Thursday, April 9, 2009
There is no better moment than this moment, when we are anticipating the actual moment itself,” begins incendiary comedian Lewis Black’s album “Anticipation.”
“Those are the moments in which you are able to think that is going to be perfect when the moment actually happens,” he continues. “We always feel better in anticipation.”
And really, he’s right. It is April and we’re two days out from football’s spring game. Junior quarterback Todd Reesing will drop back, inevitably scramble out of the pocket and sling a pass to junior wide receiver Kerry Meier in front of us for the first time since last December’s Insight Bowl.
We’re going to see recently-converted left tackle, redshirt freshman Tanner Hawkinson and swear up and down that he will not – cannot – be stopped. No, he’s truly the next great left tackle at Kansas.
With the Jayhawks replacing all three linebacker positions, we’ll fall in love with the future Saturday. Coach Mark Mangino’s decision to move junior Angus Quigley from running back to linebacker might be thought of as genius a move as Meier’s transition from quarterback to receiver. Junior Jake Schermer will finally get his shot after playing behind Joe Mortensen, Mike Rivera, James Holt, Kevin Kane, Nick Reid and Banks Floodman over the years.
A quick note on Schermer: After listening to him talk with media after a recent open practice, I’m predicting that he becomes our next favorite player. It’s impossible not to like this guy. Folksy biography? Check (He’s from Nixa, Mo., and his hobbies include hunting and fishing). Persevering road to a starting opportunity? Check. The guy was even visibly thrilled to talk to reporters.
You know, I’ve also been thinking that few things are as addictive and yet so disposable as preview magazines. We do this all the time. A glossy cover grabs us at the store and promises unrivaled pigskin prognostications months from the season’s start. We must have it.
And then, of course, the actual moment occurs. Months – sometimes even weeks – later those magazines are rendered useless; the future is nothing like we thought it’d be.
Some years those surprises are overwhelmingly pleasant — such as 2007. Others, not so much. But the feelings we have right now, at this very moment, are often as good as it gets. For a few short months we’re in control. Our imaginations give us hope and excitement that that cold, hard bitch named Reality rarely delivers.
And so when junior safety Darrell Stuckey makes a leaping interception, or, even better, a new arrival such as JUCO cornerback Calvin Rubles wows us, we’ll swear that there’s not a better collection of players in the land. That Mangino and his staff are concocting something special. Disney will want to take note of this.
It doesn’t matter that the team Kansas is playing Saturday is itself. That will not hamper our expectations of and impressions from the spring game. No, because the game really isn’t being played at Memorial Stadium. It’s in our heads.
— — Edited by Carly Halvorson
Football practice sees position changes
Two starters suspended this spring; status to be reviewed this week.
Despite two suspensions, show goes on
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Wide receiver makes a name for himself
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Meier to return to practice
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Quarterback battle a highlight of spring practice
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Where KU’s defense prevailed against Texas, the ...
With multiple fumbles and only 305 yards of total offense, the Jayhawks ...
Jenks: Spring football game starts next season
Fans enjoy a day on the hill and players put off-season work ...
Meier displays versatility
New offense features two quarterback on the field one throwing, one catching.
Freshman wide receiver shows talent
Bradley McDougald’s fresh talent is bringing some excitement to the Kansas football ...
No clear winner yet in quarterback race
Returning players secure a strong offense
Proven playmakers will provide a good backbone to this year’s football team.
Meier’s many talents fill out the field
Playing new positions is no sweat for the senior wide reciever.
Offensive coordinator brings new style
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Talib shines in spring scrimmage
Coach Mark Mangino allowed both quarterbacks to be "live," meaning they could ...
Mangino gets his men
Meier just happy to play
Kansas' utility player won't forget heart condition
Kansas handles Northern Colo. 49-3
Four total touchdowns from Todd Reesing help power Kansas to a commanding ...
Injury keeps wide receiver from playing in ...
Mangino would feel better with a full team but still seems confident ...
Jayhawks drop sixth-consecutive game
Kansas falls to Texas amid questions about its future.
Kicking around new ideas
Former starting quarterback Kerry Meier has played many roles on the team ...
Football season failed to reach expectations
Jayhawks got off to a strong start, finished surprisingly low.
Montemayor: Big 12 title is within reach
Key players, confident coach good indications it's time for a Big 12 ...
Loss to Texas extends week of woes ...
In a week consumed by questions of Mangino's job status, road trip ...
Quarterback’s career defied expectations
Todd Reesing’s time at KU has so far brought victories, school records ...
Morning Brew: Sauces provide scale
Football players have performed between Sweet BBQ and Blazin’ this spring.
A change of plans
After the football coach change, so do football player's positions.
Battle of the brothers
Linebacker Justin Springer will play his twin brother in Saturday’s game against ...
Mangino presents awards to football players
The awards ceremony honored select players, recapped 2008 highlights and looked to ...
Reesing’s starting chances increasing
Sophomore quarterback Todd Reesing appears to be the likely starter at quarterback. ...
Keefer: Sharp proves doubters wrong
With his game-saving performance at Iowa State on Saturday, Jake Sharp silences ...
Co-defensive coordinator fills Bill Young’s shoes
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Receivers and cornerbacks battle for spots
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Reesing ready to lead
Junior quarterback looks to have another stellar season.
NCAA suspends Selby nine games
The NCAA ruled that Josh Selby must sit out nine games for ...
Reesing pulls ahead in quarterback race
Coach Mangino made it clear during media day that sophomore Todd Reesing ...
From left: Kimberlee Hinkle, Libby Johnson and Hannah ...
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