Kobe Baynes on OL focusing on better communication

Offensive lineman Kobe Baynes knows that the key to offensive line success lies in something simple but sometimes is overlooked.

Communication.

As the Jayhawks prepare to host Oklahoma State, Baynes said this week’s practices were all about getting back to fundamentals and cleaning up the issues that have led to inconsistency up front.

He said the coaching staff made it a point to reset the group’s mindset and get back to what has made them effective in the past.

“Last week, just going back to basics, you know, being who we are,” Baynes said. “Coach Agpalsa really emphasized for us just as an O-line playing cohesiveness, football communication, and just getting back to what we do. You know, it’s just we want to run the ball and we want to, you know, be physical about it.”

The Jayhawks have struggled at times against defensive fronts that use stunts and movement to disrupt blocking schemes. Baynes said they have been working to make sure those mistakes don’t repeat themselves, focusing heavily on communication and timing throughout the week.

“Just repping it out, you know, getting more fluidity,” he said. “I think, like, that’s the thing. Like, we really kind of hammered on from that game, just working on communication. We can be who we are if we all communicate and be on the same level.”

Kansas has also had to adjust to lineup changes on the offensive line, with players like Enrique Cruz Jr. shifting sides and new rotations forming. Last week Calvin Clements had limited snaps. Baynes said while it presents a challenge, it can also make the group stronger with players in different positions.

“Can be,” Baynes said when asked if the shifting creates extra difficulty. “I think it’s really good for offensive line to kind of play with different parts. We have different people coming in, so just knowing that, we’re going to get a different look that we haven’t worked on. I’m talking about if one person comes in and they run a look that we haven’t seen before, you know, we’re communicating, and we’re getting on the same level now, so just hammering out the issues.”

Baynes on Oklahoma State

The Jayhawks are a heavy favorite and Oklahoma State has struggled defensively. But over the last few games they have been showing signs and giving up over 120 less rushing yards a game.

“Oh, they’re a really good front,” he said. “You know, they play really physical. They really do a good job of setting the tone, I think. Their coach has them really fired up to play each week, so we’re looking forward to them.”

Under new defensive coordinator Clint Bowen, the Cowboys have shown major improvement. Baynes credited Bowen and the energy his defense brings to the field.

“Their front, like I said, their front’s really good,” Baynes said. “I think their coach kind of has them really amped up to play each week, and we’re really looking forward to the challenge of going against them.”

Even with Oklahoma State undergoing a coaching change, Baynes said the way they continue to play with intensity isn’t surprising. He compared their situation to what Kansas went through last year when the Jayhawks battled through adversity and continued to compete.

“Well, I can’t attest to the coaching change part,” Baynes said. “But when we were 1-5 last year, I think we played with that same mentality every game. We’re going to go out here, and 0-0, the records don’t matter. We’re going out here and playing ball. I think us having that same mentality kind of last year, I can see the way they play each game.”

As for the Jayhawks offense, Baynes said the run game has been better and that the offensive line is starting to regain its rhythm. They have a film session on Monday’s where they look back over things and focus on fixing the mistakes.

“I think it’s been good,” he said. “I think that we’re kind of finding our groove again. We are continuing what we do this past week with, ‘Tell the Truth Monday’ — is just playing back to basics and kind of being who we are. What we did, what we’ve been doing in the past here, is just getting back to running the ball.”