By Wendell Barnhouse | wendell@big12sports.com
Big 12 Sports.com Correspondent

2010: 3-9 overall, 1-7 in Big 12.
Bowl: None.
Starters returning: 7 on offense, 6 on defense.

Overview
Coach Turner Gill’s first season at Kansas had its highs and lows. The Jayhawks defeated Georgia Tech and then had a school-record comeback to defeat Colorado. But the victory over the Yellow Jackets was preceded by a season-opening loss to North Dakota State, an FBC school. KU also finished last in the Big 12 in rushing offense, passing efficiency, total offense and scoring.

Many of the struggles can be attributed to the transition to a new coaching staff plus a roster without enough talent. Gill’s recruiting so far indicates that the talent issue should soon disappear. For Kansas to improve on last season’s record, it definitely needs to get improved quarterback play and more offensive production.



Who's missing
Defensive end Jake Laptad, the team’s best pass rusher, completed his eligibility. That’s not good news for a team that totaled just 14 sacks last season. Offensive linemen Brad Thorson and Sal Capra, who combined for 48 starts over the past two seasons, must be replaced. Both kicker Jacob Branstetter and punter Alonso Rojas are gone.

Who’s back
Linebacker Huldon Tharp was injured last August and missed the entire season. His return should be a boost. Toben Oporum, who as a freshman was a productive running back, was moved to defensive end last season. He continues to improve as he adjusts to the position. Senior Daymond Patterson should be KU’s top receiving threat while sophomore James Sims proved he can be a productive Big 12 running back.

Spring news
* Quarterbacks Jordan Webb (sophomore) and Quinn Meacham (senior) battled throughout the spring and either has a chance to become the starter. Freshman Brock Berglund, though, could be a factor. He originally committed to Colorado before switching to Kansas. He hoped to enroll for the spring semester and participate in spring football but he’s not expected to make it to campus until this summer.

* Junior Kale Pick, who was a quarterback last season, has been moved to wide receiver. The last time Kansas made that sort of position switch, Kerry Meier became one of the best receivers in school history. The KU coaching staff has been impressed with how quickly Pick has adjusted and how hard he has worked to improve.

* Reshirt freshman tight end Jimmy Mundine, freshman running back Darrian Miller and sophomore linebacker Darius Willis all gave signs that they could contribute. Mundine is 6-2, 225 pounds and has outstanding speed. Miller appears capable to challenging sophomore James Sims for playing time. Willis started as a freshman for Turner Gill at Buffalo in 2009 and sat out last season as a transfer. With Kansas needing to replace two starting linebackers, he figures to be a perfect fit.

* Junior Bradley McDougland and sophomore Keeston Terry were highly recruited as receivers but both have been moved to safety. Their size and speed are expected to be helpful to the secondary and both are expected to challenge for starting spots.

Coach Turner Gill says
"It's no doubt that we are a better football team than we were last year, and we have a lot more confidence in our guys. There are some guys who are able to make more plays. We are looking for the people that will be able to finish and be productive, and I think we've seen a few guys that can be productive and make plays in the game."

Schedule

Sept. 3	McNeese State
Sept. 10	Northern Illinois
Sept. 17	at Georgia Tech
Oct. 1	Texas Tech
Oct. 8	at Oklahoma State
Oct. 15	Oklahoma
Oct. 22	Kansas State
Oct. 29	at Texas
Nov. 5	at Iowa State
Nov. 12	Baylor
Nov. 19	at Texas A&M
Nov. 26	vs. Missouri (Kansas City, Mo.)