Notebook: KU offers QB Purdy, Williams will report early

There is always one position that seems to get more attention from the fans more than any other, and that is quarterback. And you can bet the quarterback position will be a hot topic for Kansas fans as January comes around.

The early period came and went without the Jayhawks getting one, but January should be an interesting month. One name who is on the official watch list is Brock Purdy. This season Purdy broke two class 6A passing records and led Gilbert Perry High to the state title game.

Although he was putting up eye-opening numbers the recruiting from division one schools came along slow. But that has all changed as college recruiters have picked up on his ability.

“It feels good getting attention and all, but I'm more focused on knowing where I'm going to end up going,” Purdy said. “It is awesome seeing coaches believe in my ability on and off the field.”

Purdy said he will visit Boise State on Jan. 12 and that is the only official visit he has set so far. The Jayhawks are in the mix to get one later. Alabama has offered a preferred walk-on spot. Kansas quarterbacks coach Garrett Riley went out to Arizona to meet with Purdy.

“He’s a great guy,” Purdy said of Riley. “I got to know him when he came out to Arizona. He likes my competitiveness, the way I lead and do what it takes to win.”

When it comes to choosing a college Purdy said he wants to factor in the style of offense and playing time when making a decision.

The offensive line will add an extra name to the depth chart in January. Nick Williams, the top rated offensive lineman in Missouri, signed with Kansas last week. He took his official visit on Dec. 9.

“The whole weekend was great,” he said. “From when I got off my flight all the way till I touched back down in Saint Louis. The coaches were great and it was nice to see everyone I’m going to be around for the next 4-5 years. The players were easy to get along with and my host showed me a good time.”

At 6-foot-8, 270 pounds Williams has the size college recruiters look for. The two-time, all-state selection will graduate from high school early and enroll at Kansas in January. That will give him an early start and a chance to add weight to his frame.

“I can’t wait to move in next month,” Williams said.

The Jayhawks are slowly creeping up on Iowa State and Texas Tech in the updated recruiting rankings. They are just 2-3 spots away from both and have less commitments. There is a strong chance with the next two commitments the Jayhawks could pass both.

In the rankings as of Dec. 26 they have moved ahead of teams like Boise State, Duke, Stanford, Kansas State, Utah, Arizona State, and Central Florida.

It will depend on how everyone fares in January but through December, it looks like they have recruited much higher than their expectations. But January will be a key month do determine how the class finishes out.

The recruiting board can change but right now expect the Kansas staff to go into January looking for a quarterback, offensive lineman (or two), a defensive tackle and a linebacker.