Special Teams almost set, except....

by I need more Esteban on Aug 15, 2009 1:52 PM CDT

Check out http://kansas.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=975231 for a good little article on the Special Teams early on in Ku's camp. It discusses the advantage of having returning players on the unit as opposed to last season. Jacob Branstetter returns at kicker, Alonso Rojas at Punter, and Daymond Patterson seems to have a hold on the Punt Returning duties after handling it for much of last season. The only question remains: Who will return kicks?

Special Teams coach Louis Matsakis had this to say:

"The first meeting I had with the kickoff return unit I said that we will start with six guys back there and going into the week before the first game there are no 1's, no 2's, and it is open competition," Matsakis said. "We're going to see what guy gives us the best chance."

Apparently the list includes: Dezmon Briscoe, Darrell Stuckey, Jon Wilson, D.J. Beshears, Daymond Patterson, and Bradley MacDouglad.

A good list of players, including a few stars of our team which could be a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it. I had completely forgotten about D.J. Beshears, an incoming freshman WR, apparently turned CB before the season (I'm not sure we have conformation on what position he is playing in camp?)

My inclination is to say no on Briscoe, Stuckey, or Wilson because of injury risk and general fatigue. But, if they give us the best chance then we'll probably have to do it. We all saw what Dez returning kicks against Mizzou did for us last season.

Poll

Who do you want to see returning kicks for the Jayhawks in 2009?

Dezmon Briscoe

3 votes

Darrell Stuckey

0 votes

Jon Wilson

2 votes

D.J Beshears

2 votes

Daymond Patterson

1 votes

Bradley MacDougald

11 votes

19 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I said...

McDougald. Just seems like from everything that’s coming out of summer and practice that he is not likely to redshirt and I think the return game is one area he can help us out a lot at as a true freshman.

Also, Beshears is working with the DB’s at the moment. That was the intention when he was recruited and while it may change, I don’t see there being any urgent need to switch him this year so they’ll probably give it a go.

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Owen on Aug 15, 2009 3:29 PM CDT reply actions

I'd go with MacDougald as well

getting him in the game as a kick returner seems like a great way to transition him into the college game. He starts out with that and that is the kind of job you can see leading to him being used as a 4th or 5th receiver as well.

No on Briscoe and Stuckey because I don’t want them getting hurt.

No on Patterson because he’s a CB and already doing Punt returner, let him stay focused on that job, althought I wouldn’t be really opposed to it.

Wouldn’t have a problem with Beshears if he can handle the job.

I’m definitely excited to see who wins out.

by I need more Esteban on Aug 15, 2009 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions