Attacking

Quarterbacks Kerry Meier and Todd Reesing both expressed their optimism over KU’s remodeled offense under the tutelage of new coordinator Ed Warinner.

Meier called it “up-tempoed,” the same word used by junior Aqib Talib a week ago.

“The main thing that’s good about it is we’re utilizing everybody in a way that puts a defense in a position where, at some point in their defense, something is going to be open,” Reesing said. “All the pass plays, we’re utilizing the running backs a lot more, which gives a lot more outlets when downfield routes are covered.

“I think the main thing is it gives us opportunities to make a play, and if it’s not there, then we have something that will prevent us from making a bad play.”

Added Meier: “It’s something totally different. It’s going to be exciting. We really haven’t had anything like it at KU in the past.”

Packing on pounds

Meier said he’s gained weight in the offseason, and currently is at 226 pounds to go on his 6-foot-3 frame – pretty thick for a quarterback.

“I fluctuate between 220 and 225,” Meier said. “I kind of like having the weight on. More protection.”

Meier said he had not noticed much of a difference when running the ball, though he is trying to tweak his philosophy.

“There’s a little more momentum (with the weight),” Meier quipped. “But I’ve got to learn to get out of bounds instead of gaining the extra two yards and getting drilled.”

Moving north

Kansas moved its practice Wednesday from the practice fields adjacent to Hoglund Ballpark to Memorial Stadium because of the day-long rain.

It was the 12th of 15 spring practices, which will wrap up Sunday.

“Tempo’s been good. I’m happy with it,” KU coach Mark Mangino said. “I think our kids are really working hard.”

Don’t count on him

Linebacker Brandon Duncan, who has not been practicing with the team this spring, isn’t expected to return to the Jayhawks this fall.

“He’s been working on academics,” Mangino said. “It’s unlikely that he’ll return. The possibility exists, but it’s unlikely.”

Duncan, a sophomore, has played just three games for the Jayhawks because of a red-shirt in 2005 and a season-ending ankle injury last year.

New commit

Kansas received its first oral commitment for the 2008 recruiting class from Sean Ransburg, according to rivals.com.

Ransburg, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound athlete out of Harrisonville, Mo., committed Tuesday. Though he could project at several positions, he’s best known as Harrisonville High’s quarterback, passing for 1,500 and rushing for 1,300 more as a junior last year.