvin to the starting spot to leverage the talent of both.
Preseason Hype: T Dionte Long (AA-1st), C Will Marshall (All-Big XII), G Mike Castillo (All-Big XII)
Defensive Line
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FumRec
Def Score
Michael Massey
DT
Grad
29
4.4%
15
6
3
1
Tyrone Jenkins
DT
Grad
8
1.2%
4
1
Matt Freeman
DE
6-2, 248
So
85
40
6.1%
25
21
2
Brandon Rushing
DT
6-2, 307
Jr
92
Redshirt
Tyler Jackson
DT
6-2, 258
So
85
1
0.2%
1
1
1
Kenneth Holley
DE
6-5, 273
Sr
92
23
3.5%
15
4
1
Terrell Rich
DE
6-4, 249
So
84
2
0.3%
2
1
Jason Hardin
DE
6-4, 252
Sr
89
2
0.3%
1
Mike Smith
DE
6-3, 224
Jr
85
2
0.3%
2
1
Scott Davis
DT
6-5, 284
Jr
84
Keith Abrams
DT
6-2, 285
Fr
80
Redshirt
The top two defensive tackles have left Lawrence, but end Matt Freeman returns after a record setting freshman season, which saw him break the school record for sacks that was set just the season before. Freeman, end Kenneth Holley and now departed tackle Michael Massey were a disruptive force last season, combining for 31 sacks. Massey's production inside should be replaced by Brandon Rushing, who was redshirted last season to preserve a year of eligibility. Rushing now has two seasons remaining as the undisputed starter inside. Sophomore Tyler Jackson, who recorded a strip sack last season in very limited work, will be the other DT in four man lines.
Preseason Hype: DE Matt Freeman (AA-2nd team)
Linebackers
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FumRec
Def Score
Mike Gray
MLB
Grad
77
11.8%
27
4
1
1
1
Paul Doty
OLB
Grad
33
5.0%
8
4
2
1 TD
Jesse Robinson
MLB
6-2, 247
Sr
96
91
13.9%
14
2
1
6
1
1 TD
Nathan Wright
OLB
6-4, 246
Sr
97
Medical
Andrew Walker
OLB
6-3, 217
So
84
19
2.9%
1
1
Matt Murphy
MLB
6-2, 246
So
76
6
0.9%
Steve Todd
OLB
6-1, 222
So
72
1
0.2%
Antwan Smith
MLB
5-11, 221
Fr
84
Redshirt
Tristan Wilson
OLB
6-1, 240
Fr
79
Redshirt
Kansas entered last season needing to replace Travis Bridges, their star middle linebacker, and lost outside linebacker Nathan Wright to a season-ending knee injury. With two stars being replaced, a dropoff was expected. Instead, middle linebacker Jesse Robinson turned into a star himself, recording a team-leading 91 tackles, which is the highest total returning in the Big XII this season. Robinson returns, and with Wright returning to be next to him in the Jayhawks' base 4-2-5, the linebacker corps will be a strength this year. Mike Gray and Paul Doty, last season's starting outside linebackers, were both NFL draft picks, leaving sophomore Andrew Walker to be the next outside linebacker in the rotation. Redshirt freshmen Antwan Smith and Tristan Wilson will both be part of the rotation as well.
Preseason Hype: MLB Jesse Robinson (All-Big XII)
Secondary
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FumRec
Def Score
Donte Harrison
FS
Grad
60
9.2%
1
1
5
Steven Willis
SS
Grad
70
10.7%
3
2
3
1
1
Damon Gibson
CB
Grad
47
7.2%
2
3
6
Albert Holmes
SS
Grad
6
0.9%
Clint Smith
CB
6-2, 195
Sr
97
35
5.3%
1
2
9
Taylor Wheatley
CB
5-10, 184
Jr
93
36
5.5%
1
5
2
1 TD
J.R. Malone
FS
6-1, 195
So
82
2
0.3%
Mark Higgins
SS
5-11, 170
So
88
Redshirt
Lance Quinn
STAR
5-11, 166
Fr
82
Redshirt
Jimmy Bradley
CB
5-10, 183
So
88
24
3.7%
1
1
Trevor Rucker
FS
6-2, 179
Jr
85
11
1.7%
Larry Fields
SS
6-1, 209
Jr
88
23
3.5%
3
1
3
Kyle Kilpatrick
WR/CB
6-3, 194
Sr
97
7
1.1%
1
1 TD
Alvin Mason
CB
6-1, 183
Fr
79
Redshirt
Brandon Gibbs
FS
6-0, 173
Fr
78
Redshirt
We've discussed the returning strength at practically every position this season for Kansas ... and now we get to the secondary. Two starting safeties, and last year's nickelback, have moved on. The Jayhawks staff is used to performing rebuilds on the secondary, but with early games against rival Kansas State and top-ranked Arkansas State, the new faces in the secondary has very little room for error as they gel early in the season. J.R. Malone, a prototypical safety, is expected to roam centerfield as the free safety. Mark Higgins and Lance Quinn, two young players that are basically clones of each other, are expected to man both strong safety positions, and both bring cornerback-type skills to the strong safety position.
The only top returning players in the secondary are both starting cornerbacks, and if Clint Smith could manage to actually catch balls this season he has a chance to set a record for interceptions. Taylor Wheatley, a preseason All-Big XII selection, ended the season impressively, so continuing that momentum will be important for the secondary this year.
Behind the starters, sophomore Jimmy Bradley will slide from dimeback to nickelback, with redshirt freshman Alvin Mason expected to play dimeback. Larry Fields, who started last season as the STAR but was beaten in spring practice, may play a role as a nickel or dimeback.
Preseason Hype: CB Taylor Wheatley (All-Big XII)
Specialists
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
PAT
FG
FG Pct
Punts
Net Avg
TB
P I20
Nate Sanders
K
6-0, 218
So
93
72
15
100%
21
42.4
9
Marc Hines
P
5-10, 237
Jr
92
8
44.4
43 K/O
3
Starting placekicker Nate Sanders, a preseason All-American honoree, returns and will take over kickoff duties this year, after a perfect kicking record last season. Punter Marc Hines also returns, and looks to improve on his 44.4 yard average from last season.
Preseason Hype: K Nate Sanders (AA-2nd)