Fall Practice Report: Kale Pick
Aug. 28, 2010
After four long weeks of preparation, game week is finally here. The Kansas Jayhawks are one week away from opening the 2010 season against North Dakota State and kicking off head coach Turner Gill’s first season at KU.
Along with Gill, sophomore quarterback Kale Pick is looking forward to making his debut as the Jayhawks’ starter. A week after being named the team’s starting quarterback, KUAthletics.com caught up with the Dodge City, Kan., native.
Can you describe your feelings when you were named the team’s starting quarterback?
“I was definitely excited. I was just happy that I got the job. It’s fortunate that the coaching staff is confident in my abilities to lead us to a good season this year. I’m glad that I’m going to get this opportunity.”
Do you feel like the time that you played last year can help you going into this season?
“It can help out. I’m glad that I got the chance to get out on the field last year and show some things. It was a positive experience.”
When you were making your decision on what college to play at, what was the deciding factor?
“I had a lot of schools looking at me, and I actually committed to Arkansas. After I decommitted from Arkansas (after the previous coaching staff left), it pretty much came down to KU and Iowa State after that. KU never left me alone, they kept calling me even after I committed to Arkansas to see how I was doing and that showed that they actually really cared. They didn’t just want me as a player, they wanted me as a person. I just felt comfortable at KU.”
What does it mean to you to be able to work with Offensive Coordinator Chuck Long?
“It’s great experience just watching him coach. He doesn’t just coach, but he tells us about what he did when he was in college. He’s really big on preparation before a game. He gives us hints about what he did, and what made him successful and the hard work that he put in and how it paid off for him. He’s a great coach, but it also helps that we can draw on his experience as well.”
Do you feel like you have some chemistry with some of your receivers, being that most of them weren’t starting last year either?
“I would say that. All of these guys are coming out here to prove something. I think we have great chemistry right now with all of our receivers. With this offense, you can really share the ball with a lot of different receivers, and that keeps everybody happy. It should be exciting.”
Do you feel like you have something to prove too?
“I need to go out there and get some wins for us. I don’t think anybody (outside of this team) is expecting us to have a great season and win the Big 12, but it’s our job to go out there and prove them wrong.”
