Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Todd Reesing’s measurements aren’t too impressive. Listed at 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, he stands four inches shorter and 20 pounds lighter than fellow quarterback Kerry Meier. But in Reesing’s case, it’s the intangibles that impress.
“He has the mentality that he’s going to make something good happen every time he gets his hands on the ball,” coach Mark Mangino said. “That’s the type of personality you want at quarterback.”
Despite his physical shortcomings, Reesing beat Meier in the preseason race for the starting quarterback job. Intangibles defeated measurements in August — a trend Kansas hopes will continue into the fall months.
Early last season, Reesing was overlooked by fans and media both. Despite winning Central Texas player of the year honors at Lake Travis High School, questions about his durability and his ability to throw over taller defenders surrounded the Austin, Texas, native. Until a late-season game against Colorado, Reesing was overlooked by the coaching staff.
When he took the reins after halftime, Reesing led Kansas to a comeback win. In the process, he impressed the fans and coaches who overlooked him for the first few games of his career. Reesing played in two more games later in the 2006 season, finishing 14-of-24 with three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns.
This preseason he unseated the incumbent Meier, a sophomore who started eight games last season. Meier, who was not playing at 100 percent this preseason because of an injury, did not show as much improvement as Reesing did.
Meier is a better runner, but Reesing is a more instinctive player. His improvisational skills came in handy in the Colorado game when he scampered 64 yards for a crucial touchdown.
Reesing may not possess ideal height, but coaches and teammates have found plenty to like about him. Sophomore running back Angus Quigley said he felt very comfortable with Reesing under center. Offensive coordinator Ed Warinner said the quarterback looked at home in the team’s new, more up-tempo offense. This preseason Mangino praised Reesing’s ability to learn quickly.
“Making plays when nothing is there is a strength of mine,” Reesing said. “Good quarterbacks can do most things well, but leadership and how you handle pressure are what separates guys.”
Reesing’s uncanny ability to make something from nothing could come in handy as soon as Saturday. Kansas faces Central Michigan, a team that returns quality starters along the defensive line and in the linebacking corps. With no go-to option available at running back, Reesing could face a stiff test in his first career start.
So far this preseason, Reesing has passed every test he has been given. With a little help from his intangibles, Reesing is standing tall atop the Kansas depth chart.
— Edited by Matt Erickson
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