Have a question about KU football? Then KU football beat writer Matt Tait is your guy. Matt will be answering reader questions starting at 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

doolindalton

While I have been impressed with how Coach Weis and staff have hustled in regard to recruiting, coaches new to the Big 12 (especially Turner Gill) usually have a difficult time adjusting to the nuances and playing style of the conference. Do you seen a difficult transition period for Weis and staff as well?

panalytic

I saw on some recruiting website we were ranked as the 99th best recruiting class in the nation. I think we were ranked last or near the bottom of the Big 12 too? Where do you think we would rank if all the transfers were included? Would we move up significantly?

panalytic

Which new recruit, other than a quarterback, do you think has a chance of making a big impact?

haasehawk

Matt, what would you set the over/under at for number of games that KU will get “blown out” I.e. 21pt or more loss. I’m not trying to be a pessimist just trying to gauge how you think next year will go. Thanks!

ilovetrolls

What do you think about that KJ Pritchard kid?

Jayhawk444

Matt – is there any feeling that Charlie Weis is a “mercenary hire” for KU football? That he agreed to coach KU for a period of, say 5 years just to (re)establish the program, and then move on and hand the program off to someone else? Or is the feeling he would like to stay with the program long term?

mcrckchlk

Hey Matt, now that HCCW is beginning to look at recruits for next years crop, what do you think are his chances of landing a five star or more than one four star recruit? Keep up the good work!

jdp72

I have two questions. Question #1: what do you predict KU’s record to be?(I predict 5-7). Question #2: How long till the BIG12 decides to expand and if the do who are the targeted schools?

kesmithstl1

Matt, I’m nearing a mid-life crisis. While you may not be there yet, I have to know, mustache or highlights?

HawkTronic

We’ve heard the suggestion that KU will get some 5th year transfers. Any ideas/guesses on who? Will you fire up the Tait-o-Meter prediction wheel?

BeshearsForFears

Which new incoming player this year do you see having the most successful career as a Jayhawk?

hawk316

Of all the former players who chose or who were asked to leave, which ones will the team miss the most, in your opinion?

BlakeHallJay

We seem to have done well on the offensive side of the ball with respect to new recruits or transfers under Weis. But how do you feel about where we stand on DEFENSE, given how horrific KU was on that side of the ball last year?

Tribehawk

Hey Matt. Assuming the Big XII expands back to twelve teams in the near future, do you foresee a return to North and South divisions, or East and West? I would think the addition of WVU makes East/West the obvious choice. If so, who will be in those divisions?

diehardjhawk

Matt, do you think the 2 byes this season will help or hurt this team in this new system with a fair amount of new players?

clevelandjayhawker

What’s your favorite meal to eat in Lawrence?

kustrong

Have you had the opportunity to get behind the scenes with the footballs and coaches, if so can you give us a hint of what you saw and liked?

jhawkln

How has this year’s off season conditioning compared to previous years? What’s the vibe with Scott Holsopple?

ND69

How are Dayne’s knees and is he throwing to the receivers , if so how does he look ?

actorman

Thanks as always Matt for doing this and all the other things you do.

I’m wondering about Elijah Johnson. He doesn’t seem to be making any progress at all this season (at least on the offensive end), which is unusual for a Bill Self-coached team. Does he have an injury that we don’t know about? If not, do you know why he doesn’t seem to be improving?

actorman

Whoops, I guess since you’re the football beat writer I should probably ask a football-related question.

What do you think the odds are of the track being removed at some point? If so, how many years do you think it would be before that could happen?

Thanks.

wildjayhawk

Matt, how did the defense coordinator postion go down when Weis hired Dave Campo?

dmmcroberts113

Do you see the Big XII expanding any further in the next 2-3 years?

Bangkok_Jayhawk

Is it too early for the first depth chart projection from Matt Tait?!

Bangkok_Jayhawk

How do you see the O Line shaping up?

Bangkok_Jayhawk

Will you give us a recruiting update?

