Friday, March 16, 2007
Fans will notice some differences in the Kansas offense when the team holds its first open practice at 3:40 p.m. today at the practice fields south of Allen Fieldhouse.
Coach Mark Mangino hopes the revamp will trigger some improvements over last year’s inconsistent offense.
“In the pass game there is some major restructuring,” Mangino said. “There are definitely changes in the offense.”
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There are some things we liked that we are going to stay with,” Mangino said. “But we’ve also added some wrinkles that we’re excited about.
-Kansas coach Mark Mangino
The renovation started when offensive coordinator Ed Warinner was hired in January. Warinner is no stranger to Kansas. having spent the 2003 and 2004 seasons as the offensive line coach and run-game coordinator. Most recently, Warinner worked at Illinois. Because of his familiarity with Kansas’ offensive system, the transition has been smooth for Warinner and the rest of the coaching staff.
Mangino said the most externally noticeable changes may be the addition of a few new passing routes and offensive formations, with the most widespread changes happening in the playbook and the huddle.
The coaching staff authored and implemented a numerical play calling system to replace the standard system during the winter. The switch was made so taht players could focus more on execution and less on play memorization.
“We think it helps us in terms of learning,” Mangino said. “The kids are able to grasp the concepts.”
Mangino said the redesigned playbook took some pressure off of the quarterback because it simplified the reads at the line of scrimmage. On a team short on experienced quarterbacks, some simplification could lead to fewer turnovers and mental mistakes.
The rushing offense, Kansas’ strongest suit last season, will not see much of a makeover.
“There are some things we liked that we are going to stay with,” Mangino said. “But we’ve also added some wrinkles that we’re excited about.”
One such wrinkle could be the emergence of senior fullback Brandon McAnderson as a threat out of the backfield. McAnderson rushed only 31 times last season but could receive some of the carries made available by the departure of Jon Cornish.
Regardless of whether or not the casual fan notices the new formations and routes, Kansas hopes the changes pay dividends in the win column come Fall 2007.
Kansas kicked off a month of spring practices Wednesday. The practice this afternoon is one of two open to fans and media. The second is slated for April 3. The spring game is 3:30 p.m. April 15, at Memorial Stadium.
Kansan sportswriter Asher Fusco can be contacted at afusco@kansan.com.
— Edited by Trevan McGee
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