To be one of Todd Reesing’s receivers is to know that working overtime on a play can pay off in a big way.

“We figured that out early in the season and even through training camp, even against our own defense,” Kansas University junior receiver Kerry Meier said. “He’s the master at buying a little bit more time, making guys miss and making that next guy miss. It just definitely keeps all of us receivers on our toes and (mindful) never to give up on a play. It’s just how his attitude is. Once you think the play is over, you know it’s usually going to turn out that the play’s not over. Todd’s back there buying time.”

On the deciding play of KU’s upset victory against Missouri, both ends of what has to rank as one of the greatest plays in the history of one of college football’s greatest rivalries illustrated the value of never quitting on a play.

Meier talked Friday afternoon about his game-winning touchdown reception.

“I guess the thing was they played completely different coverage on that play than they did the whole drive,” Meier said. “The entire drive leading up to that play, they were sitting back in zone. Fourth and seven, they decided to come after us. The play call they had for us, it’s good against zone or man coverage. Todd saw Briscoe back side, one-on-one coverage, and he liked it, but Dezmon failed to get open. I saw Todd doing his thing back there running around the pocket and buying a little bit more time. I caught eyes with him. Next thing I know, I put a foot in the ground and planted and went deep. Next thing I saw was a ball in the air. That’s how it all happened.”

Meier said Reesing was blocked from his line of vision by a lineman.

“All I did was look up, and I saw the ball come flying out, and there it was,” Meier said. “Todd threw a heck of a ball. He threw it on the money.”

On the money or at his feet, Meier usually finds a way to catch them all.

Despite injuries slowing him, Meier leads KU with 87 receptions. His 932 receiving yards and seven touchdowns rank second to Dezmon Briscoe.

At various times, Meier could be seen reaching back with his left hand to touch his hamstring, but he never has been specific about his injuries.

“My body’s just been banged up,” Meier said, using the generic injury term preferred by coaches. “I think everybody’s been banged up this whole season. It just takes a toll on your body overall. It’s just part of football.”

Meier still spends much of his practice time at quarterback, where he ranks second on the depth chart. That could change next season, when Kale Pick of Dodge City will be a red-shirt freshman. Meier might be able to practice as a receiver on a full-time basis.

“Just seeing Kale practice and the progress he’s made, he’ll definitely be a good one here,” Meier said. “When he gets his chance to shine, I definitely think he’s going to do well. However it works out, if I do make that switch to full-time receiver, that would be great. But if the team needs me to back up Todd as well as play receiver, I’m going to do it.”

As a hyped quarterback recruit, Meier had the look of a Golden Boy. In truth, he’s a tough-as-they-come team guy to the core.