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Not in terms of talent, mind you. He's talking about attitude. "The kids that are here with us now have a tremendous work ethic," Mangino said. "Last year, we had to coach effort. That isn't the case anymore." It's a good thing. Mangino, after all, has plenty of other problems to worry about. One year after going 0-8 in league play, Kansas appears destined for another last-place finish in the Big 12 North. It's not that the Jayhawks are lacking in talent. Senior quarterback Bill Whittemore is one of the more underrated players in the nation, while offensive tackle Adrian Jones and linebacker Banks Floodman could contend for all-conference honors. Instead, the problem lies with Kansas' depth. The Jayhawks will rely on 13 junior college signees -- a sign of a desperate program -- to fill some of the holes that Mangino inherited when he took over for the fired Terry Allen prior to last season. Still, Mangino has turned the once lazy, self-doubting Jayhawks into a hard-working group of believers. With a soft schedule and a seasoned signal-caller in Whittemore, anything could happen -- if, of course, Kansas' signees pan out. OFFENSIVE KEYS: Whittemore is the key to this team, its confidence and ultimately, its season. Kansas was laughable without Whittemore in the final three games of 2002. Things could be interesting, though, if he stays injury-free this year."He could be one of the top quarterbacks in the country by the end of the year," Mangino said. Whittemore's biggest attribute is his poise. He rarely panics when pressured in the pocket and hardly ever forces a pass. He's also a threat to run, although Mangino will be hesitant to give Whittemore too many carries. Clark Green, Kansas' workhorse tailback, should get some help this year from redshirt freshmen Jerome Kemp and Jon Cornish. The Jayhawks' receiving corps was decimated by graduation, but coaches are excited about Mark Simmons and Charles Gordon. Look for tight end Lyonel Anderson to become one of Whittemore's favorite targets as well. The biggest question mark, however, lies on the offensive line, where just one starter (Tony Coker) returns from a unit that allowed 33 sacks a year ago. Former tight end Jones has moved to left tackle, and junior college transfer Joe Vaughn has a firm grasp on the center position. Everything else is up for grabs. DEFENSIVE KEYS: Mangino is doing everything he can to correct a unit that ranked last in the Big 12 in total defense in 2002. Kansas' most highly touted recruits -- linebackers John McCoy and Gabe Toomey and defensive end Monroe Weekley -- play on the defensive side of the ball.Floodman, the team captain, is back after a knee injury forced him to redshirt in 2002. He should lead a unit that is easily Kansas' deepest position. Look for Kevin Kane and Brandon Perkins to contribute at the linebacker spot as well. For the second year in a row, Kansas' biggest problem is its secondary. Cornerbacks Remuise Johnson and Donnie Amadi were burnt badly in 2002. Both players return, but they'll be challenged by junior college transfers Marcus Hicks and Shelton Simmons. Former linebacker Nick Reid has jostled the strong safety job away from Zach Dyer. Free safety Tony Stubbs is expected to be challenged by junior college transfer Markeith Childress. SPECIAL TEAMS: One of the biggest areas of competition on the team is at kicker, where Johnny Beck connected on only 7-of-17 field goals as a sophomore in 2002. Mangino has sent Beck, who was nominated for the Lou Groza Award after a banner freshman year, a message by signing Tulsa Union High School standout Scott Webb.The Jayhawks appear set at punter, where Curtis Ansel returns after a junior year that saw him average 42.2 yards per punt. Sophomore kick returner Greg Heaggans is back after setting a KU single-season record with 691 return yards last season. FINAL ANALYSIS: Success this season rests on the performance of the recruiting class, although only two of the 13 junior college transfers in this year's class enrolled in January and went through spring drills. The Jayhawks could surprise on defense, where newcomers McCoy and Toomey are expected to make an immediate impact at linebacker. However, Kansas must find a way to improve its laughable secondary. If that happens, Whittemore is good enough to take advantage of an easy nonconference schedule and make this team competitive. Things could get ugly, though, if Whittemore gets hurt.• Click here for complete index of 2003 team previews
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