Meet the Press

Source: KU Sports

Charlie Weis addressed the press earlier today in jovial spirits. Beside him sat a trio of stud transfers: QB Dayne Crist, QB Jake Heaps, and WR/LB Justin McCay (all dressed in KU blue). For the first time since his initial press conference after accepting the job, Weis sat down and talked Kansas Football. Here is what he and the players had to say...

Weis's dry, witty humor didn't fail him today. While most fans have been caught up in the status of the transfers and current players, Weis opened off by confirming that names will be back on the players' uniforms. Which is a good thing. Sure, it was a little tongue in cheek, but in today's often shallow and materialistic world, it actually means a lot. For one, it gives the players' a little pride and individuality (prima donnas cheer in unison), but for two, it also puts a little accountability on their performance. You miss a block: "Wilson sucks". You miss a tackle: "Freeman stinks". It's a double edged sword. Now football starts in the weight room, film room, and on the practice field, so maybe knowing that the family name will be represented come game-day, maybe that will give them enough juice to make a bowl game? Maybe not.

Source: KU Sports

The next order of business was what Weis called, "The Additions". Dayne Crist, Jake Heaps and Justin McCay. When asked about his recruiting efforts, Weis replied "I wanted to address the quarterback. How'd I do? That wasn't too bad."

It wasn't, Mr. Weis. And we are grateful (McCay is better than a sharp stick in the eye, too). Maybe it seemed all too easy, but contrary to popular belief, Weis told the media that the Crist commitment was not a "slam dunk." Wisconsin was well in the running for Crist's services, but with the inopportune timing of the offensive coordinator's (Paul Chryst) leaving, Crist pulled the trigger... to Kansas.

Weis's pedigree can speak for itself; the guy knows a quarterback when he sees one, and on Monday, Weis made it clear that he had found two gems. He openly dismissed Crist's struggles at Notre Dame as "null and void" and that he is "fired up to have him"... and that we should be too. Dayne has the height, arm, and experience sorely needed at KU.

Heaps doesn't have the same height and build, but that doesn't mean his skill-set is any different. Weis "tried like heck" to get him when he was at Notre Dame because he was a drop-back passer with a laser for an arm. He is a fiery competitor with a passion for the game. Tell me how Weis failed to land him at one of the most prestigious schools in the land (ND), but hauled him in for a team coming off of a 2-10 campaign (KU). Whodathunkit.

Weis's time at the podium was short, but he still got a chance to briefly address McCay's eligibility status, saying that McCay has petitioned for a third year of eligibility from the NCAA due to hardship. While it's still up in the air, Weis seemed confident that he could get the third year (granted, Weis's demeanor is usually pretty cocksure). Sure, it would be great if McCay can suit up another year, but I wouldn't want it to come due to hardship. McCay has dealt with more loss than his fair share.

Next on the agenda, poetically dubbed, "The Subtractions", or players that are now no longer members of the Kansas Football team.

Now before we just dive in head first, it's important to note that Weis did qualify three different categories of players, and clarify the reasoning behind their dismissal.

The first group, JaQwaylin Arps, Dexter McDonald, Darrian Miller, Adonis Saunders, Brock Berglund, and Keeston Terry, were released from the team, no questions asked. Uh-oh.

Now just by glancing at that list, you would think that Kansas just lost a pretty good nucleus of last year's team. In some ways, they did. Miller was an incredibly dependable running back with big-play capabilities, Berglund had all of the tools necessary to become a pro quarterback, Saunders was the fastest senior in Kansas at the Kansas Relays in the spring, Keeston Terry was thought to be one of Kansas's best players in the secondary, and Dexter McDonald was the physical specimen at cornerback that Kansas was dearly lacking. Arps never amounted to much, though.

My feeling on this whole thing, and take it with a grain of salt, is that there were major character issues with each and every one of these individuals either on the field, in the classroom, or both, and Weis sought to sift out these clowns first and foremost. Coach Mitchell and Coach Wyatt, who were retained from the previous staff, probably had a good idea, or a list for that matter, of players that were detrimental to the well-being of the team. Even Joe-Schmo can figure this stuff out, it's not rocket science. Berglund's problems were unveiled last summer, Miller's have been a long time coming (see here and here), Keeston Terry clearly wanted to play wide-receiver, but was asked to play defense, and the rest of the problems had to do with going to class (or not going at all).

I don't want to run the risk of over-simplifying, because some of these players did do good things for this program, but this is a classic example of addition by subtraction. Parting is such sweet sorrow.

Now I am not going to, and never will, chastise players who gave their level best on the field and in the classroom. These players don't fit that mold, and therefore deserve chastisement.

Sure, Northern Iowa might be fortunate in landing both Darrian Miller and Keeston Terry in one fell swoop. They were 4 star talents coming out of high-school after all, so somebody believed in them. Let Coach Farley whip some sense into them, and they have pro potential.  Maybe these guys do turn it around after reconsidering their priorities and make me eat my words, but until then, actions express priorities. Regardless of what they do from this point forward, Kansas will not be regretting this decision in the end.  As of now, based on their actions, their priorities are well out of whack.

The second group, Jordan Webb, Tyrone Sellers, and Tom Mabry, were dismissed from the team, but look to remain at the university for the spring semester. Maybe they look elsewhere after the spring; in all seriousness, best of luck to them. These were the kids that gave all that they physically could to the program. Maybe they didn't have the physical tools that Charlie Weis was looking for (this is Division 1 Football, after all), and will be best served at a different school.

And finally, Travis Bodenstein will be transferring from the program, or has already. He is getting married soon, so maybe he plans to go closer to home (Arkansas State possibly with Coach Grimes)?

Finally, the players took center stage. (Somewhat related: Crist will wear #10, Heaps #9, and McCay #19, the same numbers they wore at their former schools).

While Kansas has suddenly become "the land of second chances" to some, the players agreed that while it is technically a second chance, they really see it more as a golden opportunity. None of them really ever anticipated playing for Kansas, but that means little now. They are here and can turn over a new leaf.

My favorite quote of the day came when Crist began talking about the day he committed. It does help that it was the best day of recruiting in Kansas Football history, but the quote is still priceless:

"We (Crist and Heaps) remained in contact going through this whole process, knowing that we were both going to leave. We had each others' numbers and talked pretty frequently. When I knew that this was where I wanted to be and where my heart was, after calling Coach Weis and some of the other coaches, he was the next guy that I called. I said, `Hey man, I committed. What are you waiting for?' I put a little pressure on him. It was nice, though. It was an exciting day for both of us. I know what it was like for me and I can only imagine what it was like for Jake, his wife and his whole family. It was something that I will always remember."  

Visit kuathletics for a video of the entire press-conference.