KU FOOTBALL OPEN PRACTICE REPORT #2

Today, we'll look at the defense:

First a little disclaimer. I wanted to focus on the defensive line during the practice, but I have to admit like the rest of the media I became a bit mesmerized by the skill players on offense. So overall, I don't have as much info on the front seven and I've covered the d-backs a little bit already since they work against the passing unit.

I did get to spend some time watching the defensive ends while they were doing unit drills. I thought Jeff Wheeler was showing good footwork for such a big guy (6-7). D.J. Marshall seemed to have quite a bit of upper body/arm strength.

I watched the linebackers work as well and the notable there was that Arist Wright was indeed working with the #1s. Steven Johnson was in the mix quite a bit as well. I agree with what Brian Hanni (more likely David Lawrence) on KLWN was saying. It's pretty impressive that of nine starters last year two of those guys are being challenged for positions (James Holt by Arist Wright, John Larson by Maxwell Onyegbule). It says quite a bit about the improving talent level on the team.

I think I mentioned that the offense had the upper hand in my initial report. I'll still stand by that but it wasn't like the defense was getting pushed around. The 11v11 started with Darrell Stuckey stealing a tipped ball from A.J. Steward, but the next few plays were all about offensive effiency. After a while the defense settled in and the battle started to even out. Chris Harris spent some time trying to get the D pumped up and one point and it seemed to have an effect.

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Still have a couple more things to cover on the practice -- 11v11 play summary and special teams. Guess I better hurry before the next  open practice comes around. Stay tuned.

Update on Monday, August 11, 2008 at 07:37PM by DJ Goodwin

Check that Brian Hanni reference -- it was probably David Lawrence.