Kansas Jayhawks Q&A: Jalon Daniels injury, best-case record for KU football and more
The Kansas football team held its media day this week, and the Jayhawks are two weeks away from their first matchup of the 2023 season against Missouri State.
The Jayhawks are hoping to build on last year’s bowl season, despite a camp injury to Jalon Daniels that continues to linger. The Jayhawks’ schedule gets tough in a hurry, with a matchup against Illinois after the FCS opener, followed by the first road test of the season.
Oh, and there was some stadium news this week, if you (somehow) missed it.
With the season approaching, here are some names from around the roster I expect to play a big role in the 2023 season...
Offense: Jason Bean, quarterback
It’s well-documented how fast backup quarterback Jason Bean is — and how versatile he is.
Not to mention, he’s the backup to star quarterback Jalon Daniels, who is currently recovering from the aforementioned back injury. Bean’s role will be pivotal to the success of Kansas football.
He made the decision to return for his final season in Lawrence after the Jayhawks’ bowl-game loss to Arkansas. He says he’s not back for redemption despite sailing a pass on the Jayhawks’ final two-point attempt in that 55-53 loss.
Instead, he says it’s all about being with his teammates for one more year.
Bean’s return is big for KU for multiple reasons. He’s a capable quarterback who can step in if Daniels is injured. Second, he’s so fast the coaching staff has him taking snaps at multiple positions.
Oh, and it sounds like he’s made a ton of progress this offseason.
“Probably in all the years I’ve coached — nearly 30 years — out of all of the guys, he might have made the most progress,” KU quarterbacks coach Jim Zebrowski said on Thursday.
Defense: Devin Phillips, defensive lineman
According to his teammates and the KU coaching staff, Colorado State transfer Devin Phillips has had a great camp.
After the departure of KU sack leader Lonnie Phelps to the NFL, the biggest question surrounding Kansas has been how good the defensive line will be. Will the Jayhawks be able to manufacture pressure without dialing up blitzes?
Phillips, who has started every game in his college career (36), should immediately help lessen those concerns.
“Devin Phillips has been the one addition in so many different ways (that) has really helped the defensive line take the next step,” coach Lance Leipold said.
Special teams: Damon Greaves, punter
Ideally, you don’t want to use your punter at all, but Australian punter Damon Greaves has boomed some monstrous punts at camp — Australian-rugby style.
He’s also adjusted well to American culture. Well, Lawrence is the only American town he’s ever been in.)
Still, he’s enjoyed it. According to Leipold, Greaves has been better than he expected.
With that, it’s time for another Kansas Jayhawks Q&A. As always, thank you for the questions!
There have been a couple, but the biggest one by far is offensive lineman Calvin Clements.
Not only is Clements getting snaps with the second unit, he’s received rave reviews from the coaching staff and teammates that he’s well ahead of schedule.
None whatsoever, at least at this point.
I anticipate Daniels to be ready to start in two weeks. Leipold isn’t exactly worried either — or at least he isn’t expressing his concern. He said Daniels should return to practice by this weekend or early next weekend.
What about the man himself?
“I’m feeling good, honestly,” Daniels said Wednesday. “(I’m) just staying in contact with the trainers and just waiting for them to be able to let me get back.
When asked by a reporter what his status would be if there were a game this week, Daniels said he would “absolutely” play.
As for the season opener?
“I’m feeling pretty confident,” Daniels said.
Flory Flush. Alliteration rules. Next question.
Call me Doctor Strange because I’ve run 14,000,605 possible scenarios and seen every possible scenario play out.
Unfortunately, I can’t reveal what I’ve learned, as then it will affect the timelines. Guess you will just have to wait to find out what happens.
Really, though, let’s take a second to think about the absolute best-case scenario for KU. A lot has to go right — obviously — but is there a path for everything to hit and KU to compete for a Big 12 title? Could KU go, say, 10-2 this year, similar to K-State going 9-3 in the regular season last year?
Here’s what it would take.
First, Daniels stays healthy the entire season and finds himself in Heisman contention, leading a top-10 offense for a second straight year. The running back tandem of Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw combine for more than 2,000 yards on the ground. The KU tight end room continues to be major strength and leads the conference in touchdowns again.
On the flip side, the defense goes from ranked No. 127 in total defense to a top-75 defense brought on by the onset of transfers and internal growth. Using the linebackers to blitz proves key in manufacturing pressure, and KU solves its biggest question mark.
The defensive backs remain a strength with Cobee Bryant and Kenny Logan starring in the secondary.
KU’s special teams takes a huge leap forward under special assistant Sean Snyder. Texas State transfer and starting kicker Seth Keller helps improves the unit from one of the worst in the conference to near the top, and his leg allows Kansas to win multiple close games and steal some victories.
That’s the path to a dream season.
Ultimately, I think Kansas’ success next season is going to come down to Daniels’ health and the defense’s improvement. If both things happen, this team should be much better than last year and finish with a better record despite the tough schedule.
