Kansas begins fall camp
JUCO Players Status
Charlie Weis on Wednesday gave an update on the junior college transfers that have yet to arrive on campus. Offensive tackle Aslam Sterling finished his last final Wednesday morning and should be in Lawrence on Thursday. Defensive linemen Ty McKinney and Jordan Tavai's summer class schedules were supposed to end on July 29th, but their arrival time has been pushed back. Weis said Tavai will be in Lawrence sometime next week with McKinney coming in shortly after Tavai.
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"They are going nuts because they want to be here for the start of camp," Weis said. "I feel really good that Tavai and McKinney will be able to step in there really quickly and provide some added help."
Weis also said he isn't sure which position Tavai will play on the defensive line. He is currently listed as a backup at defensive tackle, but Tavai will also be looked at as a strongside defensive end. Weis said he will make a decision based on which position needs the most help after the first week of practice. Both Tavai and McKinney are expected to compete for starting spots.
Staff Changes
Weis also announced several staff changes. Former director of football operations George Matsakis received a promotion and is now the Assistant to the AD. Kevin Green was hired to be the new Director of Football Operations. The last two years Green has served as the chief financial officer of Hannah and Friends. Green worked with Weis at Notre Dame in 2008 and 2009 as Director of Head Football Coach Relations.
Justin Springer also got promoted to be the third assistant coach on the strength staff. He was previously a graduate assistant. Springer played linebacker at Kansas from 2007 - 2010.
Weis also brought in Max Shula, who is the son of former Cincinnati Bengals head coach Dave Shula and grandson of legendary Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula. Max had just finished his degree at Florida and worked in the video department while Weis was the offensive coordinator last season.
Special Preseason Dates
Fan Appreciation Day will be on Saturday, August 11th. Gates open at 8:15 am and the open practice will run from 8:45 - 10:45 am. Fans will be able to get autographs for 30 minutes after the practice is over. Students will have an additional opportunity to watch practice on Saturday, August 18th and the football team will have a special day for the faculty on Thursday, August 16th.
Kansas Conditioning Test
Kansas players will perform their offseason conditioning tests Thursday morning at 5 am. Weis wouldn't go into specifics on what the workout will be but said that the general workouts that most NFL and college teams use to test stamina are timed 300 meter sprints around the track with minimal rest. The times are staggered based on positions.
The coaches will meet with the team tonight for the first fall camp team meeting. Weis said the message will be short and on point.
"I will tell them to be on time and do what you are supposed to do," Weis said. "We have a laundry list of things and I will tell them it is time to quit talking."
To read the rest of his answers with the media click here.