What does Leipold think about KU football’s stadium renovation?
LAWRENCE — As Kansas football started its spring practices in March, the construction for the renovation of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium was already underway.
It’s a project that began in earnest after the last home game of the Jayhawks’ 2023 season had been played. It’s one that garnered a lot of interest from those around Lawrence, the state and the nation, as well. Kansas football coach Lance Leipold mentioned to reporters after a practice that Jayhawks men’s basketball coach Bill Self had recently asked him about it, too.
That construction will continue throughout spring ball and the months to come as Kansas works on the first phase of its larger project for that area of campus. People making their way by the site will routinely be able to notice how many workers are there and how much they’re committed to getting done. And it drew a comparison from Leipold.
“It kind of reminds that, just like your program, you’re always under construction,” Leipold said in mid-March. “But at the same time, it’s really exciting to see what has transpired in this short period of time. And the future’s even brighter.”
Here are five more takeaways as the Jayhawks’ coordinators have met with reporters after practices:
Lance Leipold highlights the importance of not being complacent
Kansas’ 9-4 season in 2023 is the program’s best in more than a decade, but Leipold pressed upon the importance of not being complacent. He noted the Jayhawks can’t afford to sit down and watch their highlight tapes from last year, or read about how good they supposedly were. If they do, their competitors could more easily pass them by.
Leipold understands the expectations are heightened for Kansas in 2024. He pointed out the respect factor opponents will have for the Jayhawks will be,
Morrison hasn’t quite established himself since he transferred in from Nebraska ahead of the 2022 season. His statistics have been limited. But Kansas running backs coach Jonathan Wallace appeared eager to see what Morrison can show during spring ball this year.
Wallace also described Morrison as someone who brings comfort and reliability, because of the time he’s spent with the Jayhawks and how he balances the room out with his maturity. Wallace noted Morrison has a wide skillet, is a natural receiver and has quick feet. Wallace added you can see the confidence Morrison has in each rep he takes.
Kansas’ early enrollees help provide depth
Wallace referred to Thompson as someone who’ll have a chance at some point, and as someone who’s made a lot of strides from fall camp to now. But what can really shore up the depth at this position for Kansas is the continued emergence of its two early enrollees at the position — Stewart and Martel. Both Hishaw and Neal spent time praising those two recently, highlighting their commitment to what it takes to be a part of the Jayhawks’ program.
Wallace said they’re trying to not put too much on Stewart and Martel, but added it’s been fun to see what they’ve been able to do. Stewart, especially, is someone who looks like he is physically ready to go. And, in addition to being physically imposing, Wallace highlighted that Stewart is someone who is very much like Neal in how he is eager to call at night with questions and want to analyze film.
That Neal and Hishaw are available as resources for Stewart and Martel is something Wallace views as critical. The newcomers can see firsthand the process those veterans have day-to-day in all aspects of their lives. It’s something Wallace thinks will help Stewart and Martel set their own routines.
Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka CapitalJournal. He is the National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas for 2022. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.