Big surprise has big impact for Kansas football
By Stan Unruh
Four Kansas football players received incredibly good news Friday night. The rest of us are enjoying their reaction via social media.
Watching walk-on player reactions when they are surprised with scholarships never gets old. Kansas football coach David Beaty used the team’s trip to KU night at Kaufman Stadium Friday to reward four players. The reaction from punter Cole Moos, defensive end Mazin Aql, offensive lineman Beau Lawrence and running back Reese Randall was worth a million bucks.
These volunteer players expected to sign a few autographs, watch defensive end Dorance Armstrong throw out the first pitch to Daniel Wise and see the game. They did and so much more on a night that many will never forget.
There are many creative ways coaches use to inform walk-on players they earned a scholarship. I’ve watched dozens of these coach inspired presentations over the years on television. Beaty and staff deserve credit for coming up with one of the best. The Royals Twitter account captured the moment when the names of the four appeared on the Kaufman stadium video board in the middle of the game.
Other than Moos, the team’s punter, these student athletes won’t get any playing time. On the other hand, they are a very important part of the Kansas football program. Beaty honoring them in this way is great for the Kansas football team.
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There is still a lot to learn about Beaty and this year’s team. The program took a big step last forward last season and most of expect a bigger step in 2017. I am continually impressed with what Beaty does off the field. I also believe great moments like Friday night will eventually lead to success for Kansas football on the field.