Despite a 4-3 record, this Kansas offense has shown several bright spots. Quarterback Jalon Daniels has thrown 18 touchdowns and two interceptions with 1,752 yards and 250 yards per game in the air. Wideout Emmanuel Henderson Jr., who hails from Alabama. Henderson has already reeled in four touchdowns and has excelled in being put in the best situations to utilize his elite speed.
Yet Kansas’ best offensive talent this season might just be the transfer tight end Boden Groen. Groen was a scramble pickup made in the portal by Lance Leipold as the season was rapidly approaching.
Groen was one of many tight ends who were designated as good enough at one aspect but may falter in the others. Yet Groen has quickly made himself an undoubted target for Daniels.
Last week alone against Texas Tech, Groen notched a monster 13 receptions for 76 yards and one touchdown. Groen alone tallied just one fewer reception than the entire Texas Tech team.
“Texas Tech ran a lot of zone coverage,” quoted Daniels after the 42-17 loss to Tech.
“I think on film, they showed a lot of man coverage, especially in third-down situations, but they zoned off a lot today. and it allowed for Boden to be able to get into a lot of different crevices in the defense to be able to sit down and be able to get the ball and be able to get us yards.”
On the season, Groen ranks second on the Jayhawks with 25 receptions and 310 yards for three touchdowns.
In Groen’s best season at Rice, the redshirt senior totaled 39 receptions for 383 yards and three touchdowns. Groen looks on pace to be able to push past those numbers with ease.
Up next for Kansas will have to be one of Groen’s best days as the Jayhawks welcome Kansas State in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown, with the Wildcats marking a 3-4 record with the momentum of the season slowly moving towards Kansas State.
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