Through the Phog
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National TV love for Kansas football, Chase Harrell

By Stan Unruh

LAWRENCE, KS - SEPTEMBER 02: A pylon sits on the field before the game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks on September 2, 2017 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Brian Davidson/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KS - SEPTEMBER 02: A pylon sits on the field before the game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks on September 2, 2017 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Brian Davidson/Getty Images) /
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There were some outstanding plays in the Kansas football season opening win. Chase Harrell’s one handed touchdown reception continues to get rave reviews.

Kansas football fans are not used to seeing the Jayhawks on national television pre or postgame shows.  On the other hand, the Jayhawks usually get mentioned for futility or some odd reference to former coach Charlie Weis.  Ten years ago, some national commentators would to refer to the team as the Fighting Manginos. I actually liked that.

On Saturday ESPN’s GameDay and especially their College Football Final featured Kansas football. Chase Harrell’s one-handed touchdown grab made the top plays of Saturday’s action. And why not? It was an amazing catch and earned the Jayhawks a touchdown.

The 6-foot 4-inch sophomore’s highlight came with about 9-minutes left in the first quarter. Kansas quarterback Peyton Bender hit Harrell on an 8-yard pass that capped a 34-yard drive. Harrell got his big right hand up just in time to cradle the football and fall into the end zone.

In post game comments, David Beaty said the play did not surprise him, “You know, I saw it, but he’s done it a lot in practice. He’s a long body, big ol’ hands. Looks like a defensive end. The head coach continued.

"That was an unbelievable catch. I thought he was out of bounds until we saw the review. It was a great play."

Before Saturday’s 2 catches, Harrell only caught five passes for the Jayhawks.   As a matter of fact, he makes the most of the passes he does catch. Of the five receptions in twelve games last season, two were for touchdowns.

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Harrell’s ability is even more important as the Jayhawks transition from non-conference to Big 12 play. Quarterback Peyton Bender needs all the big hands and big receivers he can find in Doug Meacham’s Air-Raid offense. I hope Harrell finds the end zone many more times during the 2017 season.

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