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LAWRENCE — Taiwo Onatolu is focusing on his role as the special teams coordinator this season for Kansas football, compared to in the past also serving as defensive ends coach.
Onatolu noted Wednesday, as the Jayhawks progressed through fall camp, it’s given him time to dive deeper into the details. It’s helped him in his ability to analyze what weaknesses KU has, and where it needs to improve. There’s a lot that the staff is looking at, especially with drill work, as everyone continues to prepare for the 2026 campaign.
Even with freshmen, there have been players who’ve impressed already — although, that doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily start right away on certain special teams units. Cornerback Trey Brown, defensive end Draeden Punt and running back Kory Amachree are three names to know there. So, too, are wide receiver Corbin Glasco and wide receiver Bryson Hayes — with Hayes being a redshirt freshman.
RELATED: Takeaways as Kansas football’s Andy Kotelnicki analyzes fall camp progress
Here are a few takeaways from what Onatolu had to say:
Onatolu noted that in fall camp, you start to see the younger players understand that they can have an effect for the program on special teams. There’s still the potential that it’ll take until game day to truly understand the speed at which a team like Missouri might have running down on a kickoff, but the willingness to contribute is there. But how much do the athletes who start on offense or defense play a role in special teams?
Onatolu noted that if you want to enjoy success, the best players need to be on the field. There is a balance that needs to be struck, especially if a guy plays a lot of snaps on offense or defense, but there are still opportunities to use someone. Emmanuel Henderson Jr. was one of the leading wide receivers last season, and also did more like returning kickoffs.
Redshirt junior running back Dylan Edwards is someone who can help Kansas in a number of areas on special teams, and has been involved in the return game. Onatolu likes how Edwards sees the game and takes advantage of opportunities. Edwards is someone they’ll consider to return kickoffs, among others.
Sophomore wide receiver Tate Nagy is back after serving as the team’s lead punt returner last year. He’s someone who’s set to be used there again. However, Edwards, redshirt junior wide receiver Keaton Kubecka and more are guys the coaching staff is evaluating, too.
Kyle Deween serves as an assistant special teams coach for kickers and punters, and is an analyst for Kansas. Onatolu praised the work Deween’s done with the group. The players understand the scheme, Onatolu explained, and in fall camp it’s just a matter of executing it.
Freshman Matthew Gill is doing well at punter. Redshirt sophomore Martin Connington is doing well at kicker. And they aren’t alone, with Onatolu also appreciating better depth this year means he’s not worrying so much about the issue one injury could cause.
Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He was the 2022 National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas. Contact him at [email protected] or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Taiwo Onatolu analyzes Kansas football’s special teams units this fall
Continue reading...
Onatolu noted Wednesday, as the Jayhawks progressed through fall camp, it’s given him time to dive deeper into the details. It’s helped him in his ability to analyze what weaknesses KU has, and where it needs to improve. There’s a lot that the staff is looking at, especially with drill work, as everyone continues to prepare for the 2026 campaign.
Even with freshmen, there have been players who’ve impressed already — although, that doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily start right away on certain special teams units. Cornerback Trey Brown, defensive end Draeden Punt and running back Kory Amachree are three names to know there. So, too, are wide receiver Corbin Glasco and wide receiver Bryson Hayes — with Hayes being a redshirt freshman.
RELATED: Takeaways as Kansas football’s Andy Kotelnicki analyzes fall camp progress
Here are a few takeaways from what Onatolu had to say:
What’s Taiwo Onatolu’s philosophy on using offensive, defensive starters?
Onatolu noted that in fall camp, you start to see the younger players understand that they can have an effect for the program on special teams. There’s still the potential that it’ll take until game day to truly understand the speed at which a team like Missouri might have running down on a kickoff, but the willingness to contribute is there. But how much do the athletes who start on offense or defense play a role in special teams?
Onatolu noted that if you want to enjoy success, the best players need to be on the field. There is a balance that needs to be struck, especially if a guy plays a lot of snaps on offense or defense, but there are still opportunities to use someone. Emmanuel Henderson Jr. was one of the leading wide receivers last season, and also did more like returning kickoffs.
How does Dylan Edwards fit into Kansas’ special teams plan?
Redshirt junior running back Dylan Edwards is someone who can help Kansas in a number of areas on special teams, and has been involved in the return game. Onatolu likes how Edwards sees the game and takes advantage of opportunities. Edwards is someone they’ll consider to return kickoffs, among others.
Sophomore wide receiver Tate Nagy is back after serving as the team’s lead punt returner last year. He’s someone who’s set to be used there again. However, Edwards, redshirt junior wide receiver Keaton Kubecka and more are guys the coaching staff is evaluating, too.
What else stands out for Kansas on special teams?
Kyle Deween serves as an assistant special teams coach for kickers and punters, and is an analyst for Kansas. Onatolu praised the work Deween’s done with the group. The players understand the scheme, Onatolu explained, and in fall camp it’s just a matter of executing it.
Freshman Matthew Gill is doing well at punter. Redshirt sophomore Martin Connington is doing well at kicker. And they aren’t alone, with Onatolu also appreciating better depth this year means he’s not worrying so much about the issue one injury could cause.
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Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He was the 2022 National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas. Contact him at [email protected] or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Taiwo Onatolu analyzes Kansas football’s special teams units this fall
Continue reading...
