First Official 2010 Depth Chart
by Owen on May 7, 2010 8:35 AM CDT
in Kansas Jayhawk Football
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PrintTake this for what it's worth as it's very early, but we've got a depth chart so it could be a fun day of what ifs. The Jayhawks went through the majority of spring with a pretty fluid chart and honestly it didn't seem terribly important to the players or the coaches to come up with a hard and fast "depth chart" during that timeframe.
Now that spring is a wrap and the coaches are on the recruiting trail, it does appear they took a few minutes at the very least to sit down, compare notes and come up with the who's who on the offense and defense. Biggest item of note...no QB1. My thoughts after the jump, but for your viewing pleasure. The depth chart.
| Offense | 1st Team | 2nd Team |
| QB | Kale Pick (SO) OR Jordan Webb (FR) |
|
| FB | Justin Puthoff (FR) |
Steven Foster (JR) |
| RB | Angus Quigley (SR) |
Deshaun Sands (FR) |
| WR | Jonathan Wilson (SR) |
Christian Matthews (FR) |
| WR | Daymond Patterson (JR) |
D.J. Beshears (SO) |
| WR | Bradley McDougald (SO) |
Chris Omigie (FR) |
| TE | Tim Biere (JR) |
A.J. Steward (JR) |
| LT | Tanner Hawkinson (SO) |
Riley Spencer (FR) |
| LG | Sal Capra (SR) |
Duane Zlatnik (SO) |
| C | Jeremiah Hatch (JR) |
Alex Smith (SR) |
| RG | Trevor Marrongelli (SO) |
Micheal Martinovich (JR) |
| RT | Brad Thorson (SR) |
Jeff Spikes (JR) |
| Defense | 1st Team | 2nd Team |
| DE | Jake Laptad (SR) |
Travis Stephens (JR) |
| DT | Patrick Dorsey (JR) |
Jamal Greene (SR) |
| DT | Richard Johnson Jr (JR) |
Darius Parish (SO) |
| DE | Kevin Young (FR) |
Quinton Woods (SR) |
| SLB | Steven Johnson (JR) |
Jacoby Thomas (FR) |
| MLB | Justin Springer (SR) |
Drew Dudley (SR) |
| WLB | Huldon Tharp (SO) |
Josh Richardson (FR) |
| CB | Calvin Rubles (SR) |
Greg Brown (SO) |
| SS | Phillip Storizer (SR) |
Olaitan Oguntodo (SR) |
| FS | Lubbock Smith (SO) |
Prinz Kande (FR) |
| CB | Chris Harris (SR) |
Isiah Barfield (JR) |
First Glance Takeaways
- No Toben Opurum in the backfield? Interesting. Was Angus that impressive or did Toben take a step back. Either way I think the spot is WIDE open and the competition this fall will definitely include Brandon Bourbon and James Sims. Bourbon ran a 4.38 the other day.
- Freshman walkon beats out Steven Foster at fullback. The beginning of a new trend or a motivational tool.
- Glad to see Riley Spencer and Duane Zlatnik make the two deep on the offensive line.
- Kevin Young as the starting end over Woods. Might Woods be a more situational player for us while Young is capable of being an every down type guy.
- No offense to Pat Dorsey or Richard Johnson, but I hope we don't end up with those two starting at DT come fall. Not that they aren't capable, but that means we start TWO undersized players at the position while two monsters make up the second line. Maybe a blend of the four would work?
- If Justin Springer is improved as has been reported, the linebacker unit in place is probably as good as we can hope for. I think this can be a serviceable unit, just not very deep and very young after the starters.
- Safety. Kande backing up Smith. I thought there was a chance we see these two side by side. I'm not a huge believer in Strozier but he is a senior so perhaps he can step up this year.
- I like what we have at corner, jury is still out on everyone except Harris though. I'm just hopeful this doesn't continue to be a revolving door. I'm perfectly fine with changes between now and opening kick, but once we get going I hope we allow these guys the opportunity to learn and grow. Obviously if somethings broken you have to fix it, I just hope we don't have the overreaction that has been customary with these guys.
