Kansas University quarterback Bill Whittemore chatted live with KU fans July 8 on KUsports.com. The second-year Jayhawk talked about the improvements of this year’s team, the change in attitude from last season his knee, as well as many other topics.

Moderator: We’d like to thank Bill Whitemore for his time this afternoon and our visitors for all their questions. We will be starting the chat shortly.

Randy: Bill, who do you see emerging as the top receivers on this year’s team? Will the addition of Anderson and Gary Heaggans give you more weapons?

Bill Whittemore: Gary and Lyonel are definitely going to add depth to our receiving corps. We’re going to have plenty of receivers step up this year. Last year, our receivers were young and everybody got some playing time so I think they’re going to be ready for this year.

Redpit69: How is the offensive line coming together? Do you feel you will have the protection you need for throwing and running the ball?

Bill Whittemore: It’s tough to say right now. We’ve got a bunch of good-looking guys in here right now who are competing in the drills we can do but we won’t know much until we get the guys in pads. We’re definitely going to be inexperienced at the O-line in terms of game experinece but I like the way it’s panning out. I like the guys we have slotted in those positions, and I feel like they’ll do a great job.

Glenn: What is the difference in talent, attitude and effort between this year’s team and last year’s team?

Bill Whittemore: I think all three of those categories are definitley on the positive side this year. We had talent last year, a lot of it was young though. There’s nothing better than everyone getting better through game-time experience. Attitude has been a key for us this offseason. We were a little down after last year, because we didn’t have the kind of year we wanted, but guys have come back strong and we’ve been working hard in the weight room. And the effort is definitely there. We’ve had guys back all summer working hard to get better.

James: What part of the team do you think is most improved?

Bill Whittemore: Like with the offensive line, it’s tough to tell at this stage. As far as the wide receivers and defensive back, those guys have gotten better, but I have to believe our best improvement will be in the defensive front seven. We’ve got some good new guys and some good guys from last year, and adding to that depth will be a good attribute this year.

Dan: What will be the biggest difference between last year’s 2-10 team and this coming season’s bowl team?

Bill Whittemore: I’d say the big differences will be with effort, attitude and talent. I think the main thing will be attitude, but our effort’s there and we’re getting more and more talented players. But if we stay on the same page with our attitudes and keep going in the right direction that will be the biggest difference.

Aaron: Bill, a lot of people are saying that this could be the turn around year for the Kansas football program. What are you thoughts on those people and do you agree with them?

Bill Whittemore: I’m right along with those people. I feel like if I wasn’t there wouldn’t be a reason for me to be out there. It all goes back to attitude. In a conference like this, I feel attitude is the main characteristics of a team. I think a lot of guys believe this is the year from the work ethic they have, and I think we’re getting the guys in here to make that happen.

bhawk7: Do you enjoy running the ball as much as you do or would you rather throw down field?

Bill Whittemore: Either way is fine with me. Sure, I prefer to sit back and make plays in the pocket and pick teams apart, but if a team is set on stopping that, there’s no reason why I wouldn’t pull it down and take off running.

EJHAWK: How strong is your knee? Can it take the pounding of a season of football?

Bill Whittemore: My knee is 100 percent. My body’s feeling fine and as far as taking the pounding of last year, if that’s what it takes I’ll be ready, but I have to believe it won’t be like that this year. I feel we’re going to have a lot more stability on the offensive side as far as running and passing. I feel we’ll be able to catch some defenses off guard.

Abby: What do you think people will be most surprised about when they watch the Jayhawks this year?

Bill Whittemore: Just our whole attitude and how the team has come together. I feel like we’re going to be stronger on both sides of the ball.

Ken: As a quarterback, how important is strength training to you (as compared to agility/speed training)?

Bill Whittemore: I think they’re both important, however I feel that speed and agility is more important than strength. I believe a quarterback can be too big in the upper body, as far as not having enough flexiblity to make his throws. In terms of footwork, one has to be able to get out of trouble when he’s in it.

Ray: Do you think KU balances a player’s efforts on the field with reaching out to affirm their success in the classroom.

Bill Whittemore: I believe they have a great set-up here at KU. Football takes up a lot of the time for us, but we have a great support staff working with us — advisors and tutors who make sure we get stuff done. They keep on us all the time — checking our grades and checking to make sure we’re going to our classes — and make sure we’re here to get an education, not just play football.

Moderator: We’d again like to thank Bill and our visitors for their time. We’ll take one more question before having to let Bill go.

Jacob: Hello Bill. I wanted to ask you what goals you have set for the season, personnal and team goals? Rock Chalk.

Bill Whittemore: My personal goal is to lead this team, have everyone in positive spirts, get everyone going in the right direction and motivated to win games, as well as to take care of my business, which is leading the offense down the field and putting us in position to win ballgames. I’m not going to set a limit on anything for team goals, because I believe this will be a our breakout year. I believe we’re going to upset many teams.

Moderator: Thanks again to Bill for his time this afternoon and our visitors for their great questions. Come back at 2 p.m. July 23 for a chat with KU linebacker Banks Floodman.a