KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. had two homers, a double and four RBIs as the Kansas City Royals beat the Boston Red Sox 8-4 Wednesday night and salvaged the final game of a three-game series.

“He's just a phenomenal baseball player,” teammate Vinnie Pasquantino said of Witt. “I don't know that there's a word I can say. He's not going to talk about personal accolades, but I will. He deserves to be in (the MVP) conversation.”

With the victory, the Royals moved 1 1/2 games ahead of Boston in the race for a wild-card spot in the American League. In the AL Central, Kansas City moved within a half-game of second-place Minnesota, which lost to the Chicago Cubs. The Royals are four games back of Cleveland, which was swept in a doubleheader by Arizona.

Witt had his fourth multi-homer game of the season, getting the Royals on the scoreboard in the first with his 21st homer. Witt's second homer of the game was a 421-foot blast to center field in the sixth inning. He also added a two-run double.

“The pressure brings me pleasure,” Witt said about his clutch hitting. “I go up there in those situations and try to control what I can control and find a good pitch to hit.”

That attribute is not lost on his manager.

“I think he's the best player in the league,” Matt Quatraro said. “Clearly, I'm going to be biased.”

But the admiration for Witt extended to the visiting clubhouse.

“That kid is special. He’s special,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “The way he conducts himself, the way he plays the game. From our dugout, I hate it, but I love it. He’s so polite. I think the game is in good hands.”

The Royals have homered in 13 consecutive games, tied for the second-longest streak in club history.

Cole Ragans (9-7) allowed four runs, one earned, on six hits in 6 1/3 innings, striking out seven and walking two.

“I was confident that he had the stuff to keep them off balance,” Quatraro said. “His efficiency kept him going back out there. He'll get two extra days off before his next start, so we felt confident with where he was.”

Kutter Crawford (7-9) took the loss, working 3 2.3 innings and allowing six runs on five hits. He had three strikeouts and four walks.

After Witt's homer in the first, the Royals added a run in the second on a two-out single by Michael Massey, scoring MJ Melendez.

The Red Sox moved ahead in the third inning when Romy Gonzalez hit a two-out, three-run homer into the left-field bullpen. All three runs were unearned, as Ceddanne Rafaela reached base with no outs on an error on Massey. Danny Jansen lined a home run, his seventh of the season, into the same bullpen leading off the fourth.

The Royals regained the lead with five runs in the bottom of the fourth. Kansas City scored its first run of the inning on a wild pitch before Witt's opposite-field double scored two. Pasquantino then hit his 17th homer of the season — a two-run shot — off reliever Brennan Bernardino, extending his hitting streak to 11 games.

Red Sox: RHP Chris Martin was reinstated from the 15-day injured list, where he had been since July 5 (retroactive to July 4) with right elbow inflammation. In a corresponding move, LHP Cam Booser was optioned to Triple-A Worcester. ... OF Tyler O'Neill was placed on the 10-day IL (retroactive to Aug. 4) with a left leg infection. INF/OF Emmanuel Valdez was recalled from Worcester to take his place.

Red Sox: Open a three-game series against the Houston Astros on Friday. No starting pitchers have been named.

Royals: Open a two-game home series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723087800821.jpeg" alt="Bobby Witt Jr rounds the bases after hitting one of his two home runs in an 8-4 win over the Boston Red Sox/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X" />
 <figcaption>Bobby Witt Jr rounds the bases after hitting one of his two home runs in an 8-4 win over the Boston Red Sox/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>DAVID SMALE Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. had two homers, a double and four RBIs as the Kansas City Royals beat the Boston Red Sox 8-4 Wednesday night and salvaged the final game of a three-game series.“He's just a phenomenal baseball player,” teammate Vinnie Pasquantino said of Witt. “I don't know that there's a word I can say. He's not going to talk about personal accolades, but I will. He deserves to be in (the MVP) conversation.”With the victory, the Royals moved 1 1/2 games ahead of Boston in the race for a wild-card spot in the American League. In the AL Central, Kansas City moved within a half-game of second-place Minnesota, which lost to the Chicago Cubs. The Royals are four games back of Cleveland, which was swept in a doubleheader by Arizona.Witt had his fourth multi-homer game of the season, getting the Royals on the scoreboard in the first with his 21st homer. Witt's second homer of the game was a 421-foot blast to center field in the sixth inning. He also added a two-run double.“The pressure brings me pleasure,” Witt said about his clutch hitting. “I go up there in those situations and try to control what I can control and find a good pitch to hit.”That attribute is not lost on his manager.“I think he's the best player in the league,” Matt Quatraro said. “Clearly, I'm going to be biased.”But the admiration for Witt extended to the visiting clubhouse.“That kid is special. He’s special,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “The way he conducts himself, the way he plays the game. From our dugout, I hate it, but I love it. He’s so polite. I think the game is in good hands.”The Royals have homered in 13 consecutive games, tied for the second-longest streak in club history.Cole Ragans (9-7) allowed four runs, one earned, on six hits in 6 1/3 innings, striking out seven and walking two.“I was confident that he had the stuff to keep them off balance,” Quatraro said. “His efficiency kept him going back out there. He'll get two extra days off before his next start, so we felt confident with where he was.”Kutter Crawford (7-9) took the loss, working 3 2.3 innings and allowing six runs on five hits. He had three strikeouts and four walks.After Witt's homer in the first, the Royals added a run in the second on a two-out single by Michael Massey, scoring MJ Melendez.The Red Sox moved ahead in the third inning when Romy Gonzalez hit a two-out, three-run homer into the left-field bullpen. All three runs were unearned, as Ceddanne Rafaela reached base with no outs on an error on Massey. Danny Jansen lined a home run, his seventh of the season, into the same bullpen leading off the fourth.The Royals regained the lead with five runs in the bottom of the fourth. Kansas City scored its first run of the inning on a wild pitch before Witt's opposite-field double scored two. Pasquantino then hit his 17th homer of the season — a two-run shot — off reliever Brennan Bernardino, extending his hitting streak to 11 games.TRANSACTIONS:Red Sox: RHP Chris Martin was reinstated from the 15-day injured list, where he had been since July 5 (retroactive to July 4) with right elbow inflammation. In a corresponding move, LHP Cam Booser was optioned to Triple-A Worcester. ... OF Tyler O'Neill was placed on the 10-day IL (retroactive to Aug. 4) with a left leg infection. INF/OF Emmanuel Valdez was recalled from Worcester to take his place.UP NEXT:Red Sox: Open a three-game series against the Houston Astros on Friday. No starting pitchers have been named.Royals: Open a two-game home series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday.

