Lance Leipold discusses Daniels' health, games in KC at Big 12 Media Days

LAS VEGAS (KSNT) - KU football recently received its highest Big 12 preseason media poll ranking since 2011, checking in at number four and receiving five first place votes ahead of the 2024 season.

Naturally, a lot of attention is on Kansas head coach Lance Leipold and his players at Big 12 football media days.

Leipold spoke about a number of topics when first meeting with reporters in Las Vegas, including Jalon Daniels and his health. Daniels played in just three games in 2023 due to injury.

"Jalon Daniels has been tested in so many different ways through high school, through college, and to persevere and handle it in today's college football world, social media, speculation and all those things," Leipold said. "To watch him on a daily basis walk in with the smile that he has lights up our room, stay positive, be there for his teammates, even when he's not available speaks volumes to me each and every day. It makes me a fan of him as well as being fortunate to be his head coach. So I know he's tested to handle anything that may come his way. He continues to learn as a quarterback. I think it's well documented when he's on the field we're a lot better football team. We can be pretty explosive. And he's the leader there."

Leipold says KU wouldn't have brought Daniels to Las Vegas to represent the team if it wasn't confident he would be ready to go for the 2024 season.

The KU head coach also discussed KU's unique home schedule. The Jayhawks won't play in Lawrence this fall, due to major improvements underway on their football complex. Instead, they'll have two home games at Children's Mercy Park and four at Arrowhead Stadium.

Leipold says the team is practicing on grass, rather than turf, more often to prepare for this. He also explained how playing in KC is both a bummer and exciting for some of his veteran players.

"We have over 30 seniors and guys that have done an outstanding job helping us get this turned around," Leipold said. "Part of me feels bad that they don't get to play in large or get a chance to play in the new stadium renovated site. But then there's a part that's excited because much like we pick venues like this to hold Media Days, we have a chance to play at NFL stadium for conference football games. I think the four gentlemen here today would tell you that locker room's pretty excited about it."

Mello Dotson, Jereme Robinson, Devin Neal and Jalon Daniels are in Las Vegas representing Kansas football. 27 Sports Director Glenn Kinley made the trip and will provide live reports on 27 News and bring plenty of coverage to Sunday's K-Nation.