Cole Ballard wants to build off progress in the spring
Kansas quarterback Cole Ballard is entering fall camp with confidence. Coming off spring practices, Ballard said the team has picked up right where they left off.
“From spring to fall, I honestly think everybody’s done a really good job,” Ballard said. “Obviously we did a good job walking through during the summer, so that made it a little bit easier. But everybody’s retained well, and we hit ground practice one running. Like, we didn’t stop from practice 15 of the spring. So, it’s really cool to see everybody going full speed.”
Ballard is competing with teammate Isaiah Marshall for the backup spot behind Jalon Daniels, and he said the competition has made them both better.
“Zeke’s my guy,” he said. “We’ve been through it all together. He’s my rack mate. We lifted all offseason together. There’s nobody more excited for each other than us two when somebody makes a big play.
“I think that’s really helpful in our competition because, at the end of the day, it’s the coach’s decision. So, we’re going to go out there and compete, get one percent better, push each other, push Jalon, and it’s been really good.”
The team got a visit during camp when his father, Chris Ballard, the general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, spoke to the team.
“It wasn’t the first time he’s come around, but for him to be able to speak to the team it’s a lot of stuff Coach Sleeve’s already saying,” Ballard said of his father. “But when you hear that from somebody at the next level who’s bringing guys in, I think that really hits a little bit differently. That’s the stuff I’ve been hearing my whole life, so I’ve been very fortunate to have him.”
The message from his father stuck with him and he has heard advice from him since he was young.
“I’d say: you’re always putting the team first,” Ballard said. “That doesn’t change whether you’re in middle school, high school, college, or the NFL. The team always comes first, then your teammates, and then you’re last. If you can help your team and your teammates, your goals are going to be met as well.”
As fall camp continues, Ballard said his main focus is improving and specifically mentioned continuing to improve his decision-making.
“Definitely just decision-making and game IQ,” he said. “Knowing when to push the ball, when not to. Taking what they’re giving me. The deep plays are going to come. Don’t try and force it. Keep taking all the underneath stuff, and then whenever you get that chance, don’t miss it.”
