Thursday, April 5, 2007
Aqib Talib didn’t just watch tapes of Kansas games last fall to improve his game, he spent Sundays observing the Baltimore Ravens.
The junior cornerback spent little time looking for tips on footwork or coverage. Instead, he concentrated on the Ravens’ intense all-pro linebacker.
KANSAN
“Ray Lewis has his team fired up for the whole game,” Talib said. “He’s yelling for all four quarters. That’s what I’m trying to do.”
This fall Talib will have more playing experience than anyone else on the roster. He wants to develop into a more active leader, he said at Wednesday’s open spring practice.
Leadership and Talib didn’t mix last season. He was suspended for the first two games for breaking team rules. After that, he played well enough to lead the Big 12 in interceptions and pass breakups. But something was missing.
The Jayhawk secondary couldn’t even stop the Little Giants. Talib was good, but his skill wasn’t enough to elevate the rest of the defense. Kansas was the worst team in the conference at stopping the pass. He’s taking it on himself to make the team better by leading vocally.
“I did it halfway last year,” Talib said. “I didn’t let people hear me the whole game. I’d be too quiet sometimes.”
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Talib’s goal is to provide that kind of spark for the team. He can’t do that unless he continues to play like the All Big 12 performer he was last season.
His desire to be louder was apparent at the open practice when the team tried goal line situations. The offense had been running the ball against the defense with relative ease for most of the afternoon. Talib had enough.
Sophomore running back Jake Sharp took a carry toward Talib’s side. Talib exploded toward the line of scrimmage and speared Sharp before he could even dream about the goal line. Immediately after making the play, Talib pumped his arms and screamed. The rest of the defense responded by jumping up and down and joining the celebration.
Talib’s goal is to provide that kind of spark for the team. He can’t do that unless he continues to play like the All Big 12 performer he was last season.
To ensure success, Talib added about 10 pounds of muscle and worked on keeping low during game situations. He also said experience from the last two seasons would help him.
“Every year I come back the game starts slowing down,” he said. “This year it’s slowing down even more.”
Talib could also get a few more chances on the offensive side this season. Last year he lined up as a wide receiver a few times and caught one pass for 42 yards. Talib, who played both ways in high school, expects more chances this season in new coordinator Ed Warinner’s up-tempo offense.
Increased time on offense will give Talib the chance to improve the Jayhawks’ passing attack, which is ranked ninth in the Big 12. It also means he’ll be able to provide a spark and leadership for both sides of the ball — and his offensive teammates can’t wait.
“Aqib’s a good guy,” Sharp said. “I think we’re going to use him in any way. He’s one of the best playmakers on the field.”
Kansan sportswriter Mark Dent can be contacted at mdent@kansan.com.
— Edited by Jyl Unruh
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