KansasOats

In my opinion, you need at least five NFL future players in your starting line up to truly compete in your conference at the Division I level.
Does KU have these players next year, and if so, who are they?

Jayhawk2016

Any news on players that were mentioned off the team on Jan 17th on where they are transfering to?

Ross

Other than QB, where will KU be most improved from last year?

pepper_bar

How long until West Virginia realizes it’s a complete geographic misfit for the Big Texas conference and bolts for the ACC? My over under is five years.

burnmu

Do you think that the Jayhawks should get a uniform change? I like our uniforms, but it would be cool to see something different to represent the new era.

boomer1110

What have the players had to say about the off season conditioning as compared to years past? I realize each year and each regime is different, but wondering if you’ve heard anything from the players?

kujayhox

Do you think Kansas can or will replace that team east of us with West Virginia as a new trophy game?

jjjhwk

What is your opinion of Weis’ method of offering players compared to such schools as ND and Mizzou who have offered as many as 50-70 while KU has only offered a few?

jjjhwk

What players from the roster prior to Weis’ hire do you see surprising and playing key roles in the 2012 team?

namohcan_99

Any more expansions expected for the Big XII this season or next? What are your thoughts?

VaJay

Given the posts I’ve seen, there are a lot of us who think that we haven’t seen the best production out of many of our players. With better coaching & weight training regimen – do you think we will see a much better team on the field due in part to the new coaching staff (notwithstanding the new recruits coming in)?

Knoff

Any guess as to how many additional 5th years arrive in June and what positions? Thanks for the FB coverage Matt.

bradh

It’s not really a football question, but if the Big 12 were to expand to 12 teams who do you see as the best targets?

Jayhawker28

Tait, first off, nice work with all the coverage!

What do you see Tony Pierson’s role being in 2012? I’d like to see him put on 20 lbs so he can be more of an every down back as he has big play ability every time he touches the ball. I’m sure he will work his lower body, so he should gain burst as opposed to losing speed. Last question, where do you see Toben Opurum playing? On the outside again? Thanks!

The_Real_Hawkman

Who do you think will be this seasons Offensive MVP and Defensive MVP?

Frankenhawk

Matt, have you heard anything about what Weis plans to do with the jerseys? It is pretty much tradition for KU to change the uniforms in some fashion almost season to season but certainly with the arrival of a new coach. Perhaps the Jayhawk on the helmet? crosses fingers

mjhawkchalk

How is KU going to fare in recruiting local talent? Also, do any big time talents have interest in KU?

BlakeHallJay

Hi, Matt. Craig from Virginia here. I like a lot of the recruitment signings on the offense side of the ledger, but I’m still concerned about that horrific defense from last year. Can you give us a “glass half full” and “glass half empty” pro/con take on how we’ve done with recruiting on defense since Weis and Campo came in, and how well you think we’ll perform on that side of the ball this season? And let us know which side (pro/con) you come down on, confidence-wise. Thanks!

doubleJ25

I guess the schedule was always going to be tough, new coach or not, but I’ll admit seeing it in print has cooled my excitement just a bit. Is it still reasonable to think Weis’ preparation and coaching style are enough to get this team to five or six wins? Or are we looking more at two to three?

BradKU

What did you have for lunch today?

KU58

Matt Have you heard where Darrian Miller is headed? I wish we could have worked something out with him. I thought he was our best running back last year and that he has a great future.

Moderator

Hey guys. This is Jesse Newell, KUsports.com online editor. I’m joined by KU football beat writer Matt Tait. Matt, do you have Linsanity?

Matt Tait

It’s not a full-blown case yet, but I’m starting to feel the effects. Still trying to get over Tebowmania!

Moderator

All right, let’s get to some questions.

kustrong

Did you ever have the feeling in the previous two seasons that KU had the talent but not the discipline? If that is the case, what can realistically be expected from the team next season with a new staff?

Matt Tait

Discipline was definitely the biggest problem, but I never really thought KU had the talent across the board to compete. They were missing players in key areas – QB, D-Line, WR, to name a few – and because of that the talent that they did have was usually hard to see.

