Jayhawks Look Sharp in Saturday Afternoon Scrimmage
April 2, 2005
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Under the watchful eye of Head Coach Mark Mangino, the University of Kansas football team took part in a two-hour scrimmage Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium. The offensive and defensive units both looked sharp as the team continued its spring practice sessions.
Quarterbacks Jason Swanson and Adam Barmann each accounted for a pair of touchdowns during the scrimmage. Swanson completed 21-of-36 passes for 169 yards and tossed two touchdowns to wide receiver Mark Simmons, while Barmann found the endzone on a three-yard quarterback keeper. Near the end of the scrimmage, Barmann found tight end Derek Fine open in the endzone for a three-yard score. Barmann was accurate on 12-of-20 passes for 98 yards, including a 29-yard completion to wide receiver Brian Murph. Brian Luke, who also saw action under center, completed 6-of-15 passes for 70 yards and scored on a two-yard run.
Charles Gordon led all receivers with eight catches and finished the scrimmage with a team-high 70 receiving yards. Six other players caught at least four passes including Murph (four catches for 57 yards), Simmons (four catches for 40 yards) and Marcus Herford (4 catches for 41 yards).
Running back Clark Green scored the first touchdown of the day on a five-yard run and finished the afternoon with 17 carries for 85 yards (5.0 yards per attempt). Gary Green was also impressive after carrying the ball 12 times for 50 yards.
Several defensive players shined throughout the contest, including linebacker Mike Rivera who finished the afternoon with a team-high eight tackles, including three behind the line of scrimmage. He was one of seven different players to record a quarterback sack. Linebacker Nick Reid appeared in mid-season form as he collected six total tackles and a pair of tackles for loss. Safety Jerome Kemp and cornerback Marcus Hicks led the Jayhawk secondary with five solo tackles apiece, while cornerbacks Ronnie Amadi, Donnie Amadi and Theo Baines each intercepted a pass. Baines collected his interception at the 46-yard line and raced 54 yards for a defensive touchdown.
Throughout the afternoon, the Jayhawks worked on several different scenarios, including short yardage situations, long yardage situations and redzone efficiency.
The team has eight additional practice sessions scheduled during the next two weeks, highlighted by the annual spring scrimmage on April 16. Jayhawk fans are encouraged to attend the spring scrimmage which is scheduled for a 3 p.m. kickoff at Memorial Stadium. Prior to the scrimmage, the team will host its annual Alumni Game at 1 p.m.
Kansas opens the 2005 season on Sept. 3 when the team welcomes Florida Atlantic to Lawrence for a 6 p.m. kickoff.
— KU —
