Highlights from Gus Malzahn's post-spring presser:
He acknowledged they didn't play RJ Harvey during the spring game. He was not allowed to be tackled for the duration of spring (which is similar to how they treated Isaiah Bowser).
Kobe Hudson was banged up the first week of spring, so they held him out for the remainder of practices.
Gus thought the swirling winds impacted the passing game.
He mentioned the aggressiveness of Ted Roof's defense.
KJ Jefferson was not live, though the other QBs were.
Asked what really stood out to him during spring ball, Gus said he knows they have some "playmakers on defense." Stopping the run has been a focus of Ted Roof, they're disrupting things up front. He also thought it was a good spring to bring along the other wide receivers. Also, the offensive line had a good camp. QBs have "done a solid job" and KJ was getting more comfortable running the offense.
Looking ahead to spring transfer portal, Gus said they'd have exit meetings with players this week. They're hopeful to keep everyone they want to keep.
Xavier Townsend will move around different WR spots. He's explosive once he gets the ball.
Gus said they'd build around KJ's strengths. He's played a lot of football, he understands everything, he's calm under pressure.
Gus then said TE Randy Pittman had a really good spring.
Gus said the defensive transfers have really helped on that side of the ball. They've formed an aggressive, attacking, "flying around" identity. And the returning defensive players are starting to grow up. He says it's now a "confident" defense.
Asked about specific transfers that have stood out, Gus said "most of them" and said they didn't miss on any.
At LB, Gus said Ted has a good plan for LB rotation. They didn't have depth last year, but now they do. Ted has an idea of different packages to utilize the depth. Gus says the first DL is very disruptive too.
On the WR depth, Gus said Trent Whittemore, Jarrad Baker, Chauncey Magwood and Bredell Richardson have done well. Talked about Bredell making plays with great potential. He says all those players got chances to show what they can do. They decided to put freshman Kylan Fox at WR also - he's a hybrid WR/TE anyway. He also had a good spring.
Both defenses had nine sacks combined. Gus said they were aggressive, multiple linebackers were able to sacks.
Asked about the OL, Gus liked what the first team OL did. He said RT Paul Rubelt has really come along. "I'm very proud of him. He's been playing at a high level." Amari Kight moved to LT and he's comfortable there. Adrian Medley has played a lot of football and he's healthy now. Marcellus Marshall has settled in at guard. Caden Kitler has done a good job at center. Jabari Brooks can play center and guard. Cameron Kinnie started playing center late in the spring. Wes Dorsey, the WKU transfer, has done some solid things. "They're coming together."
An attacking defense leads to more turnovers. Christian Peterson had a great interception. Gus said he's had a good spring for a new guy.
Majority of their recruiting class was able to enroll early, which will pay dividends for those players. They got their growing pains out of the way, which gives them a leg up to contribute on Saturdays this year.
Freshman CB Chasen Johnson has been impressive, doesn't seem like a freshman. He can run and doesn't shy away from contact.
