The Jayhawks practiced for about 21â2 hours Wednesday in front of a small gathering of fans and media.

Among the situations they worked on were goal-line plays, with the I-formation showing up a couple of times.

“There’s a lot of things we could do,” coach Mark Mangino said, “and we wanted to play some smash-mouth.”

¢Not this year: All-Big 12 cornerback Aqib Talib said he didn’t strongly consider going pro after last season, despite chatter that he might be ready for the NFL.

“We didn’t go to no bowl game, man,” Talib said with some enthusiasm. “I would’ve been a seventh-round pick if I came out.

“We’ve got to do good,” he added. “I’ve got to leave on a high note.”

¢First-teamers: Some new names popped up among the first-teamers at practice.

Though four of the five spots on the offensive line seem somewhat set, with Anthony Collins (left tackle), Ryan Cantrell (center), Chet Hartley (right guard) and Cesar Rodriguez (right tackle) working exclusively on first team, the left guard spot switched off between Adrian Mayes and Matt Darton.

Also seeing some work on first team was Raymond Brown at wide receiver, Tang Bacheyie at strong safety, Kendrick Harper at cornerback and Todd Haselhorst at defensive tackle.

¢Personnel notes: A couple of position switches were noticeable at Wednesday’s workout.

Justin Thornton, who started four games at free safety last year, worked out exclusively as a wide receiver. Also getting a few plays in at receiver was Talib, though his duties on offense won’t be frequent.

Another interesting move involved Bradley Dedeaux. The highly rated tight-end recruit out of high school was working on the defensive line Wednesday.

Among those not seen at the practice were linebacker Brandon Duncan and defensive lineman Jason Thompson.

¢No alumni game: KU will not hold an alumni scrimmage prior to the spring game for the first time since 2003.

The alumni scrimmage started in 2004, and former players like Don Fambrough, Dana Stubblefield and Don Davis came back to participate in some capacity.

Instead of the scrimmage, KU will have a hotdog tailgate for former players, Alumni Association members and Williams Fund members prior to the game on April 15.

The tailgate will start at 2 p.m., with the game kicking off at 3:30 p.m.

¢Up next: Kansas will practice Friday and Saturday this week before having four workouts next week. The public’s last opportunity to see the Jayhawks will be at the spring game April 15 at Memorial Stadium.