Linebacker chemistry good on and off the field

By By Ryan Colaianni

Thursday, September 1, 2005

They are three of the most talented linebackers in the Big 12 Conference. Between them they have more than 595 career tackles and intimidate offensive players each week. And through their play on the field, they have become great friends.

Senior linebackers Nick Reid, Kevin Kane and Banks Floodman share a bond that comes from more than football. Beyond sitting through the same meetings and running the same drills every day in practice, they manage to spend time together off the field.

“We are all great friends, we hang out, we finish each other’s sentences,” Reid said. “We know what the other one is going to do.”

Jermial Ashley, the junior defensive end, and Nick Reid, then junior linebacker, stop Kenny Higgins, then Toledo senior wide receiver, in midair during a game last season. The Jayhawk defense is expected to be a major factor for Kansas this season.

Reid and Kane are roommates, so their time together is virtually endless. Reid said that Kane did some unusual things for a football player.

“He doesn’t really wash his hair too much,” Reid said. “He says his hair gets poofy. That’s kind of weird, he doesn’t like his hair poofy. Other than that, he’s a pretty straight forward, laid-back guy.”

Whether it’s going to movies or going out, the three usually are together.

They think that their friendship has helped them become better football players.

“It makes it that much better to be out there playing with people that you are such good friends with,” Floodman said. “It helps build chemistry not only on the defense but on the whole team, especially when you are the leaders.”

Reid said that the friendship helped him know exactly what either Kane or Floodman were going to do on the field.

The three have put their mark on Kansas defense. Reid was named to the All-Big 12 first team after last season. Reid had over 100 tackles in each of the previous two seasons, and with another 100-tackle campaign, he could move up to second on the all-time Kansas tackle mark.

Floodman was seventh on the team in tackles last season with 47. Kane finished second on the team in tackles, behind Reid, with 69. Kane also had two interceptions and was an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection last year.

The three will walk together onto the field at Memorial Stadium Saturday for the beginning of their final season together. Floodman said it felt a little weird, knowing that he’s near the end of his career.

“I am pumped up, just ready for the opener. I think it adds a little bit when you are a senior, your final opener. It’s exciting,” Floodman said.

—Edited by Becca Evanhoe

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