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Yeah - had the same thoughts as you
especially our RB’s. That said, we’re awfully deep and talented there so I have a feeling this depth chart will be on the training room wall all summer for Toben and others to stare at while they’re doing squats.
The Kansas City Royals; Successfully failing since 1986
one of those that needs to stare long and hard
is Jamal Greene… all we heard was how impressive he was all spring but had times where he didnt give max effort… we need him to step it up and be our run stuffer in the middle
Agreed
I’m surprised that Jamal didn’t learn anything from James McClinton. JM was undersized by his motor never stopped and he outworked everyone. He lead by example as a Senior. Come on Jamal!……channel your inner McClinton!
There simply is no substitute for experience.
If you put McClinton's head, heart and "wont to"....
on/in Jamal’s body..you have an NFL defensive tackle.
53 Conference Championships!! and now 6 IN A ROW!!! Holy Hell...Good Luck with That!!
Maybe he's
a backup until he can prove he can lose a little weight. I know Gill wants him to drop some weight.
I believe that to be the case...
at a few positions on the depth chart.
53 Conference Championships!! and now 6 IN A ROW!!! Holy Hell...Good Luck with That!!
Yup
I had the same thoughts too!
Biggest surprise to me was the FB spot – I thought Foster was a lock.
And I really think we’ll see a true freshman on the 2 deep at the LB spot before fall. We have no depth there. And the starters, except Tharp, are not really inspiring. But a new year brings new hope so hopefully Johnson will prove me wrong and Tharp won’t have a Sophomore slump.
Regarding RB, I know everyone thinks Bourbon is the next best thing to canned beer (pun intended) but I wouldn’t be surpised if he gets redshirted. Or beaten to the field by Sims. I think Opurum, Quigley, Lewis, and Sands are enough depth at RB to carry this team.
There simply is no substitute for experience.
I definitely think...
the overwhelming majority are sleeping on Sims. Both true freshman will compete in my opinion.
53 Conference Championships!! and now 6 IN A ROW!!! Holy Hell...Good Luck with That!!
I'm not doubting Sims at all
but with Bourbon being as stout as he is and running a 4.38, I’d say he’s got the better chance to play immediately. But at the same time I wouldn’t be surprised if both players got playing time this year.
I guess...
I’m speaking more to the casual crowd. You would probably qualify as a more feverish KU football fan so I have no doubt that you are familiar with Sims. And yes…a 4.38 at 220lbs gives him the physical makeup to compete immediately.
53 Conference Championships!! and now 6 IN A ROW!!! Holy Hell...Good Luck with That!!
For sure!
I was huge on Sims when we first recruited him and wrote nothing but good things about him. Never will you hear my knocking him. It’s just after we landed Bourbon, my love for Sims shifted a little bit towards Bourbon. Sims seems like a great every down back but Bourbon seems like a homerun hitter.
From my perspective Bourbon...
is definitely a homerun physically and his measurables are off the charts. He’s like that combine guy you fall in love with before the NFL draft that maybe hasn’t played against the toughest competition.
Sims is a little bit the opposite. Big numbers, big time program and big time competition. Doesn’t jump of the page in terms of the measurables but you kind of get a sense that he has the experience and ability already.
53 Conference Championships!! and now 6 IN A ROW!!! Holy Hell...Good Luck with That!!
This
I’ll repeat myself:
Playing against slow Missouri farmboys < playing against Texas competition
The good news is that we have both Sims and Bourbon!
There simply is no substitute for experience.
You both are absolutely correct
But I’m a numbers guy. Yes, I need to throw in some variables, but I still love Bourbon’s numbers. Hence, why I’m bigger on him than Sims. Either way, KU is VERY lucky to have both.
And I wouldn’t knock farmboys! Jordy Nelson was a farmboy and he made Talib look like a fool on the field.
On one play
Talib also scored a TD in that game on offense and had the game winning pick.
