University of Kansas

Video: Kansas coordinator Rob Likens describes Jayhawks’ new spread offense


Kansas quarterback Montell Cozart shook off a tackle by West Virginia’s Darwin Cook of West Virginia during the first half. The Kansas Jayhawks defeated the West Virginia Mountaineers, 31-19, at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence.
Kansas quarterback Montell Cozart shook off a tackle by West Virginia’s Darwin Cook of West Virginia during the first half. The Kansas Jayhawks defeated the West Virginia Mountaineers, 31-19, at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence. skeyser@kcstar.com

Four days into fall camp, Kansas offensive coordinator Rob Likens is still learning about his two true freshmen quarterbacks, Ryan Willis and Carter Stanley. But a general theme emerged Monday, when Likens spoke to reporters before the Jayhawks’ fourth practice of the fall.

It won’t be easy for a true freshman to win the starting job — at least right out of the gate.

“I’m not saying it can’t be done,” Likens said, “but it’s just very unique.”

The main reason: Time.

There is approximately four weeks between the start of fall camp and the first week of the season. The first of those weeks, Likens says, is spent installing the offense. And the last is used for game prep. That leaves just two weeks to beat out any incumbents.

“This is why you don’t see many starting, true freshman quarterbacks out there across the country,” Liken said.

Watch Likens discuss the Jayhawks’ new up-tempo spread offense and his thoughts on the quarterback race, including Willis, Stanley and juco transfer Deondre Ford.

KU offensive coordinator Rob Likens discusses offense, QB battle 

This story was originally published August 10, 2015 at 3:15 PM with the headline "Video: Kansas coordinator Rob Likens describes Jayhawks’ new spread offense."

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