Spring football notebook
- May. 2, 2012
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With the Spring Football season in the books, it now falls onto the players’ shoulders to continue improving until the coaches can resume practices in the fall. In the spring game, the Jayhawks looked like they made great strides, but summer training will show how disciplined the team became in the first few months under Charlie Weis.
Freshman quarterback Michael Cummings runs with the ball in the spring game at Memorial Stadium Saturday afternoon. -Tara Bryant
Offense:
Dayne Crist: Crist looked good in the spring game and Weis frequently praised the quarterback he initially recruited to Notre Dame out of high school. In the spring game, he moved around well in the pocket, and made the throws he needed to make. At the same time, the spring game defense was far less skilled than anything he will face this season. The real proving ground for Crist won’t come until the regular season starts. He has to prove he has the mentality to become a player who can succeed in games after struggling to establish himself during his time at Notre Dame.
Mike Cummings: Cummings is in position as the number two quarterback, and Jayhawk fans should not fret too much about his lack of production in the spring game, as he was playing with the less talented white squad. Third string quarterback Blake Jablonski didn’t do anything special that would apply pressure to Cummings’ spot. After the game, Weis came quickly to Cummings’ defense and praised his strong arm. Cummings’ biggest competition will come when Junior College transfer Turner Baty arrives on campus in the fall. Baty’s biggest advantage is that, while Cummings spent last season as a red shirt, Baty gained starting experience playing in game situations, leading his team to an undefeated 12-0 record.
Marquis Jackson: Jackson showed promise in the spring game, reverting back to his running back roots. Weis might use Jackson and his bigger body more in short yardage situations, which would give him plenty of opportunities to bruise his way across the goal line. While he scored three touchdowns, at times he looked unsure, clearly showing signs that the transition is not complete.
Special Teams:
Last year Alex Mueller started the season as the place kicker before being replaced by punter Ron Doherty towards the end of the season. While Doherty made three of his four kicks, neither player has truly established himself as the go-to guy in the clutch. In order for the Jayhawks to compete week each week, they’ll need a guy they can turn to if the situation calls for a last minute field goal. As the Boise State Bronco’s have shown the past two years, a reliable kicker can be the difference between a BCS birth and a spot in the MAACO Bowl in Las Vegas. But honestly, the Jayhawks will be happy if their season ends in any bowl this year.
Edited by Jeff Karr
