David McComb learned a lot in spring, was prepared for fall camp
Freshman quarterback David McComb is getting his first taste of fall camp at Kansas. After enrolling early last spring, he feels much more prepared as fall practices even though he is just a freshman.
McComb left high school early and getting acclimated to the program in spring football helped his mindset to not push himself.
“It just feels normal to be out there now,” McComb said. “It doesn’t feel like I’m trying to go out there and press too hard. I’m just going out there to practice, to get better, and help the team as much as I can and prepare us for a Week One game.”
McComb credited his growth since arriving in the spring to the experience on the field and what he has picked up from the more experienced quarterbacks on the roster.
“Take every opportunity as it comes,” he said. “I’m going to take my chances and take my reps one play at a time. But it’s nice to learn also, and nice to see guys that do stuff better than me. I’m not going to say I’m the overall best quarterback, but I can learn from other guys like Cole. He’s talented on the runs. He can make any throw he wants.”
[Jim Zebrowski talks about the QB, offense]
McComb said one of his biggest areas of development has been in his leadership and vocal presence. He plays a position where leadership is a key, and he has grown in that area.
“I think confidence in helping other guys out, not just being by myself during workouts,” he said. “I think it goes outside of football too, like in the weight room, being more vocal. That’s what you’re pushed to do as a quarterback especially.
“You have to be able to talk and be the guy that sets the temperature and not just sit there and fall into the temperature of the room. Be a thermostat, not a thermometer as well.”
He also feels more comfortable managing the offense and communicating at the line.
“Being able to set guys up and change protection, change all the calls, and be able to vocalize that up front and to other people,” he said.
With limited reps, McComb said his focus is on being ready every time he gets the chance. On Friday offensive coordinator Jim Zebrowski said the third-string quarterback is just two plays away from getting in a game.
“My reps are kind of scattered, because obviously you want to give the guys that are preparing for the game more reps,” he said. “But when I’m taking my reps, I’ve got to take advantage of it and do it to the best of my ability.”
McComb built a good relationship with Zebrowski when he was recruited. He has learned a lot from his quarterback coach in the short time he has been on campus.
“I mean, he’s crazy and he loves football,” McComb said. “I think all the quarterbacks will say that he loves football and he’s going to be our biggest supporter. But he’s also going to help us grow the most by maybe yelling at us sometimes. But it’s coming out of love. It’s not anything else.”
