KU football holds first day of 2024 fall camp
LAWRENCE (KSNT) - The 2024 football season is just around the corner in Lawrence, Kansas, with the Jayhawks holding their first fall camp on Tuesday morning.
The pads aren't on yet, but the players are putting in work. With a roster that includes more than 20 seniors, head coach Lance Leipold compared the atmosphere in Lawrence to what the Kansas City Chiefs have in St. Joseph.
"Any time you've got some guys that come back with proven productivity, it's exciting," Leipold said. "You know what they've done, they're game-proven. But for us, at our level, I want to make sure that they keep their practice habits what they need to be when called upon."
He added that good practice habits not only keep the veterans sharp, but allow the younger players to follow their lead and get acquainted with KU's standard.
The group of veteran Jayhawk returners includes, but is not limited to, quarterback Jalon Daniels, running backs Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr., receivers Luke Grimm, Lawrence Arnold and Quentin Skinner and defensive backs Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson. Daniels reiterated the important of mentorship after Tuesdays practice, especially in the QB room.
"My freshman year, I got the opportunity to play as true freshman at 17 years old," Daniels said. "So not [that there necessarily] wasn't people to look up to on the field, but when you're starting on the field, you're the person that people have to talk to."
Bryant, who was named to the preseason All-Big 12 list alongside Dotson, echoed Daniels' message, saying he's trying to get young players ready to replace him and Dotson next season.
"I'm trying to teach the young guys just learning plays, getting the play book, that's the main thing if you want to play here," Bryant said. "You've got to get in the playbook. No lost plays on the football field, so I'm on the young guys hard right now."
KU continues camp until mid-August, then opens its season on Aug. 29 against Lindenwood at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City.