The Kansas offense led by quarterback Todd Reesing (5) approaches the line of scrimmage. The Jayhawks held a public spring-drills practice Friday at the KU practice fields.

The Kansas offense led by quarterback Todd Reesing (5) approaches the line of scrimmage. The Jayhawks held a public spring-drills practice Friday at the KU practice fields.

Following its most successful season in school history, Kansas University’s football team could allow complacency to set in with its place in the record books secure.

But KU quarterback Todd Reesing said he knew more work needed to be done to improve on his team’s Orange Bowl-winning, 12-1 campaign. And the first steps toward achieving next season’s goals began this week with the start of spring practices. Friday marked the second of 15 spring practices for the Jayhawks. It also was the first of two to be open to the public.

Reesing said there was a vast difference in this spring’s workouts compared to last year, when KU was coming off a 6-6 season and no bowl appearance.

“I think this time, it puts even more pressure on us because the expectations are going to be higher,” Reesing said. “We’re not going to go out there and surprise anyone next year, so we really have to work harder than last year to get back to that level.”

Perhaps the biggest difference for Reesing is knowing he won’t have to battle junior-to-be Kerry Meier during the offseason for the starting quarterback job. Reesing earned the first-string gig in the fall and proceeded to set school records for yards passing (3,486) and touchdowns (33) in a single season. Reesing broke 14 single-season offensive records.

“It’s a big relief knowing that you already have your starting job, or at least, I hope so,” Reesing said. “This spring, it’s all about improving, fundamentally and knowing the offense. Having a year under your belt in the system definitely helps.”

KU coach Mark Mangino said having that stability would help the Jayhawks. He has asked Reesing to work on his game-management skills and managing practices better.

“He usually takes the proper approach,” Mangino said. “He knows he can improve himself, too, and I’m sure he will.”

Mangino said the Jayhawks were practicing with more confidence than a year ago. He was impressed by what he had seen in the early going of spring workouts.

“It’s a very intense environment,” he said. “Our kids, even though we were just in shorts and helmets, got after each other pretty good today. In fact, I had to pull back a little bit because we can’t afford to have anybody getting injured in helmets and shorts. But it’s a very, very intense atmosphere. High tempo, and a lot of young guys trying to win jobs. They are really pushing the veteran guys, which is really a good sign.”

KU’s next open practice will be April 4. The Jayhawks will hold their annual spring game on April 12.