2002 Statistics

written by Collin Mickle

For the second straight year, Kansas' offense is in good hands. Quarterback Bill Whittemore, the Big XII's 2002 Offensive Newcomer of the Year, should be even better in his second year at the helm of Mark Mangino's offense. Despite playing in only nine games, Whittemore accounted for 22 touchdowns - 11 each passing and rushing. Whittemore's athleticism and strong arm are the perfect combination for Mangino's version of the spread offense. Individually, he will be tough to stop.

Another standout position for the Jayhawks' offense will be at running back, where all but one major contributor return. Sophomore Clark Green shone, both in leading the team with 813 yards rushing and as the Jayhawk's second-leading receiver. Look for Green to be a receiving focus again. Joining him in the backfield will be senior reserve tailback Harold McClendon and a pair of fullbacks, juniors Brandon Watkins and Austine Nwabuisi. True freshman Jerome Kemp had an outstanding spring and could replace McClendon as the top reserve.

After those two positions, however, it will be rough sailing for the Jayhawks, who finished no better than eighth in the conference in 2002 for every major offensive category.

The Jayhawks will have to replace the bulk of their wide receiving production due to the loss of starting wideouts Byron Gasaway and Marcellus Jones. Junior Brandon Rideau and senior Derrick Mills, the third and fourth wideouts of 2002, will have to step into the starting lineup. Sophomore Mark Simmons will also see plenty of time as the third receiver. Junior Gary Heaggans and redshirt freshmen Charles Gordan and Dominic Roux will provide depth, but are unproven in real-game capacities. This could be a surprise position with the accolades these newbies have compiled in prep ball. Accordingly, talented juco transfer Lyonel Anderson will be the tight end.

Kansas finished ninth in the Big XII in rushing. But they must replace four players (and the top reserve) from 2002's offensive line. That does not bode well for the Kansas rushing attack. The inexperienced group is led by returning starter Tony Coker at right tackle. Senior Adrian Jones, who spent the previous three years of his KU career at tight end, will play left tackle. Sophomore Justin Henry will play at one guard position, while juco transfer Joe Vaughn settles in at center. Seniors Danny Lewis and Nick McCaslin will compete to see who can fill the remaining guard slot. Really, anyone who can prove that their helmet-to-helmet technique works will get a shot.

TB Clark Green

written by Collin Mickle

After finishing last in the Big XII in rush defense and total defense, the Jayhawks (at least) return plenty of experience on the defensive line. The unit is led by a pair of junior tackles, Travis Watkins and end David McMillan. Sophomore NG Tim Allen, who started seven games last season, joins Watkins inside. More experience and increased playing time means his production numbers should skyrocket for the undersized (6-1, 260) but talented Texan. Senior Reggie Curry and redshirt freshman Kyle Knighton will compete for the other end position.

Sophomore free safety Joe Reid leads the secondary, which returns three starters - and to make a judgement, none of whom are Reid. Reid, who is the team's top returning tackler, played linebacker in 2002, thanks to injuries to several of the starters at the position. With the depth at linebacker improved, defensive coordinator Bill Young moves Reid back to the defensive backfield, where he can use his impressive speed and hard-hitting to greatest effect. Corners Remuise Johnson and Donnie Amadi combined for seven interceptions and 16 passes defended. Donnie's twin brother Ronnie is competing with senior Bobby Birhiray for the nickel-back job.

Senior strong safety Zach Dyer is one of the most interesting stories on the team. A former quarterback, Dyer moved to safety last season and totaled 46 tackles in just five games. Dyer enters the fall as the full-time starter, and should improve considerably in his second season at the position.

The linebacking corps, a team-strength last season, is the defense's major weakness in 2003. With Reid's return to safety and the graduation of senior stars Greg Cole and Leo Ettienne, the position loses a combined 264 tackles and 12 sacks. Sophomore Banks Floodman (entered 2002 as the starter at one outside linebacker position but was sidelined for the season with an injury, prompting Reid's move from safety) regained his job with a solid spring, although his rehab is not yet complete. Ditto senior Glenn Robinson, who will take one of the remaining two spots.

Sophomores Kevin Kane, Brandon Perkins, and Darren Rus will compete for the final spot. All three saw plenty of action as 2002 reserves and special teamers. No matter who wins the competition, all three will get plenty of playing time as Young tinkers with player combinations to determine his best lineup.

CB Remuise Johnson