Tag: Kansas Football

Oklahoma, Kansas schedule Aug. 29 games — don’t be shocked

This is not surprising

Our friends at Sooners Wire were on top of this breaking news Saturday afternoon: Oklahoma has moved up its season opener against Missouri State to August 29. The game was originally scheduled for Sept. 5.

Meanwhile, the Kansas Jayhawks also scheduled an FCS opponent for Aug. 29. KU grabbed a so-called “Week Zero” slot against Southern Illinois:

Wait a minute, you might reasonably wonder.

The Pac-12 is likely to start its season on Sept. 19. The Big Ten will probably do something similar, if not exactly the same. The ACC has not voted on any schedule just yet, but the three likely start dates range from Sept. 12 to Sept. 26.

Remember that while other Power Five leagues are likely to start in mid- or late September, the Big 12 had already shown signs of moving in a very different direction, weeks before Oklahoma and Kansas officially filled Aug. 29 on their calendars.

There have been discussions between TCU and UNLV to play on Aug. 29, something we noted earlier in the week at Trojans Wire. TCU is filling a gap on UNLV’s schedule, since the California Golden Bears were originally supposed to face the Rebels on Aug. 29 in the first game played at the brand-new Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

You might wonder why the Big 12 feels it has to move in this direction, swimming against the tide of a majority of power conferences. That is a reasonable inclination, and we will address it in a separate article. For now, though, simply realize this:

While the need to buy time and ride out COVID-19 is a reasonable inclination among many schools and conferences, it’s not the only reasonable thought process for schools to use in this pandemic.

Think about this point: If you were to have a better chance of playing 12 games, would you wait, or would you actually try to start earlier? Remember that in late November, cases of illness might increase. Any postponements of games during the regular season would force makeup games later in the year, and would push back the conference championship games plus the bowls. Starting a season earlier — collecting games played, and collecting TV and ticket-sale-based revenue earlier — is not ridiculous.

It’s debatable, sure, but hardly ridiculous.

The Big 12, by starting earlier, gives itself more chances to make up games and play as close to a full schedule as possible. The added benefit here is that Big 12 schools are giving FCS schools and smaller FBS programs the game checks they need in order to maintain their budgets. This is an act of economic generosity, even though it is primarily an act of economic self-interest. The Big 12 is scoring points with smaller schools for trying to go all the way and play 12 games — or at least as many games as possible.

We can debate the merits of this plan, but it’s not insane. Some will ask why the Pac-12 and Big Ten were so cautious, not why the Big 12 is being so aggressive. That doesn’t mean the Big 12 is right or the Pac-12 wrong; it merely means there’s a reasonable thought process at work here.

College Football News Preview 2020: Kansas Jayhawks

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the Kansas Jayhawks season with what you need to know.

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the Kansas Jayhawks season with what you need to know.

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

– What You Need To Know: Offense | Defense
– Top Players | Key Players, Games, Stats
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– Schedule Analysis
– Kansas Previews 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015

2019 Record: 3-9 overall, 1-8 in SEC
Head Coach: Les Miles, 2nd year, 3-9
2019 CFN Final Opinion Ranking: 67
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 117
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 71

Obviously, no one knows what’s going to happen to the 2020 college football season. We’ll take a general look at where each team stands – doing it without spring ball to go by – while crossing our fingers that we’ll all have some well-deserved fun this fall. Hoping you and yours are safe and healthy.

5. College Football News Preview 2020: Kansas Jayhawks Offense 3 Things To Know

– There wasn’t a whole lot of instant improvement on offense under Les Miles and the new coaching staff. The Jayhawks only scored 282 points – four fewer than they did in 2018 – but there were just enough good moments to hope for something to kick in.

And there were more than enough duds to still be concerned, scoring 20 points or fewer six times.

The biggest overall problem continues to be the lack of bulk young players building up in the system. Kansas has gone big on the quick fix of transfers over the years, and it hasn’t worked. However, there are just enough good playmakers to hope for more explosion.

CFN in 60 Video: Kansas Jayhawks Preview
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– Second-leading rusher Khalil Herbert left for Virginia Tech, and Dominic Williams is off to Northern Iowa, but Pooka Williams is back after a 1,061-yard season with three touchdowns. He and sophomore Velton Gardner should be enough to form a decent 1-2 punch if the O line can come through.

The Jayhawks were okay in pass protection, and the running game wasn’t miserable, but three starters have to be replaced up front, starting with new Cincinnati Bengal OT Hakeem Adeniji. There’s bulk – the line should go around 310 pounder per man – but the tackles have to emerge.

