Kerry Meier's Versatility Should Be Valuable To NFL Team

Feb. 22, 2010

Updated Meier bio in PDF Format

There are a number of words to describe former Kansas wide receiver Kerry Meier. Versatile is one. That particular attribute of the talented Meier may be his ticket to the NFL.

When asked to access his biggest strength, ‘versatile’ is the word Meier used in his self-evaluation.

“One thing that jumps out and makes me unique is my versatility,” Meier said. “I can do a number of things very well. I can play wide receiver, quarterback and on special teams. I think the scouts look at that. With 53 spots open (on an NFL roster), I can be a guy who can do some different things and that plays to my advantage.”

After an all-state career as a quarterback at Pittsburg High School in southeastern Kansas, Meier seemed to be on track for a great college career at that position. He redshirted the 2005 season and earned KU’s offensive scout player of the year honor.

As a freshman at KU in 2006 Meier started eight games at quarterback and threw for 1,193 yards and a school freshman record 13 touchdowns. He was second on the team in rushing with 346 yards.

As fall practice progressed in 2007, Meier fell behind future KU quarterback great Todd Reesing. Reesing’s emergence led to Meier’s move to wide receiver in order to get the talented player on the field.

After limited duty as a sophomore, Meier became a regular wide receiver in his last two seasons. In 2008 he caught 97 balls for 1,045 yards and then in 2009 registered a school-record 102 catches for 985 yards.

In the meantime he served as the backup punter, as well as the regular holder on all place kicks.

Meier was selected to play in the East-West Shrine All-Star game in January, where he spent a week working out with the guidance of NFL personnel. Former Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer was the West team head coach, while Keenan McCardell, a 17-year NFL veteran, worked with the wide receivers.

Meier took advantage of his opportunities to absorb as much information as he could during the week leading up to the game.

“I had a chance to sit down with Coach Schottenheimer and talk to him one on one,” Meier said. “He helped break down film with me and taught me what to look for. It was good to be around an NFL staff and learn from them.”

While Meier did not record any statistics in the game, he felt good about his week of practice.

“The game is not the important part,” he said. “It is the practice leading up to the game. I felt like I did a fairly good job in those drills. I helped myself.”

Since the game concluded Meier has been working out with a number of other seniors, including ex-Mississippi quarterback Jevan Snead and NFL players, including Julius Peppers, just outside of Houston in preparation of the NFL Scouting Combine, which will take place in Indianapolis, Ind. Beginning Feb. 24.

“I have been building my overall quickness, trying to get my feet quicker and my change of direction quicker,” Meier said. “I have been building flexibility in my hips and whole body. I have also been able to work specifically on wide receiver techniques.”

The 2010 NFL Draft will take place April 22-24.S