Four Jayhawks get Preseason Big 12 nods: 58 Days Until Kansas Football
With Big 12 Media Days just around the corner, it was only a matter of time before the media's selections for the All Big 12 Preseason Football Team were announced. Today, the conference released the list, and the Kansas Jayhawks were represented in a big way.
Multiple Players Tabbed
The Kansas Jayhawks had four players tabbed for the team. QB Jalon Daniels, RB Devin Neal, C Mike Novitsky and CB Cobee Bryant added to their preseason accolades. Neal was joined by Baylor's Richard Reese at the running back position, while Novitsky is joined by BYU's Kingsley Suamataia, Kansas State's Cooper Beebe, Texas' Kelvin Banks Jr. and West Virginia's Zach Frazier. On the defensive side, Bryant was joined by Iowa State's TJ Tampa, Kansas State's Kobe Savage, Oklahoma State's Kendal Daniels and TCU's Josh Newton in being recognized in the DB position.
The four selections this season marks the first time that the Jayhawks have had more than two players honored in the preseason since 2007. That season, OL Anthony Collins was joined by DL James McClinton and DB Aqib Talib.
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year
Kansas had a couple guys on the first team that might have had a chance at this honor It should come as no surprise to the Jayhawk faithful that Daniels was tabbed as the Offensive Player of the Year, the first ever Kansas player to receive that honor.
Despite Daniels' season being cut short last year, he was still named to the 2022 All-Big 12 second team, behind only TCU's Max Duggan. And his impressive performance in the Liberty Bowl undoubtedly raised the expectations for Daniels coming into the season.
Talking High Expectations at Big 12 Media Days Next Week
The Jayhawks will be in attendance next week at Big 12 Media Days, and I fully expect to see plenty of questions to Daniels about his selection this week. Joining him will be Neal, along with linebacker Rich Miller and safety Kenny Logan, Jr.
In fact, I expect everyone at the event to be asked about the higher expectations for them this season. With the Vegas win expectancy up significantly and a large number of Kansas players being tabbed with preseason awards, it's hard to remember the last time there was this much hype going into the season. In fact, it might just be the biggest storyline that doesn't involve one of the new four schools at the event.
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