Hardly would call him a “fool” in that game
Shit happens when you win championships
by Andrew Clark on May 7, 2010 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
He still looked like a fool though
he got pretty seriously burned. He took a terrible angle on the route and just didn’t have the closing speed. I think he misunderestimated Nelson’s speed…
The Kansas City Royals; Successfully failing since 1986
Disagree
I don’t think he underestimated Jordy’s speed. He took a chance to make an exceptional play and got burned. It happens when you roll the dice.
There simply is no substitute for experience.
I do get points
for using ‘misunderestimated’ in a sentence though…
The Kansas City Royals; Successfully failing since 1986
Yes, you're very smart.
When is Late Night?
by Bensa on May 7, 2010 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Jordy Nelson Sucked.
Because he played at K-State and that’s what K-State does. No matter how good a player is . . . he sucks if he plays for K-State.
Wait, let me rephrase that . . .
I do have a respect for KSU the way I have respect for the lower rungs of society. The world needs ditch diggers.
I liked their tight end...
the guy who just graduated…
The Kansas City Royals; Successfully failing since 1986
You know what would be sick?
Since we already have a plethora of RBs, if Bourbon wanted to give LB a shot. At 6’2" 220 lbs and can run a sub 4.4 forty. Tell me that doesn’t make your eyes light up and put a big grin on your face!
channeling your inner Mangino are you?
That said, according to Rivet, Bourbon hasn’t played against good competition so his RB skills may be feeble and thus he wouldn’t lose much in a transition to LB.
The Kansas City Royals; Successfully failing since 1986
Easy now
I didn’t say he hasn’t played against good competition. I just don’t think his competition was as good as Sims.
Did you not learn anything from the Golden Boy (Meier) vs Short Kid (Reesing) battle in 2006?
There simply is no substitute for experience.
heh,
my post contained a hint of snark. But what do we know of Bourbon’s peripherals? Does he have the ability or desire to transition? Honestly, I don’t know him that well. He was such a late recruit that I didn’t spend 9 months looking at his profile on Rivals trying glean any tidbit of information I could.
I’d be stoked if he made the transition but only if it worked out for him. If he’s been running the ball since he was 7 and has never played a snap on the defensive side of the ball it might take a while for him to see the field, I just don’t know, but we can’t let an athlete like this just rot on the bench…
The Kansas City Royals; Successfully failing since 1986
I thought he was from Canada...
eh
Shit happens when you win championships
by Andrew Clark on May 7, 2010 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions
I love that idea too...
but I think he’s pretty set on RB
53 Conference Championships!! and now 6 IN A ROW!!! Holy Hell...Good Luck with That!!
I wonder if the coaching staff though does have any notions that they can move some guys around
I mean we are going to have what, like 10 RBs on next year’s roster?
Shit happens when you win championships
by Andrew Clark on May 7, 2010 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions
pretty sure Brandon Bourbon...
made it very clear that he wanted no part of defense. If he did…he might be a Tiger right now.
53 Conference Championships!! and now 6 IN A ROW!!! Holy Hell...Good Luck with That!!
I guess
you never know though. Once a guy gets somewhere and begins to see that his best option to make a lot of money is on defense, then he might change his mind.
53 Conference Championships!! and now 6 IN A ROW!!! Holy Hell...Good Luck with That!!
Who cares about NFL money
When he could save a bunch of money by switching to Gieco!
by MitchumMan on May 7, 2010 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I always feel like...
Somebodys WATCHING MEEEEEEE
Shit happens when you win championships
by Andrew Clark on May 7, 2010 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Didn't
Bourbon have a neck or back injury last year? I think I remember that. If so he might need a red shirt just to get fully healthy again.
Back injury
If I recall correctly, it’s not something that will heal. It’s just something that he’ll have to live and deal with.
There simply is no substitute for experience.
RB? FB? DT? SS?
RB: I think everyone is shocked not to see Opurum’s name up there. That being said, I don’t think he’s the type of back that Gill wants to use in his offense. I truly only see him coming in to wear down the defense and on short yardage situations the most. Bourbon and/or Sims will for sure be competing for a role this year. In an interview with R. Mitchell I heard him saying that we needed one of those two this year. Can’t find the link though.
FB: I was shocked not to see Foster’s name not at number 1 after everything I’ve heard from everyone but maybe the coaching staff sees more potenial with Puthoff.
