The Rock Chalkboard

Bill Hensley Run-N-Slam: Talking 2023, J.J. Taylor leads the pack
Each year the Bill Hensley Run-N-Slam provides a stage for young talent from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin and other Midwest states to gain early national exposure. While some players from the class of 2023 like five-star small forward J.J. Taylor have already put themselves on the map, several more took the opportunity to get on the radar with their weekend play.

A look at the Kansas football defense's dominant spring game
Don't expect to learn anything from the final score of the Kansas football spring game. The wacky scoring format, which awarded points for multiple first downs and big plays on offense — plus TFLs, turnovers and stops on defense, among other things — resulted in a 74-42 final line, in favor of the defense.

Kansas players share first impressions of new coach Lance Leipold
“He seems like a really great guy,” said tight end Mason Fairchild. “I feel like he’s going to be a really great fit for us. The way he spoke, I think it clicked with some of our guys. I’m excited to see where we’re going to go with him.”

Spring game breakdown: Position-by-position look at Kansas' defense
The defense fared well at the point of attack. Marcus Harris was a difference maker even though he didn't have huge stats (2.5 tackles, 1 TFL). Jereme Robinson was a beast up front, posting four tackles for loss. Malcolm Lee read a short pass to a running back and picked it off and DaJon Terry continued to impress, posting two tackles for loss.

New Kansas coach Lance Leipold opens up on joining football program
"We're so excited to welcome he and his amazing family to Lawrence," Goff said. "Incredible man of integrity. Shined through every step of the way. ... He's a proven winner and program builder. Done it at multiple levels, and he's done it multiple ways as well."

Kansas football players reflect on Emmett Jones' time as interim coach
Emmett Jones gave a passionate address following the Kansas football spring game. He spoke to the entire team before telling the defense to go celebrate with the spring game trophy. Then he led the team in a prayer and was greeted by player after player, and coach after coach, as he made his way off the field.

Kansas' 2021 signees talk first interaction with Lance Leipold
"I think it's a great hire," said Neal, who added he'll be up on campus on June 5. "We've had a brief Zoom call with the '21 class and he seems full speed ahead. I can't wait to be part of the team and see just how far we go."

2022 OL Cory Hendrix decommits from Kansas following coaching change
"After talking with my family, I’ve decided to de-commit from the University of Kansas," Hendrix wrote on Twitter. "My recruitment is now 100% open. Thanks for the support."

Lance Leipold's salary, buyout totals revealed
According to Phog.net’s Scott Chasen, Leipold will be paid $2.2 million as a starting salary, a number that will increase by $200,000 each year until 2024. At that point, Leipold’s salary will increase by $300,000 for one year, and then revert to $200,000 increases the next year, per Chasen. Kansas will owe Leipold 70% of his remaining contract amount if it chooses to terminate him without cause, per Chasen.

Bits o Chalk

At least 4 killed and 25 injured when overcrowded boat overturns off San Diego coast in apparent smuggling operation - CBS News
At least four people were killed and 25 others injured when a "severely overcrowded" boat they were on overturned Sunday morning off the coast of San Diego during a suspected smuggling incident, officials said.

Migrants Separated From Their Children Will Be Allowed Into U.S. - The New York Times
A handful of parents from Mexico and Central America who were deported under the Trump administration’s family separation policy will be reunited this week with their children.

Gianforte approves limiting sex change on birth certificates | Daily Inter Lake
Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a bill Friday requiring a person to have gender reassignment surgery before changing the sex marker on their birth certificate, despite outcry from opponents who say it targets already marginalized transgender people in Montana.

Thousands of revelers attend music festival in Wuhan
Around 11,000 revelers packed in to watch acts take the stage for the first day of the Wuhan Strawberry Music Festival on Saturday.