Lance Leipold on the offensive line depth, transfer leaders
Kansas football kicked off fall camp on Thursday as the team prepares for its season opener against Fresno State on August 23rd. Afterwards, Lance Leipold met with the media. He mentioned that the team is planning on practicing in the renovated stadium on August 1st.
Leipold also talked about what he saw from the Jayhawks in their first fall practice, the opportunity for offensive linemen with Bryce Foster currently not practicing, and which transfers have stepped into a leadership role.
Leipold likes attitude and energy, guys are acclimating well
The Jayhawks’ head coach said he was very pleased with the team following their first fall practice. Leipold said they threw a lot at the players, who were excited to get out there, and they are working in the right direction.
“They’ve been anxious to get out there and play for real,” Leipold said. “Love the attitude and the hustle so far. Threw a lot at them. It’s a good first step. Got a lot to work on yet, but I like where it’s trending.”
Leipold was able to throw a lot at the players in the first practice because of how quickly the almost brand-new roster had clicked. Despite having 50 new scholarship players, Leipold said they’ve understood quickly how Kansas does things.
“You could see guys are definitely more comfortable now than they were the first days of spring. We’re not spending time repeating ourselves or going back over the things that are important to this program,” Leipold said. “We’re not spending all this extra time and energy on discipline or trying to pound a point home. We can keep moving forward, and it’s been really good.”
Opportunity for offensive linemen to step up
Bryce Foster had a medical procedure done over the summer and is currently not practicing. However, Leipold said Foster is expected to be back soon. In the meantime, Leipold mentioned that Tyler Mercer will get a lot of work, and Mercer has worked hard to add size and strength after playing a lot as a freshman at North Texas.
“Tyler handled it well today. He understands what we’re doing, doesn’t flinch, and doesn’t let the moment get too big,” Leipold said. “Amir Herring will also get some work. We’ll evaluate as we go to figure out the starting group and rotation.”
Leipold said right tackle and left guard are the two positions on the offensive line that are the most unsettled. They’re looking to find a group that works well together and who the rotational pieces will be.
“I’m confident we’ll break camp feeling good about more than five guys, and be ready to play with more than five if needed,” Leipold said.
Transfers stepping up as leaders
Kansas brought in 26 transfers to replace a senior-heavy roster that departed in 2024. Some of those transfers have played a lot of college football and have asserted themselves as leaders on their new teams. Leipold mentioned Justice Finkley, Lyric Rawls, and DJ Graham as guys who’ve been able to make that step.
“One that probably stands out is Justice Finkley—just in his mannerisms and how he’s gone through things,” Leipold said. “He’s well-respected by the team early here and has moved into one of those roles. Lyric Rawls is another one. DJ Graham has done a great job as well. We have guys stepping up.”
The transfers have quickly acclimated to the new roster and have been able to find their footing in the locker room. Leipold said he wouldn’t be surprised if one of the guys he mentioned ended up as a captain.
“As we move toward the end of camp and announce captains, I wouldn’t be surprised if one of those guys is in that group because of how they’ve fit in and gained respect in the locker room,” Leipold said.
