Kansas head coach Lance Leipold continues to be impressed with the growth and leadership of junior quarterback Cole Ballard, who arrived in Lawrence as a third-string walk-on. Ballard, whose father Chris is the general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, has earned respect in the locker room through with maturity and leadership. “We’ve talked about his […]
Kansas head coach Lance Leipold continues to be impressed with the growth and leadership of junior quarterback Cole Ballard, who arrived in Lawrence as a third-string walk-on.
Ballard, whose father Chris is the general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, has earned respect in the locker room through with maturity and leadership.
“We’ve talked about his maturity, his moxie, his respect in the locker room, and you continue to see the growth in things he’s done,” Leipold said. “One thing that’s stood out to me in leadership is he’s not afraid to get on someone when guys aren’t getting lined up right or in and out of the huddle. He’s not afraid to jump a guy, and you need that. He has a way about it that guys respect and understand why he’s doing it.”
Leipold said Ballard’s ability using varied snap counts and voice inflections among other small details that can create “hidden yards” during games.
He didn’t claim to have predicted Ballard’s growth when he first arrived, he wasn’t surprised given his background.
“Knowing his father’s makeup and competitive nature, I knew there’d be upside,” Leipold said. “He was a guy who was playing baseball and throwing about 90 (mph), but decided to go a different way. I knew there’d be intangibles from being around the game. Surprise? No. Pleased with where it’s trending? Absolutely.”
Standouts in scrimmage, practice in stadium
Leipold liked what he saw from several groups in the recent scrimmage, particularly on the defensive side.
“I like how we’re flying around on defense,” Leipold said. “The defensive ends are playing with good tenacity. Keaton Kubecka and Doug Emilien have made plays. Johnny Thompson’s one of the more improved players on the team. Jalon’s having a great camp.”
The tight end room has also been a bright spot. Deshawn Hanika is expected to be the starter after missing last season with an injury. But there are several players behind him who are expected to contribute.
“Carson Bruhn has been one of the bigger surprises and will play a lot,” he said. “Leyton Cure works hard and will have a role. Boden Groen, a transfer from Rice, has picked up the offense well and shown flashes. Jaden Hamm just returned from being out. We have five or six guys who can help us there.”
Leipold said practicing in the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium has been a positive experience for the team. That is where the scrimmages have been held as the team gets ready for Fresno State in less than two weeks.
“It’s been great,” he said about the stadium. “I stayed away during construction to avoid stressing about timelines. It’s first-class. We’re looking forward to getting in there with the scoreboard and play clocks on in about a week.”
Continue to improve
The Jayhawks are working to replace a large group of starters and seniors from last season, and while Leipold isn’t ready to say the team is ahead of schedule in any area, he believes they are staying on track.
“I don’t know if we’re ahead of schedule yet on anything,” Leipold said. “We still have to work and get better. That’s our responsibility, never be too satisfied. But I can’t say we’re drastically behind in areas either.”
When asked about true freshmen making early contributions, Leipold said it may still be too soon to tell but noted a few players making progress in fall camp.
“There could be some that get time on special teams or inch into rotational roles,” he said. “The early enrollees have taken a step. Receivers are playing faster than in the spring. Adrian Holley and Malachi Curvey are definitely improved and will help down the road.”
Category: General Sports
