Andy Gosterheldt Interview, Part I

Every now and then I like to catch up with long-suffering KU football fan, Andy Gosterheldt. Still, typing up the notes, so this will be a two- or three-part piece. 

HD: Last time we checked in with you, you were proposing some crazy theory about the performance of in-state QBs versus out of state for KU. Are you gloating over the performance of Todd Reesing this year?

Andy: Gloating is so cliché for the sports media. I would just like everyone to remember the rule and that I came up with it and that I was right and to just never doubt me again and perhaps build a 15-foot statue in my honor.

HD: To recap, your theory was that you need a QB from out of state at KU. Local QBs have an ingrained association with KU’s lack of a winning tradition in football. Therefore, when a local kid goes up against a tradition football school, like say A&M, there’s a thought in the back of his head that says KU can’t beat A&M. For a kid from say, Texas, that wouldn’t be a factor.

Andy: Exactly. The rule actually applies to a few other schools as well.

HD: Are you bashing Josh Freeman.

Andy: Absolutely not.

HD: Are you bashing Kerry Meier?

Andy: No. Actually, I thought he might have a chance to disprove the theory. He looked rough at times last year, but he was in-experienced and played most of the season with a bad shoulder. Kerry’s a talented athlete and he looks great at wide receiver – I think the big concern is durability, especially when you are selecting a starting QB.

HD: Okay, so the Hawks lose Tim Beck, Aqib Talib and Anthony Collins. What does that mean for 2008?

Andy: I think we were well prepared for the loss of Talib. We were prepped for Collins as well. For a lateral move, the Tim Beck departure makes little sense, but maybe he likes to hang around guys that wear red pants. Whatever you’re into, I guess. Recruiting-wise that hurts a little in the middle of what should be our greatest recruiting year ever. Still, we’ve lost good recruiters before and the classes have improved steadily each year.

HD: So the biggest impact in losing that trio is just Beck’s recruiting?

Andy: From the Beck perspective, I would expect on the field improvement from the receiving unit in the future. Look at the past few years. The wideouts at KU have some talent, but have trouble getting separation at times. Plus, no one ever seems to get better at the position. Way too many dropped balls from this unit. Also, Ed Warriner will probably be involved in the recruitment of this position and let’s just say I’m pretty impressed with his work thus far.

Overall though, I’d say the biggest blow is Collins. Replacing two offensive tackles is tricky. Although, against Iowa State few people noticed that Collins was out of the line-up. Still, when you’re talking about the big boys up front experience and numbers count.

(to be continued)