I think this team has talent and I think it has more today than when the 2011 season ended. So that’s a reason to be hopeful. Having said that, you can’t underestimate the challenges that come with changing staff, changing offenses, changing defenses and all of that other stuff that goes into.

Bottom line: I expect to see an improved product in a bunch of areas and I don’t think we’ll have to witness the epic blowouts that became commonplace in the past two seasons.

Time will tell…

mikendal

Hey, Matt— Thanks for your continued great coverage of KU Football. Now that the new football schedule is out, what one game would you be looking forward to covering in 2012 and why? For me, I think the TCU game in Lawrence on Sept. 15th, could be interesting!

Thanks! KUFanSince1975

Matt Tait

Hey, thanks.

This may not be quite as cool since you took mine, but I’m with you in being pretty excited about that TCU game. For starters, it’s the first Big 12 game of the season and the first ever Big 12 game for TCU. In addition, it’s in Lawrence, KU should be 2-0 by that point and it’s Charlie Weis’ first home Big 12 game, as well.

Lots and lots of storylines make that one exciting.

I’m also pumped about going to West Virginia (it’s always fun to see new places) and seeing what KU can do in Manhattan.

It’s a tough, tough schedule, but it should be a fun ride.

baldwinjhawk

I think there are a lot of us that would like to see the K State game end the season. Has there been any discussion as such?

Matt Tait

I heard that they explored that pretty hard this time around but couldn’t make it happen for a whole bunch of reasons…. I’m not saying it will happen, but I would be surprised if there’s not a push to make that game what the Missouri game used to be. Maybe not at Arrowhead, but definitely at the end of the season.

From the sound of it, the Big 12 was just happy to get a working schedule out this year with all of the obstacles that stood in the way. I think they’re going to look at changing things around quite a bit for 2013 and I also heard that this year’s format is not necessarily the baseline. What I mean by that is, just because KU is home vs. TCU this year and at Oklahoma doesn’t mean they’ll play at TCU and host OU next year.

I think the version that comes out in 2013 will be more of the baseline like we’re used to, and hopefully it will have the KU-KSU game later in the year.

kesmithstl1

All I’ve read about the continuation of the Border Showdown seems to be involving basketball. Has Coach Weis made any statement regarding this issue?

Matt Tait

Not that I’m aware of, but, to me, that makes sense. He’s never been a part of it and would not be able to speak from experience anyway.

I’m sure he would and does side with what athletic director Sheahon Zenger and hoops coach Bill Self feel is best regarding the Border War, and, as you know, they’re both against scheduling it again any time soon.

fourbagger

It seems the backfield will be crowded. WIll Tevan Shaw or someone else be asked to move to the defensive side where we appear to be short on talent? Thanks

Matt Tait

I haven’t heard that, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t happen. Having said that, I think all of the backs that are in place are here to be running backs. Maybe you could see a guy like Tony Pierson moved to the slot or a guy like Tevin Shaw red-shirt his first season, but they’re all talented backs with serious skills who should get a shot to earn playing time, at least initially.

As we’ve seen time and time again, the running back position is definitely one spot where you can’t have too much depth, but I do agree with you in that it’s hard to envision a way for Bourbon, Sims, Pierson, Cox and Shaw to all get meaningful carries in 2012 if they’re all healthy.

That’s going to be one of the more interesting situations to follow this spring…

Bangkok_Jayhawk

What freshman (red shirt or true) will have a chance to start or have a starter type role?

Matt Tait

Several.

True freshmen:
Cornerback Greg Allen
Linebacker Schyler Miles
Wide Receiver Tre Parmalee

Red-shirt freshmen:
Defensive lineman Ben Goodman
Offensive linemen Dylan Admire, Luke Luhrsen, Damon Martin

That’s just to name a few. And that doesn’t even include all of the juco guys that Weis brought in on signing day. There will be a lot of new faces out there this fall. The good news for fans is this: They will have names on their jerseys!!!

haps

Two questions, take either one or both:
1) Terry criticized Weis for his demeanor towards the players (“dog cussing”). Have you seen any other players unhappy with Weis or questioning their commitment to the program because of him/the staff?
2) The rip on the staff thus far (namely Campo and Weis) is that they have little recent success in college coaching and have not shown the ability to ‘coach kids up’. Have you seen anything that would assuage this worry or is it something that’s to be determined?

