Pass rush, pass rush, pass rush. Two words that have been harped on over and over during the Kansas offseason. The key to a great defense is effective pass rushers. The past two years Kansas hasn't had them and it's been a bit of a heartburn to the success of the defense against the pass happy spread offenses.
So what does the Jayhawk coaching staff do? Well last year we saw the pickup of Kevin Young, Tyrone Sellers and Quinton Woods to help lay the foundation for the future at the position, and the focus on this area seems to continue into the 2010 class.
Geneo Grissom was one of the earliest commitments to the Kansas Jayhawk football class of 2010 pulling the trigger on June 5th and making the call to be a Jayhawk. At 6'4" 230 pounds Grissom is an extremely athletic, well built prospect with a very high ceiling and that's what is most exciting to fans and likely the coaches.
With that in mind I had a chance to chat with Grissom as he agreed to an interview with Rock Chalk Talk to discuss his decision, his upcoming season and his thoughts on his future career as a Kansas football player.
Full Interview Transcript After the Jump...
Denver
Geneo, thanks for giving us a little of your time and to get things started you obviously committed to the Jayhawks fairly early on, but tell us a little about how your recruitment had gone prior to that. Other schools? Who had offered and which ones you were most interested in?
Geneo
Well, I've always been a pretty big fan of KU. I waited a little and weighed my options but i always knew where I was going.
Colorado State was the only other college that officially offered, but OU was talking with me about it.
Denver
Who handled your recruitment for Kansas and how did that relationship factor in?
Geneo
Bill Miller recruited me. We kind of just clicked right away. He'ss actually from Hutch(inson), so he was really recruiting me hard.
Denver
I've seen you listed at 6'4" 230, is that fairly accurate?
Geneo
Yep, that's about right.
Denver
Your headed into your senior season at Hutch, what are your goals in wraping up your high school career?
Geneo
I just want to do the best that I absolutely can. I'm not trying to be an all-american or anything. I just want to do my job and help lead my team to another state championship.
Denver
In a word how would you describe your style of play?
Geneo
very physical.
Denver
and what player do you look up to or look to emulate?
Geneo
Demarcus Ware has always been my favorite.
Denver
As far as your roll at Kansas, what did Coach Miller talk to you about in terms of position, playing opportunity and their plans for you in the program?
Geneo
Honestly we haven't really talked about that at all. He seems to be more interested in what I'm doing now, and my preparation for this upcoming season.
Denver
what about Kansas was most appealing to you besides being a fan and your relationship with Coach Miller?
Geneo
Their facilities were amazing! they go all out for their players and they do everything in their power to see that we never go without the things we need to be successful.
Denver
What made you finally decide to just pull the trigger and commit?
Geneo
I just decided KU was the perfect fit.
Denver
Have you been in touch with any of the other guys in your class?
Geneo
Here and there but not really.
Denver
Any current KU players you have gotten to know or are looking forward to playing with?
Geneo
Jordan Fee and Isiah Barfield are two that I know and I'm pretty excited that i will be able to play with those guys.
Denver
What are your hopes from an individual and team standpoint for your career at Kansas?
Geneo
Win our conference but more than that I want to beat KSU and Nebraska!!
Denver
That was my next question, which team you are most looking forward to playing against?
Geneo
Those would probably be the two teams if I had to say.
Denver
Fair enough, anything else you'd like to tell Kansas fans about yourself as a person or a player?
Geneo
I'm just glad to be a part of the Jayhawk family!
Denver
Well thanks again for your time and we'll try and talk with you again when we get ready for our signing day coverage after the season.
Geneo
ok sounds good, thank you.
- A few quick thoughts on my end. Geneo is an extremely polite, humble and mild mannered guy. He went out of his way to get this in last night and for that I am extremely thankful. While he's gone somewhat under the radar in terms of his recruitment I think the interest from Oklahoma is a huge sign that the ceiling on this one could be huge. Great size, athleticism and the frame to add onto. Not too mention it's nice to have one of the local kids say he's always been a Kansas fan and he always knew where he wanted to go. I'm Glad to have Geneo a Jayhawk and look forward to seeing what's to come in his career.