Jayhawks turn out big numbers for Friday Night Lights camp

This week at the Big 12 media days David Beaty talked about how much energy and enthusiasm is around their program. Judging by the number of recruits that attended the Friday Night Lights camp in Lawrence it is easy to see what Beaty has been talking about.

It is believed the Kansas coaches attracted close to 300 prospects to the camp. The event was broken down into two sessions where the offensive and defensive linemen went first and the skill players went in the second part.

“Our coaches recruit their butts off,” Kenny Perry said. “Getting kids to camp is hard. It is almost as hard as getting them committed. Our guys do a great job getting them here.”

This was easily the most players to ever attend a Kansas camp. Even with temperatures touching 100 degrees the camp went smooth and had a lot of talent.

“A lot of that is our coaches being diligent with high school coaches and coach Beaty had a plan when we first got here that we weren’t going to panic,” Perry said. “Over time we have built great relationships across the state and in the region.”

It didn’t take long to recognize a couple quarterbacks who stood out. Clayton Tune who is committed to the Jayhawks and Graham Mertz, who has an offer for the 2019 class, showed what they can do.

During the drills and one-on-one sessions they were putting throws on the target at all times. They both showed good arm strength and touch.

Tune committed to the Jayhawks in early February after receiving an offer in the fall. He made the trip from Texas to work out and show the coaches what he could although he already committed.

Mertz made the move from Bishop Miege last year to Blue Valley North. There has been talk for the last two years Mertz had the talent and will get his chance this fall. If tonight was any indication this won’t be the last you hear about Mertz.

The coaches aren’t allowed to offer players during camp. But the word got out once the camp was over a couple offers were extended. One was to local prospect Ekow Boye-Doe, a cornerback from Lawrence. He ran one of the faster times at the camp and had a division one frame.

Also picking up an offer was Marcel Brooks who will be one of the most highly recruited linebackers in the country for the 2019 class. Brooks made the trip from Texas and said the Jayhawks have now entered the top portion of his list.

This is just the beginning of our coverage from the camps. We will have player interviews, video, analysis, and photos from the event in the upcoming days