Jayhawks report: Inside slant

May 2, 2008
The Sports Xchange

Inside slant · Notes, quotes · Strategy and personnel

It's not easy trying to forget an unforgettable season.

But that's the approach Kansas must take after going 12-1 last season with a victory against Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl.

The only way for the Jayhawks to successfully follow their breakthrough season is not to dwell on the past. Sure, they should use the run, which included a 7-1 mark in the Big 12, to build confidence, yet not get carried away.

"We are just trying not to get complacent and know that we have to work hard to get where we were last year," said cornerback Chris Harris, the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2007. "We are not even talking about last year, because it is a new year. We just have to rebuild."

Fortunately for the Jayhawks, the process isn't altogether complex with 15 starters back. Nine returnees on defense will make the promotion to coordinator easier on Clint Bowen, who takes over that unit after veteran Bill Young left for Miami.

More playmakers must be found on offense, though junior Todd Reesing returns at quarterback after successfully orchestrating the no-huddle spread Kansas incorporated last season when it ranked second nationally in points (42.8) and ninth in yards (479.8).

For the Jayhawks to operate as smoothly in 2008 could take a miracle. They were the third-least penalized team in the country a year ago and also led the nation with a plus-21 turnover margin.

Still, the confident efficiency Reesing brought to the team cannot be overlooked. Even with new skill players surrounding him, he figures to again provide a winning spark, while the defense could be even better as long as the Jayhawks replace two All-Americans, cornerback Aqib Talib and defensive tackle James McClinton.

The biggest key during the offseason, however, is not to forget the humble backdrop that enveloped Kansas football prior to last season. It was then that critics appropriately questioned the job security of coach Mark Mangino, whose BCS response pads his record to 37-36 entering his seventh season.