Kansas football newcomers impress Lance Leipold with their seamless integration, while fierce competition ignites across every position group this spring.
Lance Leipold Impressed With Kansas Football Newcomers, Highlights Competition Across Roster In Spring Ball Update
On newcomers and early impressions
Leipold: “Yeah, I think I’m really impressed with how our new guys — whether early enrollees or transfers — have acclimated and adapted to how we do things and embraced it. Their work ethic and attitude… with as many new faces as we have, they understand what needs to be done and the attention to detail it takes.
Honestly, I thought we’d have more bumps trying to corral them, but I’ve been very, very happy with that.
There’s so much that happens in the portal — how fast it moves, who’s available, what you can afford — and then finding the right type of young men who want a chance to play and contribute. I’m really happy with that group.”
On the safety room improvements
Leipold: “It’s going to be a highly competitive room. Not everyone’s fully healthy yet, so I’m anxious to see where we’re at in August.
We’ve added size, height — things we felt we needed. I think our overall team speed is better too. Now it’s about developing consistency and physical play.
A guy like Jaden Harris has been a great addition… and he’s helped push others in that room. We’re going to have a lot of that competition.”
On the quarterback competition
Leipold: “I think they understand it’s a competitive situation. They see how we practice — everything is graded and charted.
But the intangible part matters too — leadership in the locker room, in the huddle, getting guys lined up and doing the little things.
Both guys understand it and continue to show the ability to lead.”
On possibly using two quarterbacks
Leipold: “I’ve only gone two-quarterback system… I’m trying to think if I’ve really done that before — I can’t really say.
Could I see both guys on the field like last year? Sure. But I do believe you have to give someone the opportunity to get into the flow of the game at that position.”
On staff changes and Jim Zebrowski
Leipold: “I never got the feeling Jim wouldn’t come back. Those decisions aren’t easy — there are sleepless nights when you’re making staff changes.
Jim and I go back a long way. His first question was, ‘Do I still get to coach quarterbacks?’
He loves Lawrence, he’s loyal to the program, and I expect a great working relationship moving forward.”
On the offensive line
Leipold: “It’s really competitive. Some of last year’s additions are more comfortable now, and we’re bigger up front.
If I had to guess, our two-deep — one through ten — is deeper than it was a year ago.”
On the tight end group
Leipold: "There’s good depth there. Carson was playing good football as a redshirt freshman and has a bright future.
They all need to keep improving as blockers, but we expect Carson to do a lot in this offense.
Lab continues to develop confidence, and the new guys are getting better. With the multiple personnel groups we use, they’ll all help this team.”
On wide receivers (Cox & McMillan)
Leipold: “Both guys help this football team. We needed length.
Nick has made a lot of contested catches… McMillan brings versatility — you can see why he was productive at Buffalo.
You pair them with Cam and Keaton, and that’s a solid core.”
On freshman RB Kory Amachree (development)
Leipold:“He’s a little sore right now, but he shows all the abilities to help us as a true freshman.
Physically, he’s already developed — you’re not waiting on him to add weight. He’s constantly asking questions, has a great work ethic, and is learning the offense.
I’m really excited about what he’s going to bring.”
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