Lance Leipold discusses indicators if his team is ready to play
With several new linebackers stepping into key roles this season, Kansas head coach Lance Leipold said the group will be the focus to the defense’s on-field communication.
The in-helmet headset system, which allows coaches to relay calls directly to one player, will primarily be worn by linebackers.
“Most of the time it’ll be at the linebacker corps,” Leipold said. “It makes the most sense to have the second-level players there. Sometimes you may use a safety, but for communication and where it’s at from coach to player, it’ll be in the linebacker room.”
Since D.K. McDonald took over as the defensive that has been one of the areas he wanted to improve.
“One thing I think we’ve done a lot better job to this date is communication as a whole on defense,” Leipold said. “DK’s been emphatic on it since day one about communicating better, and I think our guys have.”
The rotation has given multiple players a chance to take on the vocal leadership role. From newcomers to veterans and players like walk-on Ezra Vedral who has had a good summer.
“Whether it be the newcomers that have joined us from Trey and Bangally and Joseph, to a guy like Jayson Gilliom who’s been in the program,” he said. “And Ezra Vedral, who’s had a really fine camp as a walk-on and put himself in position to see the field, all those guys have had the opportunity to be vocal and be leaders. I think they’ve done a fine job.”
Signs the team is ready for first game
When asked what indicators tell him a team is ready to play, Leipold said it often comes down to how players handle the grind of camp. And they are to the point they are ready to hit someone else.
“When they’re sick of practicing against each other, usually that’s a sign,” he said. “Sometimes people think that fights and short tempers mean you’re ready to go play. I think it’s a waste of time and a lack of discipline, so we don’t really tolerate it. I think our guys have been really good about that.”
Leipold noted that the repetition and routine of camp can be challenging but it is something they have to go through every year.
“You have to embrace some of the monotonous things in order to be great,” he said. “You have to do those tasks that require repetition and embrace that grind.”
While he admitted the team looked “a little heavy-legged” during a recent practice, Leipold said that’s normal for this stage of camp.
“As things start to taper here the next couple days and we approach game week, I think we’ll have them in a great spot and excited for kickoff,” he said.
Jalon Daniels had a great camp
After battling injuries and missing spring football, quarterback Jalon Daniels has taken full advantage of fall camp to build timing and chemistry with his receivers. Leipold said the results have been clear.
“I think it’s been excellent,” Leipold said. “JD’s had a great camp and he’s playing really well. To see his confidence and that timing and connections, you kind of look back and, whether it be him being limited or players being limited, you see the void that was there. It makes you appreciate what you have going on right now.”
With a new receiver group, Leipold stressed the importance of these reps in August. “I think he feels really good about his timing and understanding with this group,” he said. “It’ll be important as we move forward.”