DT: Wow! Greene and Parish at number 2? Hopefully we’ll be seeing that change before September.
SS: I’m shocked not to see Prinz in the SS spot. Either 1 or 2. I knew there was a battle with Strozier but I figured they would want the Freshman learning that role to possibly move over to that spot next year.
I'm most excited
about seeing Rubles atop the depth chart at CB. I hope it’s for real.
That kid has tremendous size! At the KU/UT game there were a lot of Longhorns asking who that huge CB was for KU. His size just makes him stand out.
There simply is no substitute for experience.
Want to talk about some young depth...?
WR, very nice.
53 Conference Championships!! and now 6 IN A ROW!!! Holy Hell...Good Luck with That!!
Cool to see
Regarding RB:
The LJWorld had a snippet saying that Opurum wasn’t fully healthy in the Spring.
"I wouldn’t say I’m 100 percent. I’m not going to lie to you about that," he said. "But I’m out here, I’m moving around with everybody. We say it every year, but this year I really feel like we have a chance to have great depth with our running backs. We all bring a different style to how we run."
So this may be part of the reason Opurum isn’t listed.
Another interesting note to me. Christian Matthews as WR2 over the likes of Erik McGriff and other returning WR’s, interesting to watch because we definitely have plenty of playmakers, with Keeston Terry joining the fold in the Summer.
Can’t wait!
by I need more Esteban on May 7, 2010 10:56 AM CDT reply actions
I think Toben is probably...
also getting back his conditioning. Being on crutches, in a boot and not going through the full blown winter workouts might have set him back. If he can get himself back in a good spot physically this fall I think he’ll have a good chance to be our starter.
53 Conference Championships!! and now 6 IN A ROW!!! Holy Hell...Good Luck with That!!
But
Tharp was also injured during the spring and he still made the depth chart.
It’s puzzling.
There simply is no substitute for experience.
we're also a lot thiner at LB
so it’s not that much of a stretch.
The Kansas City Royals; Successfully failing since 1986
and maybe they see the RB spot more competitive,
so saying “look out guys, you better stay sharp b/c Toben’s coming back soon” and making sure Toben knows he has to work his way back into the depth chart after the injury is the motivational ploy
by SagehenMacGyver47 on May 7, 2010 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I think when it is said and done
our RB depth will be:
Opurum (15 carries a game) – Lewis (6 carries) Sands (third down back, few carries, receptions, etc). From the spring game and the Arrowhead game last year, I want Lewis to get some carries. He has good vision and balance of speed and power. I think a three deep rotation at RB like that would be pretty decent and possibly allow us to RS a young back or two
Shit happens when you win championships
No Quigley?
I’m not advocating for him but he’s currently #1, you think he’ll just get pushed out?
by I need more Esteban on May 7, 2010 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions
And you can't throw out Bourbon or Sims!!!
Freshmen or not, one of those guys at least will contribute this year. Mark my word!!!
I don't
On the contrary, I think he’ll step up and provide Senior leadership. He won’t get a ton of carries, but he’ll make the most of the ones he does get.
At least that’s my hope. You can’t help but root for a kid like that.
There simply is no substitute for experience.
Do we have any history on how Gill structures a backfield rotation?
(thinking HCBS here) Does Gill use only 2 guys? Does he use 4 if all of them are good enough? Does he look for a change of pace? Maybe the people over at the Buffalo blog would know?
by SagehenMacGyver47 on May 7, 2010 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Go ask them!
Now. Please? Now
Shit happens when you win championships
by Andrew Clark on May 7, 2010 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Some thoughts
Patrick Dorsey played well the first couple of games and then just disappeared last year. I’m not surprised to see him in the 2 deep. I doubt he stays a starter but I think he gets lots of minutes.
Where is Patmon?
Torbush said we were 6 deep at linebacker. It looks like Johnson is a playmaker and with Tharp having a year under his belt I think this group could be dependable.
Lot of options at corner...
Patmon is a name not on the list…so is Davis and Murphy both played some last year.