⚾ Witt leads Royals to Wednesday win

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Wichita Wind Surge shut out the Corpus Christi Hooks 3-0 at Whataburger Field. The Wind Surge also hit a pair of bombs for the second straight night to jump ahead 2-0 in the series.

Andrew Morris&nbsp;set the tone early by striking out the side in the bottom of the first. Morris would go on to tie his season-high with nine punchouts.

While Wichita’s first six hitters got sent down as the minimum through two innings,&nbsp;Ben Ross&nbsp;led off the third by swatting a solo home run, his ninth of the season, off a 3-2 count to left field. Wind Surge hitters connected on three homers through the first 13 innings of the series against Corpus Christi pitching.

Outstanding work on the mound carried throughout the next four innings, as three batters reached base in total on both sides. Morris continued to deal on the mound while the Hooks went to their bullpen.

Luke Keaschall&nbsp;left the yard on a two-run blast, his eighth round-tripper with Wichita, that stayed fair down the line in left for a 3-0 Wind Surge lead in the top of the eighth.

Corpus Christi loaded the bases on free passes in the home half of the eighth before&nbsp;Kyle Bischoff&nbsp;retired Collin Price on an inning-ending foul tip strikeout. The hosts also got the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the ninth on a pair of singles, then&nbsp;Miguel Rodriguez&nbsp;froze Pascanel Ferreras with a slider to end the game in shutout fashion.

Morris impeccably received his sixth win of the season, giving up just two hits over seven innings with a walk and nine strikeouts to jump ahead to 6-3 in Double-A. Rodriguez also earned his fourth save after keeping the ninth scoreless with two hits and the game-ending whiff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723097266142.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure>CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Wichita Wind Surge shut out the Corpus Christi Hooks 3-0 at Whataburger Field. The Wind Surge also hit a pair of bombs for the second straight night to jump ahead 2-0 in the series.Andrew Morris&nbsp;set the tone early by striking out the side in the bottom of the first. Morris would go on to tie his season-high with nine punchouts.While Wichita’s first six hitters got sent down as the minimum through two innings,&nbsp;Ben Ross&nbsp;led off the third by swatting a solo home run, his ninth of the season, off a 3-2 count to left field. Wind Surge hitters connected on three homers through the first 13 innings of the series against Corpus Christi pitching.Outstanding work on the mound carried throughout the next four innings, as three batters reached base in total on both sides. Morris continued to deal on the mound while the Hooks went to their bullpen.Luke Keaschall&nbsp;left the yard on a two-run blast, his eighth round-tripper with Wichita, that stayed fair down the line in left for a 3-0 Wind Surge lead in the top of the eighth.Corpus Christi loaded the bases on free passes in the home half of the eighth before&nbsp;Kyle Bischoff&nbsp;retired Collin Price on an inning-ending foul tip strikeout. The hosts also got the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the ninth on a pair of singles, then&nbsp;Miguel Rodriguez&nbsp;froze Pascanel Ferreras with a slider to end the game in shutout fashion.Morris impeccably received his sixth win of the season, giving up just two hits over seven innings with a walk and nine strikeouts to jump ahead to 6-3 in Double-A. Rodriguez also earned his fourth save after keeping the ninth scoreless with two hits and the game-ending whiff.

⚾ Wichita Wind Surge get shutout win over Corpus Christi

3 years after the NFL added a 17th game, the push for an 18th gets stronger

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The debate about whether the NFL will expand the regular season once again seems to have been resolved and now it's a matter of how soon the league adds an 18th game. Commissioner Roger Goodell has talked openly about it, union chief Lloyd Howell recently told the Washington Post that the NFLPA is open to doing it before the current collective bargaining agreement expires after the 2030 season. Players seem resigned to the inevitability no matter how they might personally feel. The bigger question now might be what concessions can players get to agree to a longer season.

Quincy Hall gets a gold in the Olympic 400 meters with yet another US comeback on the Paris track

SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — Quincy Hall became the latest American to electrify Olympic track and field with an out-of-nowhere comeback, sprinting from far behind in the 400 meters to reel in three runners and capture the gold medal. Hall, buried in fourth place as the runners rounded the last bend, outran the runner on his outside, then two more to the inside to cross the line in 43.40 seconds, the fourth-fastest time ever. Britain's Matthew Hudson-Smith finished second and Muzala Samukonga of Zambia finished third. Hall is the first American since LaShawn Merritt in 2008 to win the one-lap race. His victory came an evening after American Cole Hocker came from behind late to beat the favorites in the men's 1500.

A'ja Wilson and Jackie Young help US rout Nigeria 88-74 to reach Olympic women's hoops semifinals

PARIS (AP) — A'ja Wilson scored 20 points and Jackie Young added 15 points to help the U.S. beat Nigeria 88-74 in the quarterfinals, extending its record winning streak to 59 consecutive Olympic wins. Breanna Stewart also had 13 for the Americans, who haven't lost since the 1992 Barcelona Games and are now two victories away from an unprecedented eighth consecutive gold medal. They will face a familiar foe in Australia in the semifinals on Friday night. The Opals routed Serbia 85-67. The other medal round game will feature host France playing Belgium.

NCAA hands former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh a 4-year show cause order for recruiting violations

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The NCAA says former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh had impermissible contact with recruits and players while access was restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has handed him a four-year show-cause order if he wants to return to college coaching. The NCAA says Harbaugh engaged in unethical conduct, failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance and violated head coach responsibility obligations. Harbaugh left the national-championship winning Wolverines to coach the Los Angeles Chargers. The NCAA has already given Michigan three years of probation, a fine and recruiting limits in the same case.

