Deshawn Hanika grateful to represent Kansas at media days
When Big 12 Media Days kicked off, Kansas tight end Deshawn Hanika planned on being in Lawrence working out with the team.
And then Lance Leipold called with an unexpected question.
“Coach Leipold called me and asked if I’d be willing to come to Big 12 Media Day,” Hanika said.
Bryce Foster was unable to attend the event opening a spot for an offensive player. Hanika could not turn down the invitation.
“He’s (Foster) is a fighter and it’s something minor and he’ll be back before we know it,” Hanika said. “He’s just a great guy and he’ll be back better than ever. You don’t tell the boss man no, so I was excited to come. Never thought I’d be on this type of stage representing this great university.”
Hanika grew up in Topeka and followed the Kansas program. He knew about media days before he started his college career. Hanika and his father watched a lot of college football, and he was excited to represent KU at the event.
“It’s a true honor,” he said. “I think for me it just shows how much trust Coach Leipold has in me; how much trust my teammates have in me allowing me to have this type of voice for the team. I couldn’t be more grateful.”
When fall camp starts, Hanika is expected to be the number one tight end. He was in a competition with Keyan Burnett, who entered the portal after spring football.
When the spring transfer portal opened the coaching staff found Broden Groen to fill their tight end room. The transfer from Rice has made a good impression on Hanika.
“He fit in,” Hanika said. “Our room welcomed him with open arms and he’s been a sponge, just absorbing everything and learning how we do things in our room. He’s been exposed to the competition that we have in our room.
“We pride ourselves in the tight end room at Kansas as being the most competitive room, the most dominant position on the field at all times. He’s fully embraced that. In the weight room we’re always trying to out-work each other and he’s come in and he’s hit the ground running.”
