LAWRENCE — When Kansas State football began spring practice in March, renovations to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium had already begun.
The project began in earnest after the Jayhawks' final home game of the 2023 season. This was a work that attracted great interest from people around Lawrence, the state, and the nation. Kansas football coach Lance Leipold told reporters after practice that Jayhawks men's basketball coach Bill Self also asked him about it recently.
This construction is expected to continue through spring conference and the coming months as the University of Kansas works on the first phase of a large project in that area of campus. People passing by the site can see on a daily basis how many workers are there and how hard they are working. And it drew comparisons to Leipold.
Related:Inside the process that led to Lance Leipold's new contract as Kansas football head coach
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“It's a reminder that you, like your program, are always under construction,” Leipold said in mid-March. “But at the same time, it's really exciting to see what's happened in this short period of time. And the future is even brighter.”
Here are five more takeaways from the Jayhawks coordinator's meeting with reporters after practice.
Lance Leipold emphasizes the importance of not being complacent
Although Kansas' 9-4 season in 2023 is the program's best in more than a decade, Leipold emphasized the importance of not being complacent. He pointed out that the Jayhawks don't have the luxury of sitting around watching highlight tapes from last year and reading about how good they were supposed to be. That way, competitors can more easily overtake them.
Leipold understands the expectations will be high for Kansas in 2024. He pointed to a similar element of respect that opponents will have for the Jayhawks. Taking advantage of these spring practices and the months that follow is critical.
Jeff Grimes praises new staff for welcoming them
Kansas was given the offensive coordinator position last year when Andy Kotelnicki left for Penn State. Leipold recently turned to his coach at Baylor, Jeff Grimes. So this represents Grimes' first spring ball with the Jayhawks.
Grimes said the reception has been great from day one. He said everyone, both players and staff, has been open to him. He attributed the seamless transition in part to his affinity with Leipold.
Jim Zebrowski talks about his relationship with Jeff Grimes and the quarterback's relationship.
Jim Zebrowski, who also currently serves as co-offensive coordinator, has been working with the Kansas quarterback since following Leipold here from Buffalo before the 2021 season. Zebrowski said the quarterbacks are adjusting well to the new offensive coordinator. Additionally, Grimes added that he has expressed confidence in the quarterback regarding how he should think about his future activities.
Zebrowski added that working with Grimes was great. From Zebrowski's perspective, the arrival of a new coach comes with the expectation that he or she will add something to the program. It's clear that Grimes' experience at Baylor and BYU is reflected in Zebrowski.
Coordinator Brian Borland talks about how spring will develop for the defense
When Brian Bolland spoke early in spring ball, the defensive coordinator said it was important at that moment to play hard, fast and physical with good fundamentals on every play. But ultimately, he'll be working on more schemes to improve how he plays in third-down and red zone situations. All of that will factor into his evaluation of the roster, as he knows Kansas needs players to step up.
Jerem Robinson's limitations during spring ball create opportunities for others
Coach Borland acknowledged that's not a good thing, noting that senior defensive end Jerem Robinson is “absolutely marginal” and “really not doing anything.” But Robinson is also someone who has played a lot during his career, Borland added. This reduces the need for Robinson to do as much during spring ball and also gives the other defensive ends on the roster a chance to get more reps.
Borland highlighted redshirt senior defensive end Dylan Udoke as a player who showed physicality in early practices. Redshirt junior defensive end Dean Miller was one of the players who showed aggressiveness and speed. Borland noted that groups in these positions will likely be sorted out over time.
Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics for the Topeka Capital Journal. He has been named the National Sports Media Association's 2022 Kansas Sportswriter of the Year. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or @JordanGuskey on Twitter.