Kyle Schwarber hits 3 homers, drives in 7 runs as Phillies rally past Dodgers, 9-4

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kyle Schwarber hit three homers and drove in seven runs, helping the Philadelphia Phillies rally to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-4 on Wednesday night. The Dodgers lost two of three in the matchup between the National League's top two teams, cutting their NL West lead to three games over surging Arizona — their smallest margin since late April. Schwarber's three-run homer capped a five-run sixth during which the NL East-leading Phillies took the lead. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was ejected by third base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt after an interference call on Miguel Rojas during the Phillies' outburst. Schwarber hit is 27th homer leading off the ninth against Michael Grove. Gavin Stone gave up a two-strike homer to Schwarber leading off the game.

Rafael Nadal withdraws from the US Open, the 3rd Grand Slam tournament he'll miss this year

Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the U.S. Open. He announced his withdrawal via social media on Wednesday. It is the third Grand Slam tournament he's missed this season and raises more questions about his future in tennis at age 38. He has won four of his 22 major championships at Flushing Meadows, most recently in 2019. The draw for the year's last Grand Slam tournament is scheduled for Aug. 22 and play is set to begin Aug. 26. Nadal has not announced anything about a possible retirement, but his age and a recent history of injuries suggest he might not play much longer. He says the Laver Cup in September will be his next event.

Lin Yu-ting advances to gold-medal Olympic bout, excelling amid misconceptions about her gender

PARIS (AP) — Boxer Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan has advanced to the gold-medal bout in the women's featherweight division at the Paris Olympics. She beat Esra Yildiz Kahraman of Turkey 5:0 for her third consecutive victory in the tournament while dealing with widespread scrutiny regarding misconceptions about her gender. Both Lin and Imane Khelif have responded to the scrutiny generated by the International Boxing Association's decision to disqualify them from last year's world championships by going on two of the best runs of their careers in Paris. Lin again used her superior height and technique to beat the more physical Kahraman. Lin will fight for gold on Saturday, taking on Julia Szeremeta of Poland.

Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker says he stands behind comments he made during polarizing speech

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker said Wednesday he was "very intentional" in the comments he made during a polarizing college commencement speech in May and that he stands behind what he said then. During the speech at a private Catholic liberal arts school in Atchison, Kansas, the three-time Super Bowl champion told the graduating class that most of the women receiving degrees were probably more excited about getting married and having children, and that some Catholic leaders were "pushing dangerous gender ideologies onto the youth of America." Butker also assailed Pride month and President Joe Biden's stance on abortion.

Everything Simone Biles did at the Paris Olympics was amplified. She thrived in the spotlight

PARIS (AP) — Every single thing Simone Biles has done at the Paris Olympics has been spotlighted. She won four medals, had an online feud with a former teammate and a social media post that appeared to take a swipe at presidential candidate Donald Trump. Her TikToks regularly draw millions of views and her revelation that she'd gotten Botox made headlines. Biles is the most decorated gymnast of all-time and America's golden girl. She has a unique ability to retain her staying power beyond Olympic cycles, in part because of her remarkable career achievements. But it is also her authenticity that has made her relatable, inspirational and liked by millions around the world.

It's some Olympic rematches in the Paris basketball semifinals, with US-Serbia and Germany-France

