Sal Capra: Consistent in Everything He Does
Oct. 14, 2009
For the past three seasons Sal Capra, 6-3 290-pound junior, offensive lineman has been working hard to improve his offensive line skills. Previously, Capra had been a key back-up on the Kansas offensive line, but this season Capra has finally earned his chance to start.
“It is gratifying after all the hard work and after three years of playing behind people,” Capra said.
Capra earned the opportunity to start in all five of the games this season. He was named the KU vs. UTEP offensive player of game, just two games into the season.
At Rockhurst (Kansas City, Mo.) High School, Capra played linebacker, where he found a lot of success, earning all-state honors. The KU coaches recognized Capra was a good player, but they knew linebacker was not necessarily the right fit at that position within the Kansas program.
“We really needed some help on the offensive line a couple years ago, so we moved him over,” explained Kansas Head Coach Mark Mangino. “At first it was difficult for him, but he did everything he had to do to make himself a better player. He needed to get bigger, so he worked hard in the weight room. He worked hard on the practice field. Sal Capra is a guy I would term a ‘program guy.’ He works hard, he is dedicated to the program, he doesn’t get a lot of fanfare or press, but he works at it everyday and has developed into a solid football player for us and we would be in trouble if we didn’t have him.”
Capra was not sure if he was going to start this season, but he worked hard over the summer to be ready when the season rolled around in the fall.
“You never know in football,” Capra said. “You could be starting in spring ball and then be third string in the fall, but I had no idea if I would be starting for sure.”
“This summer I watched a lot of film and focused on improving my fundamentals and I think it paid off,” Capra disclosed.
His hard work and dedication did more than pay off. In 2009, the Kansas offensive line has been playing better than ever, and the Jayhawks are ranked high nationally in a few statistical categories. Capra has been a contributing factor on a record-breaking and nationally-ranked offense.
The Jayhawk offense is third in total offense with an average of 519.4 yards per game, fourth in scoring offense with an average of 40.6 points per game and fifth in passing offense with an average of 330.2 yards per game.
“It is fun knowing that if you make a block it could turn into a touchdown or an amazing play by Kerry Meier, Todd Reesing or Dezmon Briscoe,” Capra said.
When Capra is on the field, the coaches know they can count on him no matter what.
“Sal is doing a great job,” said KU Offensive Coordinator Ed Warinner. “I think he is one of the most improved guys on the offense. I think from spring ball to where he is right now he is really consistent, and the one thing we like about him is his consistency. He may not be our best lineman, but he is our most consistent lineman and there is a lot of strength in that. I am really impressed in where he has come in the last year.”
When it comes to preparing himself for Saturday game times, Capra does not like to do anything special. He sticks to his routine and knows what works for him to get the job done.
“The Friday before games I try not to think about the game too much, but then when Saturday comes I am focused in on the game,” Capra said. “All I think about is beating whoever we are playing.”
Capra’s focus right now is going to Boulder, Colo., to take on the Buffaloes this Saturday.
“It is a big game,” Capra said. “I remember being there two years ago and they are a good opponent.”
The Jayhawks and Buffaloes will kickoff at 6 p.m. Central time in a game televised nationally on FSN.
