Jayhawks Go Through First Two-A-Day
Aug. 10, 2011
LAWRENCE, Kan. – After a day off from practice to take part in Media Day activities, the Kansas football team returned to work here Wednesday, maneuvering through its first two-a-day practice of 2011 Fall Camp. The Jayhawks donned full pads in the two and half hour morning session, before putting on shoulder pads and shorts for the afternoon workout.
After getting off to a slightly sluggish start in the opening session, Kansas head coach Turner Gill saw his players turn up the intensity as the practice wore on.
“I noticed we looked a little tired at the start of the first practice,” said Gill. “They quickly picked up the intensity and finished off the first practice session on a high note. Sometimes after a day off it takes a little bit to get back into the swing of things and after seeing them dragging a bit to start off, I was pleased to see them get back into a high gear.”
One of the highlights of the morning practice was a catch by junior wide receiver Kale Pick. Pick, who hauled in the pass from sophomore quarterback Jordan Webb, leapt over two defenders on the play before racing down the field after making the grab.
The afternoon session began much like the first practice of the day, with the players starting off slowly before shifting into a higher gear for the remainder of the workout. Although Gill was not content with his players starting off sluggish, he was encouraged to see them work through it.
“I think they came out maybe still not quite as energized as I would like, but they picked it up at the end,” said Gill. “I saw guys making some plays down the stretch.”
Gill was most pleased to see his players rally themselves and not rely on the coaching staff to turn things around when things weren’t going their way.
“I was really impressed with our team,” said Gill, who is entering his second season with the Jayhawks. “The defensive players had a little lull where they weren’t being successful on a few series, but they gathered together and came back and made some plays. Toben Opurum made a few sacks and Anthony Davis had an interception.
“Then the offense had a lull in the practice and they came back made a few more plays too,” added Gill. “Our running backs did some good things and Tim Biere made a great catch. It is good to see, I know I didn’t see it last year, our players pick themselves up in practice when there is a lull and you wondering if they are going to pick it up. It is the first time I have seen since I have been here that our players have gotten together and motivated their teammates to respond on the next play or the next series. We are definitely moving in the right direction.”
The Jayhawks will open the season Saturday, Sept. 3, when they play host to McNeese State. KU-MSU will kick-off at 6 p.m., at Kivisto Field at Memorial Stadium. Tickets are available via the web at kuathletics.com, by calling 1-800-34-HAWKS or by stopping by the ticket office on the southeast corner of Allen Fieldhouse.