PARIS (AP) — U.S. men's basketball coach Steve Kerr knows something unexpected is going to happen when his team plays against Serbia in the semifinals of the Paris Olympics. Maybe Serbia will change its lineup. Maybe Nikola Jokic will play the entire game. Or maybe the surprise will be that there's no surprise at all. Whatever the case, Kerr knows the Americans have to be ready for anything. The U.S. will look to reach the gold-medal game for the 18th time in its 20 Olympic appearances when it faces Serbia in the semifinals of the Paris Games on Thursday night. France will play Germany in the other semifinal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Thursday, August 8th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Thursday, August 8th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports SummaryBrief at 1:10 a.m. EDT3 years after the NFL added a 17th game, the push for an 18th gets strongerSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The debate about whether the NFL will expand the regular season once again seems to have been resolved and now it's a matter of how soon the league adds an 18th game. Commissioner Roger Goodell has talked openly about it, union chief Lloyd Howell recently told the Washington Post that the NFLPA is open to doing it before the current collective bargaining agreement expires after the 2030 season. Players seem resigned to the inevitability no matter how they might personally feel. The bigger question now might be what concessions can players get to agree to a longer season.Quincy Hall gets a gold in the Olympic 400 meters with yet another US comeback on the Paris trackSAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — Quincy Hall became the latest American to electrify Olympic track and field with an out-of-nowhere comeback, sprinting from far behind in the 400 meters to reel in three runners and capture the gold medal. Hall, buried in fourth place as the runners rounded the last bend, outran the runner on his outside, then two more to the inside to cross the line in 43.40 seconds, the fourth-fastest time ever. Britain's Matthew Hudson-Smith finished second and Muzala Samukonga of Zambia finished third. Hall is the first American since LaShawn Merritt in 2008 to win the one-lap race. His victory came an evening after American Cole Hocker came from behind late to beat the favorites in the men's 1500.A'ja Wilson and Jackie Young help US rout Nigeria 88-74 to reach Olympic women's hoops semifinalsPARIS (AP) — A'ja Wilson scored 20 points and Jackie Young added 15 points to help the U.S. beat Nigeria 88-74 in the quarterfinals, extending its record winning streak to 59 consecutive Olympic wins. Breanna Stewart also had 13 for the Americans, who haven't lost since the 1992 Barcelona Games and are now two victories away from an unprecedented eighth consecutive gold medal. They will face a familiar foe in Australia in the semifinals on Friday night. The Opals routed Serbia 85-67. The other medal round game will feature host France playing Belgium.NCAA hands former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh a 4-year show cause order for recruiting violationsANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The NCAA says former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh had impermissible contact with recruits and players while access was restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has handed him a four-year show-cause order if he wants to return to college coaching. The NCAA says Harbaugh engaged in unethical conduct, failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance and violated head coach responsibility obligations. Harbaugh left the national-championship winning Wolverines to coach the Los Angeles Chargers. The NCAA has already given Michigan three years of probation, a fine and recruiting limits in the same case.Kyle Schwarber hits 3 homers, drives in 7 runs as Phillies rally past Dodgers, 9-4LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kyle Schwarber hit three homers and drove in seven runs, helping the Philadelphia Phillies rally to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-4 on Wednesday night. The Dodgers lost two of three in the matchup between the National League's top two teams, cutting their NL West lead to three games over surging Arizona — their smallest margin since late April. Schwarber's three-run homer capped a five-run sixth during which the NL East-leading Phillies took the lead. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was ejected by third base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt after an interference call on Miguel Rojas during the Phillies' outburst. Schwarber hit is 27th homer leading off the ninth against Michael Grove. Gavin Stone gave up a two-strike homer to Schwarber leading off the game.Rafael Nadal withdraws from the US Open, the 3rd Grand Slam tournament he'll miss this yearRafael Nadal has pulled out of the U.S. Open. He announced his withdrawal via social media on Wednesday. It is the third Grand Slam tournament he's missed this season and raises more questions about his future in tennis at age 38. He has won four of his 22 major championships at Flushing Meadows, most recently in 2019. The draw for the year's last Grand Slam tournament is scheduled for Aug. 22 and play is set to begin Aug. 26. Nadal has not announced anything about a possible retirement, but his age and a recent history of injuries suggest he might not play much longer. He says the Laver Cup in September will be his next event.Lin Yu-ting advances to gold-medal Olympic bout, excelling amid misconceptions about her genderPARIS (AP) — Boxer Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan has advanced to the gold-medal bout in the women's featherweight division at the Paris Olympics. She beat Esra Yildiz Kahraman of Turkey 5:0 for her third consecutive victory in the tournament while dealing with widespread scrutiny regarding misconceptions about her gender. Both Lin and Imane Khelif have responded to the scrutiny generated by the International Boxing Association's decision to disqualify them from last year's world championships by going on two of the best runs of their careers in Paris. Lin again used her superior height and technique to beat the more physical Kahraman. Lin will fight for gold on Saturday, taking on Julia Szeremeta of Poland.Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker says he stands behind comments he made during polarizing speechST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker said Wednesday he was "very intentional" in the comments he made during a polarizing college commencement speech in May and that he stands behind what he said then. During the speech at a private Catholic liberal arts school in Atchison, Kansas, the three-time Super Bowl champion told the graduating class that most of the women receiving degrees were probably more excited about getting married and having children, and that some Catholic leaders were "pushing dangerous gender ideologies onto the youth of America." Butker also assailed Pride month and President Joe Biden's stance on abortion.Everything Simone Biles did at the Paris Olympics was amplified. She thrived in the spotlightPARIS (AP) — Every single thing Simone Biles has done at the Paris Olympics has been spotlighted. She won four medals, had an online feud with a former teammate and a social media post that appeared to take a swipe at presidential candidate Donald Trump. Her TikToks regularly draw millions of views and her revelation that she'd gotten Botox made headlines. Biles is the most decorated gymnast of all-time and America's golden girl. She has a unique ability to retain her staying power beyond Olympic cycles, in part because of her remarkable career achievements. But it is also her authenticity that has made her relatable, inspirational and liked by millions around the world.It's some Olympic rematches in the Paris basketball semifinals, with US-Serbia and Germany-FrancePARIS (AP) — U.S. men's basketball coach Steve Kerr knows something unexpected is going to happen when his team plays against Serbia in the semifinals of the Paris Olympics. Maybe Serbia will change its lineup. Maybe Nikola Jokic will play the entire game. Or maybe the surprise will be that there's no surprise at all. Whatever the case, Kerr knows the Americans have to be ready for anything. The U.S. will look to reach the gold-medal game for the 18th time in its 20 Olympic appearances when it faces Serbia in the semifinals of the Paris Games on Thursday night. France will play Germany in the other semifinal.AP-ScorecardTODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUEFinal	Arizona	7	Cleveland	3	Final	Chicago Cubs	8	Minnesota	2	Final	Arizona	5	Cleveland	3	Final	St. Louis	5	Tampa Bay	2	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Houston	6	Texas	4	Final	Oakland	3	Chicago White Sox	2	Final	N.Y. Yankees	5	L.A. Angels	2	Final	Baltimore	7	Toronto	3	Final	L.A. Angels	8	N.Y. Yankees	2	Final	Kansas City	8	Boston	4	Final	Detroit	6	Seattle	2	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	San Francisco	7	Washington	4	Final	Miami	6	Cincinnati	4	Final	Milwaukee	8	Atlanta	5	Final	San Diego	9	Pittsburgh	8	Final	N.Y. Mets	5	Colorado	3	Final	Philadelphia	9	L.A. Dodgers	4

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Thursday

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas senior&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/lawrence-arnold/1348">Lawrence Arnold</a>&nbsp;has been selected to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Biletnikoff Award, which was announced by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club (TQC) Foundation, Inc. on Wednesday morning.

The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the college football season's outstanding receiver. Any player who catches a pass is eligible, regardless of position. As such, the Biletnikoff Award recognizes college football's outstanding receiver, not merely college football's outstanding&nbsp;wide&nbsp;receiver. The Biletnikoff Award is a single season, not career, award. Receivers are frequently added to the watch list as their season performances dictate and actual performance, not potential, is the basis for inclusion on the watch list.

KU's leader in receiving yards in each of the past two seasons, Arnold finished the 2023 campaign with 44 receptions for 784 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged 17.8 yards per reception, which was second on the team, and he had two 100-yard receiving games. Arnold closed out the season with a career-high 132 yards and three touchdowns on six receptions in the Jayhawks' 49-36 victory over UNLV in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.

From DeSoto, Texas, Arnold has previously been named a Preseason All-Big 12 Second Team selection by Athlon and he earned a spot on the East-West Shrine Bowl Watch List. He enters his senior season ranked No. 7 in school history for receiving yards (1,859), No. 10 in touchdown receptions (13) and No. 11 in career receptions (121).

Arnold becomes the first Jayhawk named to the Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List since Andrew Parchment, who earned a spot on the list in 2020.