Matt Tait

1. The guys who didn’t like it are gone. The guys who are still here expect it and don’t seem to have any problem with it. Many of them grew up playing for coaches like that and a few of them were here when Mark Mangino was still the coach.

2. Not yet. It’s still way to early to tell how good these guys are at developing players, but they’ve all coached some of the best who have ever played the game so I’m going to guess that they’re solid in that department and choose to wait and see.

liljayhawker15

From what you know about the upcoming recruiting class for KU, do you think that Weis as enough talent on the team to finish the season with 6 to 7 wins?

Matt Tait

I do. They’ve upgraded in a lot of key areas, most notably quarterback, which can make all the difference in the world.

Having said that, I’m not expecting 6 or 7 wins. Not at all. In fact, KU will have to get a whole bunch of breaks and have just about everything go right in order to approach that number of wins.

You never know what can happen, though, and it’s going to be fun to see how it all shakes out.

Moderator

Time for a few more …

BeshearsForFears

Who do you think will be the kick returners on ST? Patterson on punts and DJ on kicks as usual, or do you see someone new (Pierson) stepping in and assuming the role?

Matt Tait

I have questions about how much Patterson and Beshears will be used as wideouts so I think they’ll be locked into those roles you mentioned.

But it would not surprise me at all to see someone else in the mix there to challenge them and give KU some diversity. Maybe Pierson and maybe even a guy like Parmalee or Shaw.

Another area that will be interesting to track.

Moderator

Love this username.

BeshearsForFears

This may be way too early to tell, but what is your prediction as to which players have breakout seasons this year?

I’m going with McDougald on D and whoever plays TE on O.

Matt Tait

Not a bad call… Lots of options at tight end but Charles Brooks the guy from a junior college in Arizona could be your answer there.

My picks – at least right now – are: Victor Simmons on defense (safety) and Taylor Cox on offense (running back).

Matt Tait

And I agree with our moderator… nice user name.

kusayzone

Hello Matt,
With the entry of West Virginia and TCU into the Big 12/10, how much credibility does that add to our football conference?

Matt Tait

It depends on how you look at it but those schools have quite a few BCS berths between them where A&M and Mizzou had one… or is it none? A&M went to the Sugar Bowl in 98 but I can’t remember if that was the BCS era or not.

Anyway, both A&M and Mizzou have solid programs, but if you have to replace them I think the Big 12 found two great options.

TCU is growing its program and will only get better and WVU is a solid program with great tradition in a new part of the country for the Big 12.

Great pick-ups. The conference should continue to be one of the premiere football leagues in America year in and year out.

Moderator

OK last one. Ending on a serious note.

d_prowess

Who would you rather go on a date with? Tim Tebow or Scarlett Johansson?

Matt Tait

Wow. That is serious!!!

If I were interested in learning the ins and outs of the quarterback position, I’d be tempted to pick Tebow. However, since we have Charlie Weis in town now, I’m good there. Thank goodness.

That means I gotta go with Scarlett Jo…….. EEEEEASSSSSILLLLLY!!!!

Someone must’ve got some inside information there and found out about my soft spot for Ms. Johansson. We gotta find a way to incorporate pictures into this chat!

Moderator

We’ll work on that.

Anyways, thanks Matt for being here, and thanks to everyone out there for hitting us up with good questions.

Matt Tait

Thank you, Mr. Moderator.

Scheduling conflict next week means we’ll have to take a week off, but we’ll be back on March 1 with another edition of “30 for Thursday” and we might even open it up to some March Madness chatter.

It’s almost that time, folks. Thanks for the great questions. Talk to you all soon!