Most crucial Jayhawks 2015: No. 1 – OL Jordan Shelley-Smith
photo by: Nick Krug
Kansas offensive lineman Jordan Shelley-Smith stretches out with his teammates during practice on Monday, April 7, 2015. Shelley-Smith is making the transition from tight end to offensive line.
What began eight weeks ago with the first entry in this year’s list of the 25 most crucial Jayhawks for the upcoming football season has reached its peak.
No. 1. Numero uno. The top dog. The head honcho.
It’s no secret that left tackle is one of the game’s most important positions at any level, but for this KU team, which features question marks at QB and all of the skill positions on offense, holding down the left side with some stability and consistency will be as critical as ever.
That responsibility belongs to a former tight end who’s just one year into the switch to the offensive line, but the reports on Jordan Shelley-Smith from camp have been favorable.
Here’s a look:
1. Jordan Shelley-Smith, 6-foot-5, 296-pound Jr. Offensive Tackle
Shelley-Smith’s move from tight end to offensive tackle a year ago made sense for the player and the program.
His natural athleticism, including his footwork and agility, stand out for an offensive linemen. His next challenge was to put on weight, which he accomplished in impressive fashion.
Among other things, Shelley-Smith spent a long period of time setting his alarm clock for 3 a.m. so that he could have another protein shake.
He’s still in the process of getting his technique down and has earned the respect of the coaching staff by working so hard at it as well as by getting the rest of the blockers to fall in line.
At left tackle, Shelley-Smith bears the important responsibility of protecting the quarterback’s blind side. It’s imperative he does a strong job of that because no attractive option is available.
A lot is being asked of a player so new to his position and there is a reason for that. His coaches believe in him and his hunger grows in lockstep with how much they put on his plate.
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