Kansas Football: Players React To Hiring Of Charlie Weis

The Kansas players are about two weeks removed from the removal of former coach Turner Gill from the head job. While the move was necessary this was a team that did seem to support Gill while understanding the business side of college sports and the need to move on. It is definitely a different situation than two years ago when Gill took over for Mangino. Following the introduction of Weis, Kansas players had a chance to meet with the media and give their thoughts on the hire.

Senior Wide Receiver Kale Pick

On his reaction to Charlie Weis being hired:

"I was excited, he has a great resume, he's coached a lot of great players and he has had a lot of success at the collegiate and NFL levels. The players are really excited to learn from what he brings to the table."

On the intensity he will bring:

"It was something that I was expecting; we have to have a great and effective offseason this year, and I'm looking forward to it. I'm glad Coach Weis thinks that way, and I'm glad that we will have a tough offseason."

On the players' attitude through the coaching change:

"All of us are ready to pull our sleeves up and we are ready to go to work. We want to win as badly as anyone else; we're ready for the offseason, we're ready to come back in January and be ready to go to work."

On having a nationally recognized coach:

"It feels kind of funny; I remember when he got hired at Notre Dame and that was big news. I remember when he went to the (Kansas City) Chiefs; I was excited about that because I'm a Chiefs' fan. Now he is at Kansas, and we are really lucky to have him here."

Senior Offensive Lineman Duane Zlatnik

On his reaction to Charlie Weis being hired:

"I am really excited because he is a pretty big name coming in here. I think everybody is pretty excited about the change, we're ready to move on and start work for next season."

On what it means to have a nationally recognized coach:

"I think it's good for the program and everyone in it, it will get us some publicity. I think it's good for the University and everybody involved."

Senior Defensive End Toben Opurum

On the day's events:

"I think today he just wanted us to get to know him a bit and really set the bar for what he wants and what he expects from us. Things are going to change a bit around here, for the better."

On his impression of Coach Weis:

"It is kind of what I expected, I have known Coach Weis for a while and he has the same attitude from when I met him a couple years back. We have a clear understanding of what it is that he wants. Things aren't going to be easy, but with the situation that we are in, going 2-10, it is not going to be easy to come out of. We are all going to be ready to work and get back on the other side."

On what he thought of Weis when he was recruited by him:

"He is the same guy I met a couple of years ago. He is straight-forward and honest, that is just the type of guy he is. He has a lot of credibility for that. We know what he wants and it is not going to be easy to get there."

On if he was keeping track of the coaching search:

"Some guys were more than others. We all have the internet; we all read things that people say, but you try not to get too involved in it. I had my eyes on it a bit just to see what was going on. I saw his name pop up and Dr. Zenger thinks he is a good fit. We will see in years to come."

Sophomore Defensive Back Victor Simmons

On the mindset of the team:

"There is always certain things that get certain guys going, so I am sure there are guys out there that are motivated and there are guys out there that are a little iffy. Everyone will come around eventually and we will see how this all works out."

On how he feels being a younger player:

"I am just here to learn from the older players, because they have been through this before. I am just going to take advice from them and see how we can cope with this situation."

On possible turnover of the team:

"There is of course a few guys that are shying away from the situation, but we are going to see who sticks around and who decides to leave. We are going to move on."

On the process of getting a new coach:

"It is a little bit stressful, not having a coach, but I couldn't think of anyone else that I would rather see here. He is a great coach. If you say his name, everyone knows who he is, so we are going to see what he can do here."