Monday Rock Chalk Roundup — 7.18.16

Rock Chalk Roundup: Big 12 Football Offseason Storylines, KU Football Arrives in Dallas, Svi puts up a double-double and much more.

Matt Tait of the Lawrence Journal World: “Banks will be the first to tell you that he does not put too much stock in tracking his status on the depth chart or where he stands with the coaches. His philosophy is simple: Go out and work every day and the rest takes care of itself. That mentality, however natural it may be, has, by default, put Banks into a bit of a leadership role on the KU O-Line. He’ll never be the guy who yells and screams at a teammate or grabs someone’s face mask, but he will show others what he believes should be done play in, play out, day in and day out. Whether that’s playing hard through the end of the whistle or playing smart before the ball is even snapped, Banks believes it all contributes greatly to both how well the offensive line executes its job and, in turn, how confident that group is when going about it.”

Kevin Haskin of the Topeka Capital Journal: “The one problem resulting from this offseason move is Beaty no longer has a scapegoat. He cannot point to coordinator Rob Likens, or another offensive assistant, and attribute punchless production to their schemes. Instead, it’s all on Beaty — a tall task after the Jayhawks ranked 114th or worse nationally last season in total offense (331.5 ypg.), rushing offense (112.9) and scoring offense (15.3 ppg.). KU also ranked 69th in passing with a 218.6-yard average and returns an incumbent starter, Ryan Willis, and a veteran starter, Montell Cozart, at quarterback. In Beaty’s mind, experience at quarterback (and other offensive positions) is worth much more than any stir created by him assuming play-calling responsibilities. That, and placing an unusual label — “walk-around guy” — on Likens.”

Big 12 Media Day if officially underway today. Take a look at the top offseason storylines.

Tom Keegan of the Lawrence Journal World: “And now I move much better and I’m not slouchy and tired and my back’s not hurting, things like that,” Williams said. “I came a long ways. When I first got here, I wasn’t hard-working like I am now. My high school coaches did a good job of preparing me, I just wasn’t big on the weight room in high school. I was one of those when I’d get on the field I’d make things happen kind of guys.” Williams said he is able to squat 490 pounds now, compared to 275 pounds when he arrived. If Williams can approach the extent of the forward leap he has made in the weight room on the field, the defensive line shapes up as the team’s best unit. Sophomore Dorance Armstrong, an undersized defensive end as a true freshman and still able to show serious talent in flashes, has grown to 241 pounds. Seniors Anthony Olobia and Damani Mosby compete for time at the other defensive end and red-shirt sophomore Daniel Wise, the first Workout Warrior of the Week selected by Jackson, is one of the more promising players on the defense.”

All-Access with Cheick Diallo

Svi had 14 points and 11 rebounds in Ukraine’s 70-68 loss to Slovenia.

Brian Pederson of Bleacher Report: “Bill Self’s avoidance of relying too much on one scorer has kept Kansas from having someone average 18 points per game since Sherron Collins, but Jackson has a shot. It will help if the Jayhawks have reliable post scorers instead of cycling through a series of players, as was the case in 2015-16, since that will enable Jackson to stay more on the perimeter where he can produce more efficiently.”