Leipold emphasizes smoother onboarding, enhanced strength, and a strategic approach to spring practice, aiming for a healthier, more competitive Jayhawks squad.
Lance Leipold Press Conference Spring Practice
“We have as many new players as we have, there’s a lot to orient them into and get them on how we do things. All that to me has gone very smoothly — probably better than anticipated. I like where we’re at.
This is a later start for us in spring ball. It gave us a full eight weeks in the weight room, and I think we’ve seen great dividends from that — changes in body composition, strength and a lot of different things.
We decided to take a little different approach this spring. We put our first two helmet practices and spider pad practices at the front, focusing on individual instruction and technique instead of early 11-on-11 contact. We wanted to limit that early banging and save it for later. The goal is to be a better, healthier football team down the stretch.”
On the reasoning: “I thought we were going to have a Week 0 game, and that didn’t happen. That changed how I looked at our total workload. We’ve got to find ways to win close games and be better overall. I’m not doing my job if I’m not keeping an open mind.”
On staff changes: “I’m pleased. Special teams structure has improved. Joe’s done a nice job with the edge players. Andy’s return has accelerated what we’re doing offensively. We’ve streamlined terminology and made things more efficient.”
On early team differences: “It’s early, but I think we’ll have more depth at certain positions. That should help us rotate more and be fresher late in games.”
On areas of focus: “Situational football is huge — down and distance, awareness, communication. Defensively, communication has improved a lot and that’s vital.”
On the transfer portal: “You’re bringing in older, experienced players. That helps because you’re evaluating proven college production instead of projection.”
On player development: “There are guys whose bodies have changed a lot — Andre Harper, Antonio Wilson. Trey Le has really come on lately. Leroy Harris continues to develop.”
On Trey Lathan: “Extremely important to have him back. He’s instinctive, consistent and understands the game.”
On leadership: “The quarterbacks naturally lead. Isaiah has great presence. Kevin Clemens has become more vocal. Up front, Herring has stepped into that role.”
On offseason evaluation: “We’re not blowing things up, but we’re not ignoring things either. The margin between winning and losing is very small — a few plays can change everything.”
On quarterback competition: “We’re giving them reps, evaluating everything — percentages, decisions, leadership. We have not set a timeline to name a starter.”
On linebackers: “It’s a deep, athletic, physical group. We’ll figure out roles — blitzing, coverage, combinations — once we see more in pads.”
On Dylan Edwards: “He’s very talented and has fit in well. He brings a unique skill set — return game, explosiveness, versatility. Fans are going to enjoy watching him.”
On scheduling: “We thought we’d get a Week 0 game because of the international trip, but it didn’t happen. It took a lot of coordination to adjust the schedule.”
On injuries: “Austin Alexander, Jaylen McCree and EJ Cannon will not go through spring after surgeries. Others are limited in non-contact jerseys.”
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