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This and That

We'll get to some observations from the Kansas football team's Wednesday practice in a second. First, here are some links to check out.

¢ If you haven't read Dugan Arnett's blog, you need to do so.

¢ Wednesday was Media Day for Kansas volleyball, soccer and cross country. Here are the audio links to volleyball coach Ray Bechard, soccer coach Mark Francis and cross country coach Stanley Redwine. Redwine also talks about his former athlete, Olympian Scott Russell, in this clip.

Now back to football. Here are a few notes from the 30 minutes we were able to watch at the end of practice on Wednesday.

¢ Standing with Grady Fowler in the kickers' spot on the sideline was No. 22 Kyle Davis. Though not on the summer roster, Davis apparently is back with the team. In his last bio, he was last listed as a punter.

¢ Linebacker Mike Rivera did not participate in practice. The senior had a brace on his right knee. True freshman Steven Johnson took his place in the lineup. Looks like he and Daymond Patterson might not be needing their red shirts this year.

¢ Tight end A.J. Steward was practicing again with the offense, but he was in with the second team. Bradley Dedeaux was still with the 1s, so perhaps he's moved his way into the top spot.

¢ KU used a two-back set with both Jocques Crawford and Jake Sharp during the practice. Is that maybe something we'll see more this year?

¢ Matt Darton was in at right tackle, meaning starter Jeremiah Hatch is still sitting out. In last week's practice, Hatch appeared to be dragging his left leg a little.

¢ Wide receiver Dezmon Briscoe didn't participate in the drills that I saw, but he looked OK walking on the sideline. Senior wide receiver Raymond Brown took some snaps with the first-team offense in Briscoe's absence.

¢ Fans can rest easy about Kerry Meier and his role in the offense. For the first time this year during an open practice, Meier was used as a receiver.

¢ In case you hadn't heard, Joe Mortensen, Rivera, Ryan Cantrell and Todd Reesing were introduced by KU coach Mark Mangino as this year's captains.

Any good stories from fan appreciation day? Looked like lots of cell-phone cameras were being put to good use.

By Jesse Newell

August 20, 2008

The Newell Post