Jayhawks Football: JD's Thoughts on KU's Recent Recruiting Craze

I think the first thing that comes to mind when I hear some of the things people are saying about Kansas' verbal offensive line commitments for 2011 is "inside-out."

That's how I like to see football played, and that's how I like to see teams built, so props to Head Coach Turner Gill.

Offensive lines can't win games themselves, but I think most people will agree that good offensive lines are what bring a team consistency and allow the surrounding skill players to grow.

I'm not about to crown Bryan Peters, Travis Bodenstein, Luke Luhrsen, Damon Martin and JuCo transfer Nick Johnson as the second coming of the 70's Steelers or even of the '07 Jayhawks.

I'm just saying I really appreciate how Gill is trying to get his team off and running, literally.

Speaking of running, I like the type of linemen Gill has roped in.  Six-foot-threes, fours, and fives all followed by 290s and 300s in the weight category for guys just going into their senior year of high school are numbers that make me smile.

Those are the types of guys I want getting a good push in front of Toben Opurum and company.  No offense to KU's current front, but maxing out at 6' 2" and a stocky 290 lbs seems like more of a spread offense, back-peddler type rather than a powerful run blocker.

One thing I look for Gill to emphasize in the near future is the other line, as well.  Nothing makes a second or third level defender's job easier than a big, fast offensive line that can plug holes as well as rush the passer.

Personally, I prefer the run-stuffing type of line.  Unlike KU's lines of recent years that incessantly overran plays and stranded linebackers, guys that can plug holes allow for more creative usage of linebackers, including blitzing on passing downs.

It's too bad Jamaal Greene couldn't stay out of trouble.  I think his improvement would've made him the perfect, experienced anchor for a defensive line in need of a leader.