KU football's Neal, Robinson look to continue growing program in 2024

LAS VEGAS (KSNT) - Coming off its first bowl victory in over a decade, KU football is looking to keep the program trending upward in 2024.

KU running back Devin Neal and defensive lineman Jereme Robinson spoke with 27 Sports Director Glenn Kinley in on-on-one interviews while at Big 12 football media days in Las Vegas.

"A few more people know who we are and know what our program's about," Neal said. "There's more hype around it and it obviously comes with challenges, expectations and pressures as well, so we accept those."

Neal acknowledged the program's growth throughout his time as a Jayhawk, saying the new stadium construction is exciting but somewhat bittersweet for a hometown kid in his final season. His fellow senior, Robinson, spoke of how much the program changed under the guidance of head coach Lance Leipold.

"It's so night and day," Robinson said of Leipold's approach. "When Coach Leipold got in here he said, 'We're going to win here and we're going to do what it takes,' and he hasn't lied to us yet."

Robinson spoke of his recruiting experience with coach Leipold and how their discussions of potential and loyalty brought him to Lawrence. He hopes to fill a hole on KU's defensive side of the ball, left by Austin Booker who was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2024.

KU kicks off the season against Lindenwood on August 29.