Wise trying to lead by example
Kansas defensive tackle Daniel Wise isn’t going to allow the Jayhawks loss to Memphis change how he and his teammates work during the bye week. With a Thursday night matchup with Texas Tech looming, the sophomore from Lewisville, TX is adamant that a 1-2 record will not impact the squad’s preparation as they gear-up for Big 12 conference play.
“I do pride myself on leading by example,” Wise said Tuesday afternoon. “Late in the game, we are down by a lot, coach always says ‘We’re not quitters. We’re not going to quit. We’re not going to lay down.’ We are going to continue to fight, and that’s what we continue to do.”
“Clean slate,” he continued. “As Coach Beaty says all the time, go 1-0. We have this bye week to try and freshen up, and kind of tune things up and whatnot, so we are ready to get it the following week against Tech.”
The September 29th contest will be the first time the Jayhawks have played on a Thursday night since hosting Kansas State in 2010. The Red Raiders have done so more recently, defeating TCU in Lubbuck in 2013.
“I haven’t played on Thursday night since probably middle school,” Wise said of the midweek kickoff. “This is a lot bigger game than a middle school game, of course. It’s going to be fun, going down to face Tech on a Thursday night. Experience that Texas Tech atmosphere, hopefully we can come out with a win.”
Head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s squad boasts one of the most potent offenses in all of college football. Tech leads the nation in passing, averaging more than 547 yards per game. After seeing the field against the Red Raiders as a true freshman, Wise understands the challenge the Jayhawks will face next week.
“I played them last year, so I’ve been kind of familiar with the guys,” Wise said of the Tech offense. “They’ve got some new guys up front. I know they are a high-tempo team. I know they are a quick-passing team, a high-passing team. I would say nothing’s really new to me. If anything, I’m just sharing my experience and my knowledge with the guys that haven’t played.”
After a standout performance in KU’s loss to Ohio, Wise has drawn praise for his play on the interior line. The sophomore appreciates the recognition, but understands the difficult task ahead as the squad prepares for Tech’s air raid offense.
“I heard a little bit about it,” he said of the talk from college football experts. “We don’t try to look into that stuff as much. It means a lot to me. I go out there, busting my butt. But it’s not so much me. It speaks volumes about the guys around me that allows me to get in position to make the plays I’m making.”
“I’m just going to continue to do what I do, and get pressure,” he said of playing against the Red Raiders. “And Dorance (Armstrong) as well. Get pressure off the edge. Eventually something’s going to have to give. We’re gonna get one, or the DBs are gonna get one.”