Head Coach Lance Leipold Provides an Update on Spring Practice

The Kansas Jayhawks football team is heading into the home stretch of a productive spring session. The final hoorah for this team is the spring preview at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on April 9th, starting at 1:00 PM. Head coach Lance Leipold addressed the media to provide an update on the football team and talk about the men's basketball team's postseason success.

Leipold was asked if the basketball program's success in the postseason aids in recruiting for the football program. He said, " I think so," and continued, "The question would then be why hasn't in the past." He was spot on when he said, "We have to do our part as far as the football aspects." He talked about recruiting as a whole, saying, "It is early for some, but I think we have been able to really appreciate those young men that have come, and the people in their program are in their corner for them to come and take a look at us." The recruiting has improved since Leipold has taken over as head coach.

The Kansas Jayhawks coaching staff is bringing in talented players, and Leipold said, "Our numbers have been very solid. We continue to have multiple visitors and not just on our junior day, so to speak." This is a tremendous sign for a program that is looking to compete. One of Leipold's most impactful statements came when talking about recruiting when he said, "I think people have taken notice that things are changing here, and there's some good things to come check out. Obviously, you know we have to continue working hard at recruiting, especially here locally, as these guys can come multiple times."      

Leipold talked about the most encouraging aspect of spring ball, and he immediately responded by saying, "Watching our defense." Playing in the Big 12 is challenging, and having a talented defense is essential. Leipold elaborated by saying his defense is "playing faster, playing more confident, communicating better." He talked about them still having room for improvement in communication, but he likes where it is. He is excited about the defense's confidence, saying, "I'm seeing them a lot more confident, light-years more confident than they were last fall."

He talked about injuries, and the main question was about quarterback Jalen Daniels. Leipold said, "He's making progress, and he has done very limited 11-on-11 reps right now, and that's precautionary." He continued saying, "He's doing all the drills, all the things, throwing skelly and watching him continue to grow as a leader." He also talked about super-senior defensive lineman Caleb Sampson who will be out for the remainder of spring practice. Sampson is dealing with a nagging injury, and they wanted to take care of it.