Last weekend, Kansas Football’s spring game gave us our first look at this fall’s team. The defense won in dominating fashion 74-42 to secure the comedically large trophy.
The game was played one day after the school announced Lance Leipold as the new head coach. Though an intrasquad scrimmage, it gave us some insight into this year’s team.
Defense flew around the field
The defense dominated, with 21 tackles-for-loss, 6 sacks, and 3 interceptions.
Kyron Johnson had 7.5 tackles and 2 sacks while Malcolm Lee and freshmen Jacobee Bryant and Johnquai Lewis had interceptions.
To the 🏡! #RockChalk
— Kansas Football (@KU_Football) May 1, 2021
@jacobeebryant33 steps in front of the pass and takes it all the way for six! pic.twitter.com/nVASGEeRQn
The defense was active and controlled the tone as the front seven applied constant heavy pressure. The defensive line looked improved, though the struggling offensive line may skew perceptions.
Offensive line struggles may continue
The offensive line difficulties continued on Saturday as the Jayhawk defense won in the trenches and looked quicker off the snap.
To open up the passing game, the offensive line must keep the pocket clean, essential to the development of KU’s young quarterbacks. The offense, particularly the passing game, will continue struggling barring improvement.
Huggins and Pesek-Hickson made impacts on offense
Despite offensive struggles, freshmen Will Huggins and Amauri Pesek-Hickson made positive impacts.
The freshman tight end Huggins made 5 catches for 66 yards, leading the team in receiving. He consistently got open and created separation.
Pesek-Hickson was the featured running back, with 65 yards on 14 carries. Amauri broke tackles and demonstrated good vision, and he will be a key part of the strong backfield.
Quarterback picture became cloudier
Miles Kendrick and Jalon Daniels took most of the quarterback snaps. Miles Fallin played one series and Conrad Hawley took some snaps late.
None of the quarterbacks showed themselves as frontrunners for the starting job. Though limited by constant pressure, they could not get going. Kansas Football’s quarterback controversy will continue as incoming transfer Jason Bean arrives this summer.