In theory, the Jayhawks should not be able to stay close to the Texas Longhorns this Saturday, but if they do, it will be because of these five guys. Get to know the five players Kansas needs to have huge days if they want to pull an upset.
QB – Jake Heaps
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 210 Class: Jr (Transfer BYU)
2013 Stats: 92-184 988 yards 7 TD’s / 6 INTs
Heaps, for now, is the trigger man in the Kansas attack. Heaps was a great signal caller in high school, leading Skyline in Washington to three consecutive State Championships. He originally committed to BYU out of high school, and led the team to a bowl win and 6-4 record in 2010 after the incumbant went down. He started the first five games of 2011 before losing the job to Riley Nelson and transferring to Kansas.
Heaps does not have much to work with at Kansas, and is not what one would consider to be an “elite†signal caller. He is also almost zero threat to rush the football, and will be highly susceptible to the Longhorns pass rush.
QB – Montell Cozart
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 189 Class: Freshman (T)
3 Star Dual Threat QB – 4-14 89 yards in limited action last week
Cozart was highly coveted by Weis and signed before his senior season in high school. He still needs development as a passer, but is a threat to run the football in chunks if not contained. He has higher upside than Heaps, and I expect to see him in action before the game gets out of hand, as his rushing ability could open things up for the Jayhawks.
RB – James Sims
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 210 Class: Sr
2013 Stats: 129 carries 589 yards 4 TD’s / 13 receptions 81 yards
The senior runner is the workhorse of the Kansas offense. Sims has good vision, blocks well, and is a patient runner. The knock on Sims is his lack of elite top end speed if something pops open, though he can make defenders miss in space.
WR/RB – Tony Pierson
Ht: 5-10 Wt: 175 Class: Jr
2013 Stats: 21 rec 327 yards 1 TD (77)
Pierson fits the role in the Kansas offense the Longhorns have for Daje Johnson. He has excellent acceleration and top end speed, and wont be caught if he breaks free. Lacks power to run between the tackles and won’t run anyone over. Is the preferred target of Jake Heaps.
SS – Isaiah Johnson
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 210 Class: Soph
2013 Stats: 53 tackles, 2 interceptions, 3 tackles for loss, 0.5 sack
The Western Carolina transfer is making plays all over the field from his strong safety spot. He will be a guy Case McCoy needs to account for on every play. Johnson is the kind of player the Kansas defense needs a lot of. Solid tackler, good ball skills.
