LAWRENCE, Kansas (WIBW) – Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw have been the Jayhawks’ standouts over the past few years. But who could replace them if they leave next year?
Three names are Sevion Morrison, who has been with the program for two years after transferring from Nebraska. They also have freshman Harry Stewart III and redshirt freshman Johnny Thompson Jr.
They all said that this group has a different edge and energy, holds each other accountable and also stays relaxed.
Although Morrison has been out for some time with an injury, the coaching staff likes his creativity. Stewart and Thompson in particular soak it all up and take every rep with care.
“When you go from high school to college, you still kind of have that high school feel, but it seemed like they clicked faster. I know they clicked faster than I did when I was at Nebraska, but they just switch on quickly, so they play very quickly for young guys,” Morrison said.
“I just want to be humble and be able to take in all this information. At the end of the day, it’s definitely a blessing to have these guys as friends and see what they do,” Stewart said.
“I think it’s definitely helpful when Harry and I can take those tips because we can both apply them to our games and criticize each other on what we’re doing right and wrong,” Thompson said.
Running backs coach Jonathan Wallace said both Stewart and Thompson are quickly picking up the pace and understanding things well, and the older guys are finding their rhythm again.
Wallace said Neal and Hishaw are both selfless and that rubs off on other people.
“These young guys can also see what it really takes to be a team, what it takes to be a unit, and when they push each other and challenge each other both physically and mentally in the room, they can accomplish more,” Wallace said. “Having that kind of, I guess you could say, unity where you can play with multiple guys, that’s their strength in numbers.”
Wallace said Hishaw did not train on Friday but will be fine.
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