53 Conference Championships!! and now 6 IN A ROW!!! Holy Hell...Good Luck with That!!
A guy over on phog.net just posted the following inside info . . .
I was on campus briefly today and spoke to a starter, and his thoughts were the following:
All 4 DT’s and DE’s listed will get substantial PT. Laptad is the only one who is pretty much never coming out unless he is dead tired or hurt. Kevin Young has also made some very impressive strides this offseason.
Kande as of now according to this player has not quite “gotten it” and thus is behind Smith as opposed to taking Strozier’s spot. Also said TG values experience over talent in some areas ASSUMING the discrepancy is not that great between the two.
Quigley is killing guys in practice, and will get serious carries alongside TO. As of now Lewis and Sands are being used as scatbacks. Obviously the depth chart at RB isn;t accurate given injuries.
The coaches are pretty sure they want to move Spikes over to guard, and according to a OL who was there during this conversation, “they’re still trying to figure things out” (meaning the coaches on who to play and where on the OL)
Beshears vault from way down the depth chart due to some minor disciplinary issues off-season shows how good he is. “Smoke” is how he was described to me when I asked today how fast he was.
This starter said Dudley will definitnely start once he gets healthy, but that “we have several good LB’s” Said Tharp has continuous injury issues which may keep him from earning a lot of playing time since the new staff really hasn’t had a chance to evaluate him in person. Also said S. Johnson looked really good.
Said Foster as 2nd team FB is a motivational ploy, that he hasn;t been too “into” spring ball/. Hopes this is simply a hangover from the MM era, as Foster was one of the few guys who was really, REALLY burned out last fall. Said when he’s into it Foster can flat out lay the wood.
by ISellDrugs on May 7, 2010 12:57 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I really wish I'd had a conflict with the spring game...
I want my offseason optimism back.
not the first time I've heard that.
53 Conference Championships!! and now 6 IN A ROW!!! Holy Hell...Good Luck with That!!
Just think how happy you'll be when we over achieve your current expectations!
There simply is no substitute for experience.
who are you and what have you done with Rivet
53 Conference Championships!! and now 6 IN A ROW!!! Holy Hell...Good Luck with That!!
by Owen on May 7, 2010 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
So little time, so much to respond to.
I’m still optimistic after the Spring game.
I didn’t put too much stock into the Spring game. The guys are running a whole new set of plays. It looked like the players were basically going through a walk through and having to think before acting on offense. We may not be terribly crisp early in the year next season, but the details should get ironed out over the course of the year.
On the flipside, the defense got burned a couple of times, but overal was already reacting very quickly. It looks like the D will be extremely simple and will rely on superior athleticism to beat the opponent. It’s probably not going to work on every team, but I think it can definitely create some opportunties for big plays once the blitz packages are installed.
As for the depth chart. Not surprised at all to see Quigley on the first team after the Spring. With Mangino gone he just seems like he’s got a whole new lease on life, and is playing with a chip on his shoulder.
With the new RB’s coming in, I definitely lean in the direction of Bourbon being the guy to get early playing time, so that may cut into Quigley’s carries a bit.
There’s something to be said for the level of competition in Texas making a difference, but if you’re comparing the Sims vs. Bourbon situation to the Meier vs. Reesing situation you are really comparing apples and oranges. Even in the state of Texas Reesing wasn’t just some middle of the road quarterback. You’re talking about the Texas 4A offensive player of the year. Height was absolutely the only factor that kept him from being the next big thing at Texas, Texas A&M, or Oklahoma.
Furthermore, Bourbon has already shown that he can compete with the big dogs by destroying the competition in the Nike combine. Even if the football competition in Missouri wasn’t that great, he’s definitely shown that he’s not just a track athlete that becomes a fish out of water on the football field. Add his incredible physical attributes to a solid football IQ and you have the recipe for a back that really should have been a 5 star. I love the fact that we finally have one of those Vince Youngesque players that looks like he’s jogging while everyone chasing him gets left in the dust.
BTW, he received successful treatment for the back problem, so it shouldn’t be an issue. Cross your fingers.