The name&nbsp;Biletnikoff&nbsp;is synonymous with the term&nbsp;receiver. Fred Biletnikoff, a member of the pro and college football halls of fame, was a consensus All-America receiver at Florida State University and an All-Pro receiver for the Oakland Raiders. He caught 589 passes for 8,974 yards and 76 touchdowns in his 14-year Raiders career from 1965 through 1978. Fred was the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XI.

The semifinalists, finalists and award recipient are selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of 600 prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, Biletnikoff Award winners and other former receivers. The winner of the 2024 Biletnikoff Award will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards show, which airs on ESPN on December 12, 2024.

2024 Kansas Football Preseason Watch Lists:

Maxwell Award – QB&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/jalon-daniels/1362">Jalon Daniels</a>, RB&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/devin-neal/1356">Devin Neal</a>Patrick Mannelly Award – LS&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/luke-hosford/1447">Luke Hosford</a>

<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/luke-hosford/1447"></a>Bronko Nagurski Award – CB&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/cobee-bryant/1350">Cobee Bryant</a>Paycom Jim Thorpe Award – CB&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/cobee-bryant/1350">Cobee Bryant</a>

<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/cobee-bryant/1350"></a>Allstate Wuerffel Trophy – TE&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/jared-casey/1431">Jared Casey</a>Walter Camp Award – QB&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/jalon-daniels/1362">Jalon Daniels</a>

<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/jalon-daniels/1362"></a>Doak Walker Award – RB&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/devin-neal/1356">Devin Neal</a>, RB&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/daniel-hishaw-jr-/1394">Daniel Hishaw Jr.</a>Biletnikoff Award – WR&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/lawrence-arnold/1348">Lawrence Arnold</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723098107276.png" alt="Biletnikoff nomination doe Lawrence Arnold" />
 <figcaption>Biletnikoff nomination doe Lawrence Arnold</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas senior&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/lawrence-arnold/1348">Lawrence Arnold</a>&nbsp;has been selected to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Biletnikoff Award, which was announced by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club (TQC) Foundation, Inc. on Wednesday morning.The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the college football season's outstanding receiver. Any player who catches a pass is eligible, regardless of position. As such, the Biletnikoff Award recognizes college football's outstanding receiver, not merely college football's outstanding&nbsp;wide&nbsp;receiver. The Biletnikoff Award is a single season, not career, award. Receivers are frequently added to the watch list as their season performances dictate and actual performance, not potential, is the basis for inclusion on the watch list.KU's leader in receiving yards in each of the past two seasons, Arnold finished the 2023 campaign with 44 receptions for 784 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged 17.8 yards per reception, which was second on the team, and he had two 100-yard receiving games. Arnold closed out the season with a career-high 132 yards and three touchdowns on six receptions in the Jayhawks' 49-36 victory over UNLV in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.From DeSoto, Texas, Arnold has previously been named a Preseason All-Big 12 Second Team selection by Athlon and he earned a spot on the East-West Shrine Bowl Watch List. He enters his senior season ranked No. 7 in school history for receiving yards (1,859), No. 10 in touchdown receptions (13) and No. 11 in career receptions (121).Arnold becomes the first Jayhawk named to the Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List since Andrew Parchment, who earned a spot on the list in 2020.The name&nbsp;Biletnikoff&nbsp;is synonymous with the term&nbsp;receiver. Fred Biletnikoff, a member of the pro and college football halls of fame, was a consensus All-America receiver at Florida State University and an All-Pro receiver for the Oakland Raiders. He caught 589 passes for 8,974 yards and 76 touchdowns in his 14-year Raiders career from 1965 through 1978. Fred was the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XI.The semifinalists, finalists and award recipient are selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of 600 prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, Biletnikoff Award winners and other former receivers. The winner of the 2024 Biletnikoff Award will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards show, which airs on ESPN on December 12, 2024.2024 Kansas Football Preseason Watch Lists:Maxwell Award – QB&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/jalon-daniels/1362">Jalon Daniels</a>, RB&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/devin-neal/1356">Devin Neal</a>Patrick Mannelly Award – LS&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/luke-hosford/1447">Luke Hosford</a><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/luke-hosford/1447"></a>Bronko Nagurski Award – CB&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/cobee-bryant/1350">Cobee Bryant</a>Paycom Jim Thorpe Award – CB&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/cobee-bryant/1350">Cobee Bryant</a><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/cobee-bryant/1350"></a>Allstate Wuerffel Trophy – TE&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/jared-casey/1431">Jared Casey</a>Walter Camp Award – QB&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/jalon-daniels/1362">Jalon Daniels</a><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/jalon-daniels/1362"></a>Doak Walker Award – RB&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/devin-neal/1356">Devin Neal</a>, RB&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/daniel-hishaw-jr-/1394">Daniel Hishaw Jr.</a>Biletnikoff Award – WR&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/lawrence-arnold/1348">Lawrence Arnold</a>

🏈 FB: KU's Lawrence Arnold selected for Biletnikoff watch list

By The Associated
Press (All times Eastern)

Schedule subject
to change and/or blackouts

11:30 p.m. USA —
Men's Semifinal (Taped)

11 p.m. NBC —
Primetime in Paris (Aug 8)

10 a.m. USA —
Men’s Middle, Light Finals &amp; more (Taped)

7 a.m. E! —
Sprint: Canoe, Kayak Semi, Finals

4 a.m. E! —
Women’s 3m Springboard Semifinal

9 a.m. E! — Men’s
3m Springboard Final

1 p.m. NBC —
Women’s 3m Springboard Semifinal (Taped)

5 p.m. E! — Field
Hockey, Women’s Kite Final (Taped)

9:30 p.m. USA —
Men’s Gold Final (Taped)

3 a.m. GOLF —
Women’s Round 2: Part 1

7 a.m. GOLF —
Women’s Round 2: Part 2

8 a.m. E! —
Individual All Around Qualification (Taped)

Noon E! —
Individual All Around: Qualification (Taped)

5 p.m. E! — Field
Hockey, Women’s Kite Final

5:45 a.m. E! —
Men’s Speed, Women’s Combined

1:30 a.m. USA —
Women’s 10km Open Water

3:35 a.m. USA —
M&amp;W Team: Quarterfinals (Taped)

7 a.m. USA — Men’s
Team: Semifinals (Taped)

