Kansas University linebacker Banks Floodman chatted live with KU fans July 23 on KUsports.com. The redshirt sophomore talked about the improvements of this year’s defense and his knee, as well as many other topics.

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

Justin: How do you feel about the additions of players like Gabe Toomey and their ability to contribute immediately?

Banks Floodman: I feel great about the newcomers, especially Gabe Toomey and some of the other jucos. I think they’re going to have an immediate impact and I’m excited about how they’re going to do. I’ve seen them quite a bit this summer and I think they’re going to have an immediate impact.

Glenn: How would you compare the strength and speed of this year’s LB corps campared to last year?

Banks Floodman: I think the linebacker corps this year is going to be as good if not better. I think our depth will be better this year. Last year we had a lot of freshman who had to step up and take over a lot of roles. With the juco guys, who have more experience, I think our linebackers will be a little better this season and our depth will be much better. I’m excited to see how we do this season.

John: What is the primary goal for the defense in the upcoming season?

Banks Floodman: I think the primary goal of the defense is to be in the top three of some main categories. We want to take the ball away, keep the rushing yards down and keep the passing yards to a minimum. We want to be in the top three in the Big 12 in each of those categories.

KCKU: Banks, so glad that you are going to be back healthy. Even though you are just a sophomore, do you think you can take a bigger leadership role both on and off the field this year?

Banks Floodman: Yes, I think I can take a leadership role on and off the field, and I’m excited to. My team voted me as a captain, which is a huge honor. I think I can take a leadership role on and off the field and I’m looking forward to it.

Jon: Are you bigger, stronger, faster than ever (over the injury completely?)

Banks Floodman: Yes, I am bigger. I’ve put on about 15 pounds, and I’m running better than I ever have. Yes, the knee is 100 percent. The brace is off, and I’m doing everything completely. I’m ready to roll.

Brad: How much improved is the defense from last year to this year, in your eyes? Good luck and Rock chalk, Jayhawk!

Banks Floodman: I think the defense has improved in every aspect — linebackers. defensive linemen and the secondary. We have some great jucos and some great freshmen coming in. I think there’s great improvement in every aspect of the defense, and I’m excited to see what we’re going to do.

Jim: Do you prefer playing against a passing offense or a running offense?

Banks Floodman: I really don’t have a preference. It kind of depends sometimes on the coverage and exactly what the team has for passing and how their running back is. It depends on what the other team brings. Most of the time I like to play against the run or the pass.

Randy: I have heard alot of good things about the teams strength and conditioning. How does the team stack up size-wise compared to last year?

Banks Floodman: Well, I think size-wise we’re going to compete with everyone in the big 12. Everyone who needed to put on weight has done so, and our summer and winter conditioning helped us tremendously. I think it’s going to be a huge benefit.

Vimmy: How is team morale this season?

Banks Floodman: I think the team morale for the upcoming season is the best it’s been since i’ve been here, by far. Everyone’s ready to put the pads on and prove a lot of people wrong.

Moderator: We have time for just one more question, but we’d like to thank Banks Floodman for his time and our visitors for their questions.

Tom: Have you watched any film on Northwestern yet? If so, what sticks out in your mind as far as key concerns in stopping their offense?

Banks Floodman: Yes, i have watched a lot of film on Northwestern. Their offense is on the rise, just like ours. Their running back runs hard, their offensive line looks good and their quarterback has a good arm. Basically, we need to stop their running game. We’re going to have a challenge ahead of us but I know we’re going to be up to it.

Moderator: Again, we’d like to thank Banks and our visitors for their time. Keep logged on to KUsports.com for an upcoming chat with KU football coach Mark Mangino in August.