In the first big public showcase for next season — in front of an estimated 17,000 people — freshman running back Rell Lewis surprised even the most avid Kansas fan.

Last season, Lewis played sparingly, with most of his time spent on special teams. He made three tackles and didn’t letter.

Yet the beauty of spring football is the sense of optimism and the tendency for surprise that seems to sprout as soon as the weather turns warm. On a crisp Saturday with clouds speckling the sky, Lewis rushed for 64 yards on 14 carries and added 50 yards on two receptions.

“We’ve been waiting for Rell to surface,” coach Mark Mangino said. “He’s kind of a quiet guy, a little bit unassuming.”

As players hinted after the game, that’s why Lewis’ name is still relatively unknown to most.

But Lewis’ quick bursts and ability to shed larger defenders didn’t seem to faze, let alone shock, those who share time with him on the practice field.

“I mean, Rell’s been making plays all spring,” junior quarterback Todd Reesing said. “He’s extremely strong for his size. His lower body strength is unbelievable, so he’s got that ability to burst and break tackles.”

Shortly after the Blue team defeated the White team 20-7 on Saturday, players inside Mrkonic Auditorium raved about Lewis’ athletic ability.

But Mangino and his players quickly noted the need for Lewis to develop consistency and sharpen his practice habits.

If Lewis is going to contribute next season next to Reesing — the practice field will serve as the greatest determinant.

“Today, he showed that he’s a capable player,” Mangino said. “He just needs to develop consistency about his work habits and his play and he can help us.”

Added Reesing: “With Rell, he’s just got to continue to learn the offense and understand the plays and the assignments he has to execute. He’s definitely a guy we’re going to look to help us out next year.”

Late in the third quarter, with the Blue team nursing a lead, Lewis threw a block from his running back position on a blitzing defender, which allowed junior quarterback Kerry Meier to find Wilson for a 32-yard gain.

That play, more than any other run or broken tackle, displays the types of improvements Lewis has made and must continue to make this offseason.

“The biggest thing I’ve improved in is just making my reads,” Lewis said.

Lewis started the spring game with the White team — the team normally reserved for second-string players. As the game wore on, Lewis shifted to the Blue team after starting junior running back Jake Sharp exited in the second half.

Mangino said he made the move to fill positions on the field. With the suspension of junior running back Jocques Crawford, Kansas played just three running backs on Saturday.

Running behind the first-team offensive line, Lewis carried the ball 12 times for 56 yards.

“Oh, man, Rell tore it up,” sophomore wide receiver Jonathan Wilson said. “He’s just real good and shifty.”

Freshman center Jeremiah Hatch came to Kansas in the same recruiting class with Lewis and watched as Lewis developed and unveiled his potential last season.

Now, at this point in the offseason, Lewis seems to be on the fringe of earning a spot in the running back rotation.

“He’s a quiet guy, but he’ll just surprise you,” Wilson said. “He’ll be out there and then bust a big play. That quiet demeanor makes him surprising. He’ll catch you off guard.”

— — Edited by Jesse Trimble