10:30 a.m. USA — W
49kg, M 58kg Bronze/Gold Finals (Taped)

4 a.m. USA —
Heats: Men’s &amp; Women’s 4x100m &amp; more

1:35 p.m. NBC —
Finals: Men’s 200m &amp; more

6 p.m. USA —
Women’s Semifinal (Taped)

8 p.m. USA —
Women’s Semifinal (Taped)

8:30 a.m. USA —
Water Polo, Weightlifting

10:30 p.m. USA —
Women’s Semifinal (Taped)

11 a.m. USA — M
57kg, W 57kg Freestyle Eliminations (Taped)

By The Associated
Press (All times Eastern)Schedule subject
to change and/or blackoutsThursday, Aug. 8BASKETBALL11:30 a.m. USA —
Men’s Semifinal2:45 p.m. USA —
Men’s Semifinal11:30 p.m. USA —
Men's Semifinal (Taped)BEACH VOLLEYBALL11 a.m. E! —
SemifinalNoon NBC — Men’s
Semifinal3 p.m. E! —
Semifinal4 p.m. NBC —
Women’s Semifinal11 p.m. NBC —
Primetime in Paris (Aug 8)BOXING10 a.m. USA —
Men’s Middle, Light Finals &amp; more (Taped)CANOE &amp; KAYAK7 a.m. E! —
Sprint: Canoe, Kayak Semi, FinalsDIVING4 a.m. E! —
Women’s 3m Springboard Semifinal9 a.m. E! — Men’s
3m Springboard Final1 p.m. NBC —
Women’s 3m Springboard Semifinal (Taped)11 p.m. NBC —
Primetime in Paris (Aug 8)FIELD HOCKEY5 p.m. E! — Field
Hockey, Women’s Kite Final (Taped)9:30 p.m. USA —
Men’s Gold Final (Taped)GOLF3 a.m. GOLF —
Women’s Round 2: Part 17 a.m. GOLF —
Women’s Round 2: Part 2HANDBALL4 p.m. E! —
Women’s SemifinalKITE FLYING5 p.m. E! — Field
Hockey, Women’s Kite Final (Taped)RHYTHMIC
GYMNASTICS8 a.m. E! —
Individual All Around Qualification (Taped)Noon E! —
Individual All Around: Qualification (Taped)SAILING5 p.m. E! — Field
Hockey, Women’s Kite FinalSKATEBOARDING2:35 a.m. NBC —
NBC Late Night (Aug 7)SPORT CLIMBING2:35 a.m. NBC —
NBC Late Night (Aug 7)5:45 a.m. E! —
Men’s Speed, Women’s Combined10:30 a.m. E! —
Men’s Speed: FinalSWIMMING1:30 a.m. USA —
Women’s 10km Open WaterTABLE TENNIS3:35 a.m. USA —
M&amp;W Team: Quarterfinals (Taped)7 a.m. USA — Men’s
Team: Semifinals (Taped)TAEKWONDO10:30 a.m. USA — W
49kg, M 58kg Bronze/Gold Finals (Taped)TRACK FIELD4 a.m. USA —
Heats: Men’s &amp; Women’s 4x100m &amp; more1:35 p.m. NBC —
Finals: Men’s 200m &amp; more11 p.m. NBC —
Primetime in Paris (Aug 8)VOLLEYBALL10 a.m. NBC —
Women’s Semifinal6 p.m. USA —
Women’s Semifinal (Taped)8 p.m. USA —
Women’s Semifinal (Taped)WATER POLO8:30 a.m. USA —
Water Polo, Weightlifting1:30 p.m. USA —
Women’s Semifinals5 p.m. NBC —
Women’s Semifinal10:30 p.m. USA —
Women’s Semifinal (Taped)WEIGHTLIFTING8:30 a.m. USA —
Water Polo, WeightliftingWRESTLING11 a.m. USA — M
57kg, W 57kg Freestyle Eliminations (Taped)

Olympics on TV for Thursday, Aug. 8

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - After some offseason troubles, there were questions among Chiefs fans if wide receiver Rashee Rice would be with the team at the start of training camp.

With the threat of a suspension, Rice being able to focus on football at camp is very important.

"Just because I get to be out here and still be a part of my team and we get to dominate and focus on our goal this year," Rice tells reporters.

Rice's potential suspension by the NFL is a dark cloud looming over Chiefs camp, but Rice would not comment on that.

"It's a legal process and my team is handling it off the field for me," Rice says.

Rice knows through it all though he has one man in his corner, his quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

"He's been very important, he's there for me whenever I need him, on or off the field, he's only a call away and he's always going to pick up my call, so I got him," Rice says.

The Chiefs have been spending this week of training camp beginning to fully gear up for their first preseason game this weekend.

Kansas City still has a few players injured, that may not play Saturday, and a slew of young guys working to prove they deserve to be on the 53-man roster.

Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says he's excited to see the chemistry between some of those young players in the first preseason game.

"Who will communicate in the heat of battle, you know sometimes it's controlled here but kind of getting into a real game atmosphere," Spagnuolo tells reporters following practice. "Biggest thing is I want to see guys that are unknown to me from their toughness and tackling, those are gonna be the two biggest things."

Several young players in the Chiefs secondary have been working hard during training camp at Missouri Western, hoping to make an impact on the team.

Spagnuolo is ready to see some of those young players step up in the first preseason game on Saturday.

"Jaden (Hicks), all of them, Kamal (Hadden), even guys, Ekow (Boye-Doe) didn't play a lot back there last year right, guys that haven't had a lot of time back there, I'd like to see those guys," Spagnuolo says.

Spagnulo says he's ready to see some of the toughness from players in an actual game, as he determines whose "tough tough" and whose "fake tough."