– The receiving corps should be a plus. Three of the top four wideouts return, and Pooka Williams is a nice receiver out of the backfield. It’s a decent all-around group that can get deep – senior Stephon Robinson averaged over 16 yards per catch, and Andrew Parchment led the way with 65 grabs – but they all need steady quarterback play to make it all go.

6-5, 225-pound senior Thomas MacVittie is the odds-on favorite to take the gig, but six quarterbacks are currently listed on the roster for a wide open search. Junior Miles Kendrick adds more mobility, but MacVittie – a former JUCO transfer – is the downfield passer who can make the receiving corps go.

NEXT: College Football News Preview 2020: Kansas Jayhawks Defense 3 Things To Know

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5

Kansas 2020 Preview: CFN in 60

Kansas Jayhawks 2020 Preview: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead with what you need to know.

Photo Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas Jayhawks 2020 Preview: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead with what you need to know.

Photo Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Meet Azur Kamara, Kansas’ versatile edge defender prospect

Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Kansas edge defender prospect Azur Kamara

Every NFL draft prospect has their own football journey, and many take a unique path to the gridiron. Such is the case for Kansas edge defender Azur Kamara, who grew up playing soccer in West Africa.

One of the most versatile EDGE prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft class, Kamara recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his journey from the Ivory Coast to Arizona to Kansas, his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine and the Senior Bowl, and why a team should take a chance on him in this year’s draft.

JM: You moved from Ivory Coast to Arizona at age 10. What was the move like for you?

AK: It was definitely very different than what I was accustomed to. America is very different from West Africa. The culture shock was quite large. I moved out here with my two older sisters. We moved to Arizona, and they still live there today. When I first arrived in Arizona, I didn’t speak any English. I spoke French and my native language, Mandingo. I took a little while to adjust to my new culture. Fortunately for me, I had a lot of help from my high school coach. My family was also very instrumental in my transition. Once I made some friends, I adjusted to the American culture rather quickly.

JM: You grew up playing soccer. Who was your favorite soccer player and team growing up?

AK: I’m still a big Barcelona fan. I grew up watching guys like Ronaldinho and Messi. Those are my two favorite players of all time.

JM: That’s the wrong answer. I’m a big Cristiano Ronaldo fan.

AK: Oh boy, you and I are rivals (laughs).

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

JM: I’m an FC Porto fan, but I’m a big Ronaldo fan. I started paying close attention to Real Madrid when Ronaldo went there, which of course means I was rooting against Barcelona.

AK: FC Porto are a very nice team. I’ll say this, I’m a big Deco [former FC Porto and Barcelona player] fan. Deco was a very good player.

JM: At least you and I can agree on Deco. When were you first introduced to football? Did you fall in love with it right away?

AK: I grew up playing soccer. I was introduced to football during my first year of high school. When I went to register at my high school in Phoenix, I was stopped by the head coach of the football team in the hallway. He pulled me aside and he asked me what sport I was playing. He couldn’t believe it when I said soccer (laughs). He said there’s no way you play soccer. I explained to him that I was African and that was our first choice when it came to sports.

He told me that I looked like a long kid and that I should give football a try. He thought I was a good fit and he asked me to come tryout for him. I didn’t really like the idea at the time (laughs). I was very unsure of it. I loved soccer, and I didn’t really know anything about football. My stepfather was with me, and he encouraged me to give it a shot. He told me that you never know what could happen. I’m very glad that I decided to give it a shot. I wouldn’t be who I am today if I didn’t.

JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?

AK: It was an incredible experience. I also played in the Senior Bowl. Both of those experiences were amazing. I’m very blessed that I had a chance to go to both the Senior Bowl and the combine. I was very fortunate to attend both events. I had a chance to meet with a lot of teams out there. I went out there and ran with both of those opportunities. I had a lot of fun at both events. I tried to go out there and put my name on the map. I wanted to show the coaches and scouts how well I move as both an edge rusher and as a linebacker. I feel like I was able to do that.

(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

JM: What kinda impression do you think you left on all 32 teams?

AK: I feel like I showed how versatile I am. I actually ran through the drills as both an outside linebacker and as a defensive end. I was moving well out there. I was turning my hips and showing off my change of direction skills. I did a good job getting around the bag and turning the corner as an edge rusher.

JM: Were you able to get any private visits or workouts in before COVID-19 shut everything down?