As many have eluded to already, the two smaller DT’s on the depth chart certainly caught my eye as well. Looks to me like Gill is trying to get a pass rush any way he can in the pass heavy Big Twelve. Judging from the inside info above I’d imagine that we’ll probably trade out for the bigger guys on teams that like to pound the ball up the middle, or in short yardage situations.
My brother is friends with Olaitan Oguntodu, so I’ve got a soft spot for him and love seeing him make the depth chart. The defense we’re running now is apparently very similar to the defense that he excelled in in high school. He’s also a religious person, so having a holy warrior like Gill to follow has got him amped up and ready to go to war. I expect to see him laying the wood more than a few times this year.
All in all, after seeing our current roster in the form of a depth chart, it’s kind of surprising to see how much talent we actually have on this roster. Let’s just hope I’m right about the offense needing time to gel. Otherwise, it’s going to be frustrating watching this much talent go to waste.
great stuff...
I think you’ll be a welcome addition around here. Take advantage of the fanpost section if you’ve every got some info, insight or anything you feel like chatting it up about.
53 Conference Championships!! and now 6 IN A ROW!!! Holy Hell...Good Luck with That!!
Why bother putting Quigley back at RB?
Opurum looked great in his fill-ins for Sharp while he was hurt, and it’s already a deep position without him.
AC0000000
Next Year
If that's where he is best...
it’s never a bad thing to have added depth. Plus, if we’re being honest about our depth at running back here’s what we have.
Toben Opurum, effective..but is he an every down back or does he wear down.
Rell Lewis – unproven
Deshaun Sands – unproven
Brandon Bourbon – unproven
James Sims – unproven
Angus Quigley – unproven
It would be one thing if we had a few players in that mix with more meaningful snaps at the position but the fact is, Quigley probably has the second most snaps if not the most over his career.
53 Conference Championships!! and now 6 IN A ROW!!! Holy Hell...Good Luck with That!!
Interesting
I wonder if he’ll be able to wrestle at heavyweight next year instead of 189, so that he can start putting on the weight necessary to be a D-1 LB. If not, he’ll definitely be a project.
You can never have too much talent.
by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on May 7, 2010 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions
wrestling heavyweight is a HUGE difference
from 189. Still can’t believe that my football weight was 160 and my wrestling weight was 145. Crazy days, I don’t missing running in the dead of winter while wrapped in glad wrap.
The Kansas City Royals; Successfully failing since 1986
I was going to say that I knew KS has 215
but didn’t know about Oklahoma.
Glad I came, just wish I hadn't stayed so long.
People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.
Interesting
I know nothing about wrestling. He should do that, then. In general, do you guys think that his wrestling coach would be cool with that? How much say does an athlete (especially an elite athlete that already has a state championship under his belt) have in what class they go out for?
You can never have too much talent.
by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on May 9, 2010 1:03 AM CDT up reply actions
I'd say it depends a lot on what the kid wants to do and his natural build.
The article about his commit on KUsports said he also runs the mile in track, so I can’t imagine he’s a guy that has to cut much weight. So if he can get up to 215, I’ll be he wrestles there. If he’s still around 195, he can cut to 189 without losing anything physically.
Glad I came, just wish I hadn't stayed so long.
People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.
Miler or quarter miler
It could be that he is a miler, but if you remove one “the” from the sentence it would mean that he ran the sprint medley (quarter mile or less) and mile relay (quarter) – even tho most places run the 4×400(440).
It will come down to a lot of factors.
Wrestling is a pretty big deal in Oklahoma (much more than in Kansas), and the fact that he won a state title his junior year might mean that he comes from a wrestling family that places a heavy emphasis on the sport. A lot of the kids at that level have been wrestling since they were four years old. Of course the fact that he won a state title in Oklahoma as a junior also speaks volumes about his athleticism.
I would think that most high school wrestling coaches would support a kid like this whichever way he wanted to go. It’s also worth pointing out that last year he really didn’t drop that much weight to wrestle at 189. I would think that most elite high school wrestlers in that weight class would naturally weigh over 200 lbs to begin with, so he’s obviously not a guy who needs to cut a lot of weight to be successful.
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