The Chiefs have one more practice at Missouri Western Wednesday before they depart for Jacksonville. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723053236343.jpeg" alt="Rashee Rice catches a pass during Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Rashee Rice catches a pass during Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph PostST. JOSEPH, Mo. - After some offseason troubles, there were questions among Chiefs fans if wide receiver Rashee Rice would be with the team at the start of training camp.With the threat of a suspension, Rice being able to focus on football at camp is very important."Just because I get to be out here and still be a part of my team and we get to dominate and focus on our goal this year," Rice tells reporters.Rice's potential suspension by the NFL is a dark cloud looming over Chiefs camp, but Rice would not comment on that."It's a legal process and my team is handling it off the field for me," Rice says.Rice knows through it all though he has one man in his corner, his quarterback Patrick Mahomes."He's been very important, he's there for me whenever I need him, on or off the field, he's only a call away and he's always going to pick up my call, so I got him," Rice says.The Chiefs have been spending this week of training camp beginning to fully gear up for their first preseason game this weekend.Kansas City still has a few players injured, that may not play Saturday, and a slew of young guys working to prove they deserve to be on the 53-man roster.Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says he's excited to see the chemistry between some of those young players in the first preseason game."Who will communicate in the heat of battle, you know sometimes it's controlled here but kind of getting into a real game atmosphere," Spagnuolo tells reporters following practice. "Biggest thing is I want to see guys that are unknown to me from their toughness and tackling, those are gonna be the two biggest things."Several young players in the Chiefs secondary have been working hard during training camp at Missouri Western, hoping to make an impact on the team.Spagnuolo is ready to see some of those young players step up in the first preseason game on Saturday."Jaden (Hicks), all of them, Kamal (Hadden), even guys, Ekow (Boye-Doe) didn't play a lot back there last year right, guys that haven't had a lot of time back there, I'd like to see those guys," Spagnuolo says.Spagnulo says he's ready to see some of the toughness from players in an actual game, as he determines whose "tough tough" and whose "fake tough."The Chiefs have one more practice at Missouri Western Wednesday before they depart for Jacksonville.

Chiefs' Rice trying to focus on football; potential suspension unknown

<a href="https://kuathletics.com/news/2024/8/6/kansas-volleyball-voted-no-1-in-big-12-preseason-poll.aspx">Via KUAthletics</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas Volleyball will enter the upcoming season as the conference favorite, having secured the top spot in the 2024 Big 12 Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league announced Wednesday.

Along with the team's top rank, Kansas led the way in individual awards, with three players on the coaches' Preseason All-Big 12 Team: Ayah Elnady, Camryn Turner, and London Davis. KU freshman Zoey Burgess was named the Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year.

"This reflects what this group has done over the past couple seasons and we have a lot of veteran players returning," said Kansas head coach Ray Bechard who is entering his 27th season at KU and has guided the Jayhawks to 11 NCAA Tournament appearances, including each of the past three seasons. "Like all preseason polls, we can value this a lot more when the season is over."

It marks the first time the Jayhawks have been designated in the top spot in the Big 12 Preseason Coaches' Poll. Kansas earned six of a possible 15 first-place votes by the league coaches and edged BYU, 173-168, in total points awarded. BYU received four first-place votes, while Arizona State garnered three first-place votes and is third in the poll with 158 points followed by TCU (146) and Baylor (144) rounding out the top five. TCU garnered one first-place vote as did Kansas State, which finished sixth in the preseason poll with 141 points. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams in the poll and Oklahoma State does not sponsor volleyball, hence 15.

Burgess is the third KU player in the last five seasons to be named Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year, including current senior Caroline Bien in 2021. Burgess hails from Alpine, Utah where the middle blocker was a four-time state champion and the 6A MVP in 2023.

Preseason all-conference selections Elnady, Turner and Davis each earned postseason All-Big 12 accolades last season, with Elnady and Turner being named to the first team and Davis earning second-team honors.

Turner, who was the 2023 Big 12 Setter of the Year, AVCA First Team All-Region and AVCA Honorable Mention All-American, is looking to build off her decorated season in 2024. The Topeka, Kansas native led the conference in assists per set for the majority of the 2023 season, ending at the top with a 10.67 average. Turner also posted the second most digs per set on the team with 2.95 and recorded 84 kills and 58 total blocks for a well-rounded season stat line.

Elnady was also a 2023 AVCA First Team All-Region selection. She finished second on the team in both kills (3.44) and points (4.17) per set and recorded double-digit kills on 20 different occasions, including two 20-plus kill performances versus Big 12 foes Iowa State and UCF. The Cairo, Egypt native also led the Jayhawks in service aces with 26 total on the year, averaging a solid 2.26 digs per set.

Davis was a force for the Jayhawks in 2023, averaging 2.74 kills and 3.10 points per set. The junior opposite from Galena, Ohio, reached a new career high when she knocked down 28 kills against Kansas State, the most kills by a player from Kansas since 2009. Davis ended the year with 304 kills, 76 total blocks, and 344.5 points. She also earned her first-career AVCA All-Region accolade.

The Jayhawks concluded the 2023 season with a 24-6, 14-4 conference record, finishing second in the Big 12 and making it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they fell in a tight five-set match to Penn State.

Kansas will open the 2024 season on Saturday, August 24, at 1 p.m. (Central) when it plays host to Drake in an exhibition match at the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena. Kansas' 2024 regular season will begin on the road at the Duke Tournament from August 30-Sept. 1.

Rank, Team (first-place votes), points; coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team

2024 Big 12 Volleyball Preseason Player of the Year - Melanie Parra, TCU, OH, Sr.

2024 Big 12 Volleyball Preseason Freshman of the Year – ZOEY BURGESS, KANSAS, MB

Nayeli Gonzalez, Iowa State, OH, So.* # !

