When looking at the Kansas Jayhawks this fall, be certain of one thing. They WILL be more exciting. New Head Coach Charlie Weis will make sure of that. People around the country will have an eye turned to Lawrence just waiting on something, anything to happen. Weis, who traveled through Notre Dame, the Kansas City Chiefs and then to Florida is capable of excitement.
Excitement for some started when Turner Gill was fired. Under Gill the Jayhawks were horrible, not even competitive or competent. Then KU officials found a big name, a NFL name, and someone area fans are familiar with from his days with the Chiefs. Weis then brought in a defensive backs coach from the NFL. Dave Campo has over 41 years of coaching experience at all levels. Campo is a “player’s coach”, someone you want to show up and work for. Tim Grunhardt, former Kansas City Chief pro bowler and Bishop Miege Coach was also hired immediately, another BIG excitement guy.
Then came the players, Coach Weis knew he had to improve the quarterback spot. Enter Dayne Crist, a former Notre Dame quarterback and NFL prospect, who played for Weis under the shadow of “Touchdown Jesus.” Exit Jordan Webb, who transferred and will be the starter at Colorado this season. The big plus on Crist is that he can play right away and make the KU offense, who ranked 107th last season, credible. Jake Heaps, another high profile QB, transferred from BYU and will wait in the wings watching Crist this season.
Campo will help the defense who ranked 111th in the nation last season and hopefully plug some of the huge holes on that side of the ball.
It WILL take some time to build the Jayhawk program, but the excitement is there and tickets are selling. If you need proof of excitement outside of Lawrence, check the BIG XII television schedule. The first three KU football games will be televised.
The BIG XII is no place to start a rebuilding project, but at least Kansas will compete this year. Even if the wins don’t come right away, people will be watching and talking about the Kansas Jayhawks.