Cornish happy to help

Don’t summarize Jon Cornish’s football talents to be traits of a power running back. There’s more to it than that.

“You say power. I sort of think it’s willpower,” the Kansas University junior said. “When I run, sometimes I just believe I’ll be able to beat this person to the hole or overpower this person running through it.”

If it’s not broke, Cornish shouldn’t try to fix it – whether it’s athleticism or desire leading the way. In two games as KU’s second option at tailback, Cornish has averaged 10.6 yards per carry, making the most of the limited ball-carrying opportunities he gets.

Against Appalachian State on Saturday, Cornish had 10 looks for 103 yards and three touchdowns – thus establishing himself as another weapon in a rejuvenated offense.

“It felt fun to finally get to play a sufficient amount of reps,” Cornish said. “Ten reps really isn’t too much, but I got to play a lot. That’s the only thing I care about now – helping out the team.”

Clark Green still is designated at the starter, and the experienced senior is worthy of the slot – he’s rushed for 162 yards on 35 carries, and also has proven to be an effective pass protecter and receiving option out of the backfield.

While Cornish works on his non-ball-carrying skills, he and Green will share carries – something coach Mark Mangino is excited to see.

Kansas running back Jon Cornish breaks through the Florida Atlantic defense en route to a touchdown during the fourth quarter of Saturday night's game at Memorial Stadium.

“Cornish and Green complement each other very well,” Mangino said.

Cornish, for one, agrees. Since arriving in Lawrence from New Westminster, British Columbia, Cornish has received tough love from the coaching staff, as he went from an athlete who stuck with football for the education to someone who found a way to take both seriously.

With that in mind, his emergence really did stem from willpower. He still gets yelled at (“They’ve never stopped yelling at me,” he says) but the 6-foot, 210-pounder is absorbing it like a sponge, instead of taking it personal like many would.

“Typically, I take coaching as listening to the words rather than that way it’s said,” Cornish said. “Games get emotional. You should expect emotional responses when you mess up.”

Now, Cornish has been able to let his legs do the apologizing. In just 14 carries this season, he’s amassed 148 yards rushing, including breakaway, tackle-busting runs of 29 and 58 yards.

Four of those 14 runs reached the end zone. All but one has been for positive yardage. He also has an 11-yard reception in his trophy case.

But, as he claims, there’s more to Jon Cornish that hasn’t been displayed yet.

“Really, I don’t think I’ve had the opportunity to showcase all the things I can do,” Cornish said. “I have some moves you guys haven’t seen yet. Hopefully, I can showcase those this week.”

It’s a certainty he’ll get his chances – more and more, as he develops other parts of his game.

All the while, Cornish will be finding out once again how much fun football really can be.

“That was a very significant thing for me in this second game. I had a blast out there,” Cornish said. “I love this sport. I’ve always loved it. Now that I’m getting to play, it’s that much more fun for me.”