The Kansas Jayhawks opened spring practice looking for a way to replace the impact of running back Jon Cornish, who is currently preparing for the NFL Draft. Cornish carried the offense a year ago, rushing for 1,457 yards and 8 touchdowns as KU finished the season with a 6-6 record. With a new offensive coordinator in Ed Warinner, the Jayhawks are hoping for better production from their receiving corps.
One player that has already been singled out is 6-4, 200 pound senior Marcus Henry (pictured at right) who will line up at the X-receiver spot.
"The only guy that's a constant," Mangino said of Henry. "His abilities fit that position to a T. X is a guy that can stretch the field. He's a guy that, if you a roll a corner up to him, he should be able to get off the press coverage. Not neccesarily your fastest guy, but a big, rangy guy."
Henry was fourth on the team with 25 receptions for 316 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2006. He joins fellow receivers Dexton Fields, Derek Fine, and Marcus Herford who all return in 2007. With the graduation of leading receiver Brian Murph, Henry expects the wideouts to take on a bigger role.
"Our role is pretty important," Henry said. "Once we get our offense situated and everything, we've got to go out there and make plays and be in the right spot at the right time."
Henry seems to have the size and body that you look for in a go-to receiver. Should he come into his own in 2007, the development of sophomore quarterback Kerry Meier is sure to benefit.
