Thursday Recycle: Olaitan Oguntodu, Ryan Cantrell, Michael Crabtree and more

The Power of Olaitan | Checking in on this week's UDK article on Clint Bowen, I found this quote to back up what I saw in the Spring game:

 "... sophomore strong safety Olaitan Oguntodu settled in at outside linebacker during some plays to offer some pass-rushing help."

I think this is a nice feature and with his jersey number (44) could create confusion for those reading our defense.

Cantrell for Rimington | KU center Ryan Cantrell was named to the watch list for the Rimington Trophy for the 2008 season. Hopefully, he'll enjoy a full recovery and snag this award. Other Big 12 players named:

• J.D.  Walton / Baylor
• Jordan  Bedore / Kansas State
• Jon Cooper / Oklahoma                   
• Andrew Lewis / Oklahoma State                          
• Chris Hall / Texas  

New Jayhawks in the Sunday League | There's a great post over on the Gridiron Board updating the progress of recently drafted KU players fighting for roster spots in the NFL. Even has pictures. Go there.

1986 KU Football Media Guide Available | Also tipped from the Gridiron Board. Ebay is your friend.

Big 12 Spring Football Round Table -- Blog Style | The Crimson and Cream Machine posted a blogger round up of questions on Big 12 football. Skip to the predictions if you check it out. Note that all three Nebraska blogs pick the Corn in second. I really like Corn Nation putting KU in the fourth spot. It's a consensus for Missouri, unless you count Rock Chalk Talk's vote. For comic relief, Bring on the Cats has an interesting take on the order in the North. This is how bad it's gotten in Manhattan -- "who knows and who cares?" 1998 seems so far away.

Michael Crabtree Interview | Double T Nation tipped off this interview of Tech Wide Receiver Michael Crabtree. Favorite excerpt with a KU twist:

CS: You played multiple positions at Carter, but primarily at quarterback. How did you wind up becoming a wide receiver?

Crabtree: I was a receiver my sophomore year [at Carter]. I was basically a receiver my whole life; I played quarterback and receiver. When I left high school and attended Tech, I wanted to play receiver.

CS: Did you like one position over the other?

Crabtree: I prefer being a receiver. It’s a real fun position, and I’ve learned a lot.

CS: What went into your decision to go to Texas Tech?

Crabtree: They throw the ball, and I wanted to be a receiver. They say that this system only has system players. It doesn’t matter what the system is, if you’re a football player, you can ball.

CS: Was there another school that you were strongly considering?

Crabtree: Kansas was the other school, but everyone was saying that Kansas wasn’t good. Everyone was telling me that Kansas is just a basketball school; don’t go there, don’t do that.

CS: They finished 12 – 1 last year and won the Orange Bowl.

Crabtree: Yeah, I know.

Another note: On the system vs player question -- c'mon Michael it has to have a little to do with the system right? I mean just a tiny portion ... maybe? Your call.

SI.Com Article on Mangino | This has been out a while, but you might want to check it out if you missed it.