KU football sports new looks

Coach Mark Mangino

The Jayhawks will start the 2002 season with a new coach, new playbook, even new uniforms, all of which were formally introduced at Memorial Stadium during the April 26 game — in reality, an extended scrimmage — that concluded coach Mark Mangino's first month of spring drills.

Mangino comes to KU from the Univerity of Oklahoma, where he was offensive coordinator for the Sooners' undefeated, national-championship team in 2000. He immediately stamped his KU era by unveiling new uniforms that will debut in the fall: home jerseys will be a darker navy, and helmets in the same "Jayhawk blue" that will feature a large, white KU decal with a red stripe. The overall look resembles the classic uniforms worn by the NFL's New York Giants.

Linebacker Greg Cole and wide receiver Harrison Hill model the new football uniforms.

More important changes await. Mangino must choose a new quarterback, a job that for now appears to be between Zach Dyer, an occasional starter last year, and junior-clllege transfer Bill Whittemore. While running back Reggie Duncan returns, Mangino is also closely watching Clark Green, who reportedly has impressed Mangino with his blocking abilities. (With an inexperienced offensivve line, the quarterback will need all the protection he can get.) On defense, one of the biggest questions is the line. Inside word is that tackle Brock Teddleton is slimmed down and playing well, and could be the interior force the Jayhawks need to shore up their defense.

The Mangino era officially begins Aug. 31, when the Jayhawks open with a Big 12 road game at Iowa State.

Quarterback Zach Dyer throws downfield during spring practice's concluding scrimmage at Memorial Stadium.

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