Kansas Jayhawks Q&A: Will Jalon Daniels play vs. UCF? And who replaces Arterio Morris?
The Kansas Jayhawks football team looks to get back on track Saturday against UCF after losing 40-14 at Texas last weekend.
KU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will scrimmage Friday as part of Late Night in the Phog — the Jayhawks’ annual basketball-tipoff event.
It’s a busy couple of days for Kansas Athletics.
Good thing it’s time for another Kansas Jayhawks Q&A. As always, thank you for the questions!
KU is down to 10 available scholarship players following the dismissal of Morris, so that’s a great question. Kansas coach Bill Self said the team might add someone, but not immediately.
“What we could do is be open to bring somebody in at Christmas,” Self said. You could do that and then you could add some depth on the perimeter and eliminate some of that (depth problem) if that is an option. Right now, we are certainly looking at that.”
Self also reiterated that forward Zach Clemence will still redshirt and freshman Jamari McDowell will not.
I’d say the percentage that he plays is less than 30%. He didn’t practice Monday and KU offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki said Daniels’ status hadn’t changed on Wednesday.
Multiple reports emerged Thursday that backup Jason Bean will start vs UCF. So, never say never, but I’d be shocked if Jalon plays.
UCF’s offensive line ranks No. 57 in the nation for sacks surrendered (nine), so it’s pretty middle-of-the-pack. The Knights’ O-line really shines in the run game, creating holes for UCF’s backs: The Knights average more than 250 rushing yards per game.
Meanwhile, KU’s defensive line looks much improved over last season. The Jayhawks are tied for No. 38 in the country in sacks (13).
UCF’s defensive line is athletic and lengthy. The Knights are tied with the Jayhawks in total sacks but will have their hands full against one of the best offensive lines in the Big 12. Kansas has allowed just five sacks this season, ranking No. 19 overall.
Both leading members of the Jayhawks’ running back duo — Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw — are on pace for career seasons, thanks in part to the large holes created by KU’s offensive line.
The hype around Johnny Furphy is undeniable. He has drawn praise from KU coaches and new teammates since arriving on campus this summer.
Self and McCullar raved about Furphy on Tuesday.
“He’s very, very bright and has great feel. Physical strength will be the one thing that would probably hold him back a little bit if anything, just because he has a body like Svi,” Self said “Svi early in his career could get knocked around a little bit, but Johnny is going to be a really good player.”
“He’s been great coming in and learning so fast. His basketball IQ is on a whole ‘nother level,” McCullar added. “He’s going to be a great player for us this year. We’re definitely going to need him.”
When you watch his highlights, Furphy appears to be not only athletic but hoops-smart. He’s consistently making the right play, and his high basketball IQ is always on display.
Just 18, Furphy already seems to be well ahead of schedule compared to other players his age. In fact, his relative youth has only fueled more hype.