AK: I wasn’t able to make any of my visits before the spread of COVID-19 pulled everybody off the road, but I had several visits and workouts lined up.

JM: I imagine you’ve moved things to the phones since then. Who are some of the teams that you’ve met with via FaceTime and such?

AK: I met with the Bengals and the Jets. I’ll be meeting with the Chargers shortly (editor’s note: interview was done on April 7th). I had private visits sets up with the Bengals, Cardinals and Chiefs.

(Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

JM: What can you tell me about your pass rush arsenal?

AK: You can see on my film that my go-to move is speed-to-power. Khalil Mack is my idol when it comes to rushing the passer. He’s one of my favorite players in the NFL. I admire how well he converts speed-to-power. I’ve tried to implement that into my game. It’s a big part of my game actually. It’s definitely my go-to move.

JM: Why should an NFL team use one of their draft picks on Azur Kamara?

AK: They’re gonna get a guy that’s gonna come in and upgrade their defense as a versatile defender. I can play special teams as well and be a gunner. I’m happy to play in any role. I’m gonna come in every day ready to work. I’m gonna work and work some more until I get it right.

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Chargers have pre-draft meeting with Kansas LB Azur Kamara

The Los Angeles Chargers could be looking to add more pass rushing depth.

The Chargers could be looking to add more pass rushers in the upcoming draft.

According to Draft Wire’s Justin Melo, Los Angeles is scheduled to have a pre-draft FaceTime meeting with former Kansas outside linebacker Azur Kamara.

Kamara’s college football career began at Arizona Western College, and he transferred to Kansas after two seasons at the junior college level.

In 2018, Kamara started three games, finishing with 16 total tackles, five tackles for loss and one sack.

This past season, Kamara started all 12 games, finishing sixth on the team in total tackles (51) and led the Jayhawks with 3.5 sacks. He also had six tackles for loss and four quarterback hurries.

Kamara excelled at rushing the passer in college, which is primarily the role that he would have at the next level since he doesn’t have too much experience dropping back in coverage. He would also serve as a special teamer.

Kamara projects as a Day 3 selection-undrafted free agent.

OT Hakeem Adeniji should be mid-round target for Chargers

The former Kansas product should be on the Los Angeles Chargers’ radar.

If you’re an offensive lineman that is experienced and offers positional versatility, there’s a strong chance that you’re going to be coveted by many NFL teams.

For former Kansas offensive lineman Hakeem Adeniji, he possesses both, along with a skillset that would suits the Chargers offense.

Adeneji, the Texas native, primarily served as the Jayhawks’ left tackle in their zone-blocking scheme. In his 48 career games, he started 43 on the left side, while five of them came at right tackle.

He also played center the spring before his senior year, but the coaching staff decided it needed him more at left tackle.

After an accomplished collegiate career that saw him earn a first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2019, Adeniji was selected to participate in the 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl, which features some of the best prospects in the nation.

In Mobile, AL, Adeniji did not take a single snap at his natural position on the outside. Instead, he kicked inside and played exclusively at both guard spots.

“Some guys like me at guard, some guys like me at tackle and some guys appreciate the versatility to be able to do both. Carrying seven or eight (offensive linemen) on the active (NFL) roster, it’s important, especially as a young guy, that I’m able to do multiple things,” Adeniji said.

Regardless of where he lined up throughout his four-year stint at Kansas and at the Senior Bowl, Adeniji was always a bright spot up front in the trenches.

From his reps that came at tackle, he displayed foot quickness and mirror ability to beat edge rushers and stay in front of them. At guard, he took advantage of his wide base and power in his punch to stymie defenders.

Flying under the radar even after a solid week in Mobile, that’s likely not the case anymore after putting on a show at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine.

At 6-foot-4 and 302 pounds, the lengthy Adeniji posted solid numbers, which included a 5.17 40, 34-inch vertical and 115-inch broad jump. But the on-field drills is where he made his money, showcasing smooth movement skills when changing directions and the heavy hands when it came to hitting the bags.

For the Bolts, Adejini projects as a multi-position backup with starter upside whose primary position would be at left guard or right tackle. Given his athleticism, he’s perfect for their likely soon-to-be zone blocking scheme that should be installed next season.

Projected as a mid-late Day 3 selection before December, Adejini has boosted his stock the past couple of months to a potential third or fourth-round selection.

Even though he’s helped himself, at the next level Adeniji will need to refine his footwork technique and get a little bit stronger to create more movement in the run game to become a polished starter.

If the Chargers want to use one of their picks on the former Jayhawk, they could have their hands on a great value pick and potentially one of the steals of the draft.

“Hakeem Adeniji is gonna make a big impact at the next level. Hopefully I’ll be an All-Pro, Pro Bowl type of player. That’s the goal. I know that I’ll get there as long as I trust the process and trust in my work,” Adeniji said.

“It’s gonna be a lot of fun. I’m gonna push myself to be great. Let’s see how far I can take this thing. I know that my film speaks for itself. I know what I’m capable of achieving. The sky is the limit. It’s gonna be a fun ride.”

Meet Hakeem Adeniji, Kansas’ pro-ready OT prospect

Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Kansas offensive line prospect Hakeem Adeniji

Every NFL team wants a franchise left tackle they can count on to protect their quarterback and anchor their entire offensive line.

If your favorite team would love a three-year starter from a Power 5 program, Hakeem Adeniji from Kansas fits the bill.

An athletic blocker who is as battle-tested as any offensive tackle prospect in the 2020 NFL draft, Adeniji recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience at the Senior Bowl, where he fits best in the NFL, and what kind of impact he’ll have at the next level.

JM: You’re a three-year starter at left tackle. How does that experience serve you well going forward?

HA: Playing football and playing tackle is so movement oriented. My movements are so natural at this point that they feel like second nature to me. I understand defense. I played for four years at Kansas. I’ve seen it all. My body and my muscle memory is on point. My body understands how to recover. I’m a natural within the flow of the game.

JM: Do you think that you’ll play left tackle at the next level?

HA: That’s a good question. Honestly, I don’t know. Some NFL teams have told me that they like me on the left, but they think that right tackle is also a possibility for me. I’ve even heard a little about me moving inside to play guard. I played some guard at the Senior Bowl. I know that I’d be a great left tackle, but it’s not really up to me. I’m gonna play wherever they put me. I have a lot of experience playing left tackle but I know that I’m gonna excel wherever.

Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

JM: I’ve seen some people mention that your best fit may be in a zone blocking scheme. Do you agree with that?

HA: I think that’s fair. I’m obviously an athletic guy. The blocks are there to be made. I know that my skill-set allows me to make those blocks. I feel like I’ll excel at whatever my pro team wants me to do. If you watch my type, you’ll see that my talent can transcend the scheme. I’m gonna go out there and dominate regardless of the scheme. I can honestly play in any scheme.

JM: Whether it was at the Senior Bowl or throughout your time at Kansas, who are some of the best pass rushers you’ve gone up against?

HA: There were a lot of them at the Senior Bowl. Those were the top guys in the nation. At Kansas, I’d have to say that TCU always has really good pass rushers. They’ve had a couple of guys over the past few years. L.J. Collier was a first round pick and he immediately comes to mind. Ben Banogu was great as well. We’ve had some great ones on our team that I saw at practice. There’s been so many of them but those are the ones that come to mind.

JM: What’s your favorite way to demoralize your opponent?

HA: That’s easy. It’s all about the pancake, baby. You gotta come off that ball and drive them into the ground. When you come off the ball and you really catch them, you’re able to just stop their momentum when you hit them. When the timing and placement are right, that’s a great feeling. You get under him and it’s over. The rep is over. You know that you got him. That pancake is beautiful.

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

JM: Do you have a preferred pass set?

HA: The jump set for sure. Defensive linemen hate the jump set. I know that for a fact. It throws off their timing in a major way. It kinda spooks them off the snap a little bit. They have to change up their rush plan. It keeps them guessing. When you jump them, they’re anticipating they have time to string together their moves but it throws everything off.

JM: Is there one NFL quarterback that you’d love to block for?

HA: I would have to say Drew Brees. I’ve always loved watching him play. He seems like a great person. I really enjoy watching how he handles himself. He seems like such a leader to me. He’s obviously been so successful on the field, but honestly how he handles himself impresses me even more than the accolades. I’ve always been a huge fan of his.

JM: What kind of impact is Hakeem Adeniji going to make at the next level?

HA: Hakeem Adeniji is gonna make a big impact at the next level. Hopefully I’ll be an All-Pro, Pro Bowl type of player. That’s the goal. I know that I’ll get there as long as I trust the process and trust in my work. It’s gonna be a lot of fun. I’m gonna push myself to be great. Let’s see how far I can take this thing. I know that my film speaks for itself. I know what I’m capable of achieving. The sky is the limit. It’s gonna be a fun ride.

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