Players are listed alphabetically by school; * indicates unanimous selection; # - 2023 All-Big 12 First Team; ^ - 2023 All-Big 12 Second Team; ! – 2023 All-Big 12 Rookie Team

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723053727029.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Aiden Droge-Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Aiden Droge-Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kuathletics.com/news/2024/8/6/kansas-volleyball-voted-no-1-in-big-12-preseason-poll.aspx">Via KUAthletics</a>LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas Volleyball will enter the upcoming season as the conference favorite, having secured the top spot in the 2024 Big 12 Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league announced Wednesday.Along with the team's top rank, Kansas led the way in individual awards, with three players on the coaches' Preseason All-Big 12 Team: Ayah Elnady, Camryn Turner, and London Davis. KU freshman Zoey Burgess was named the Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year."This reflects what this group has done over the past couple seasons and we have a lot of veteran players returning," said Kansas head coach Ray Bechard who is entering his 27th season at KU and has guided the Jayhawks to 11 NCAA Tournament appearances, including each of the past three seasons. "Like all preseason polls, we can value this a lot more when the season is over."It marks the first time the Jayhawks have been designated in the top spot in the Big 12 Preseason Coaches' Poll. Kansas earned six of a possible 15 first-place votes by the league coaches and edged BYU, 173-168, in total points awarded. BYU received four first-place votes, while Arizona State garnered three first-place votes and is third in the poll with 158 points followed by TCU (146) and Baylor (144) rounding out the top five. TCU garnered one first-place vote as did Kansas State, which finished sixth in the preseason poll with 141 points. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams in the poll and Oklahoma State does not sponsor volleyball, hence 15.Burgess is the third KU player in the last five seasons to be named Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year, including current senior Caroline Bien in 2021. Burgess hails from Alpine, Utah where the middle blocker was a four-time state champion and the 6A MVP in 2023.Preseason all-conference selections Elnady, Turner and Davis each earned postseason All-Big 12 accolades last season, with Elnady and Turner being named to the first team and Davis earning second-team honors.Turner, who was the 2023 Big 12 Setter of the Year, AVCA First Team All-Region and AVCA Honorable Mention All-American, is looking to build off her decorated season in 2024. The Topeka, Kansas native led the conference in assists per set for the majority of the 2023 season, ending at the top with a 10.67 average. Turner also posted the second most digs per set on the team with 2.95 and recorded 84 kills and 58 total blocks for a well-rounded season stat line.Elnady was also a 2023 AVCA First Team All-Region selection. She finished second on the team in both kills (3.44) and points (4.17) per set and recorded double-digit kills on 20 different occasions, including two 20-plus kill performances versus Big 12 foes Iowa State and UCF. The Cairo, Egypt native also led the Jayhawks in service aces with 26 total on the year, averaging a solid 2.26 digs per set.Davis was a force for the Jayhawks in 2023, averaging 2.74 kills and 3.10 points per set. The junior opposite from Galena, Ohio, reached a new career high when she knocked down 28 kills against Kansas State, the most kills by a player from Kansas since 2009. Davis ended the year with 304 kills, 76 total blocks, and 344.5 points. She also earned her first-career AVCA All-Region accolade.The Jayhawks concluded the 2023 season with a 24-6, 14-4 conference record, finishing second in the Big 12 and making it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they fell in a tight five-set match to Penn State.Kansas will open the 2024 season on Saturday, August 24, at 1 p.m. (Central) when it plays host to Drake in an exhibition match at the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena. Kansas' 2024 regular season will begin on the road at the Duke Tournament from August 30-Sept. 1.2024 Big 12 Volleyball Preseason PollRank, Team (first-place votes), points; coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teamKANSAS (6), 173 pointsBYU (4), 168 pointsArizona State (3), 158 pointsTCU (1), 146 pointsBaylor, 144 pointsIowa State, 142 pointsK-State (1), 141 pointsHouston, 105 pointsUtah, 97 pointsColorado, 75 pointsUCF, 65 pointsArizona, 54 pointsCincinnati, 43 pointsWest Virginia, 33 pointsTexas Tech, 31 points2024 Big 12 Volleyball Preseason Player of the Year - Melanie Parra, TCU, OH, Sr.2024 Big 12 Volleyball Preseason Freshman of the Year – ZOEY BURGESS, KANSAS, MB2024 Big 12 Volleyball Preseason TeamJaelyn Hodge, Arizona, OH, Fifth YearClaire Jeter, Arizona State, MB, Gr.Argentina Ung, Arizona State, S, Gr.Lauren Briseño, Baylor, L/DS, Sr. ^Elise McGhee, Baylor, OH, Sr. #Mia Lee, BYU, MB/OPP, So. !Kate Prior, BYU, OPP/MB, Jr.Taylor Simpson, Colorado, S, Sr.Kate Georgiades, Houston, L, Gr.* #Nayeli Gonzalez, Iowa State, OH, So.* # !LONDON DAVIS, KANSAS, OPP, JR.^AYAH ELNADY, KANSAS, OH, JR. #CAMRYN TURNER, KANSAS, S, JR.* #Aliyah Carter, Kansas State, OH, Gr. #Izzi Szulczewski, Kansas State, S, Sr.Jalyn Gibson, TCU, OH, Jr. ^Melanie Parra, TCU, OH, Sr.* #Lauren Jardine, Utah, OH, Sr.Players are listed alphabetically by school; * indicates unanimous selection; # - 2023 All-Big 12 First Team; ^ - 2023 All-Big 12 Second Team; ! – 2023 All-Big 12 Rookie Team

🏐 KU Volleyball tops preseason Big XII poll

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2024/8/7/volleyball-carter-szulczewski-highlight-preseason-all-big-12-team">Via K-State Sports</a>

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Two K-State student-athletes earned a spot on the 2024 All-Big 12 Preseason Team as voted on by the league's head coaches, the conference office announced Wednesday.

Graduate outside hitter Aliyah Carter and senior setter Izzi Szulczewski were voted to the preseason team, marking the fifth time in school history K-State had multiple players selected. K-State was one of five schools with two or more selections.

The Wildcats were picked seventh in the league's annual preseason poll, garnering 141 points with one first-place vote. The poll and awards were determined by Big 12 head coaches who could not vote for their team.

Carter, a three-time First Team All-Big 12 selection, becomes the first Wildcat and only active player in the Big 12 to collect four preseason honors in her career. A decorated veteran of K-State volleyball, Carter is second in school history with 1,384 kills during the rally-scoring era, which stands sixth all-time.

The Dubuque, Iowa, product is the current rally-scoring era leader in kills per set with an average of 3.79 as she owns three of Wildcats' top-10 single-season averages.  

Carter earned AVCA All-American honorable mention recognition in 2023, where she led the Wildcats' offense with 390 kills and 438 points. She averaged a team-best 4.06 kills and 4.56 points per set to rank fifth in the Conference in each category.

A 5-foot-7 setter from Beaverton, Ore., Szulczewski picked up her first Big 12 accolade after she quickly proved to be one of the most versatile athletes in the league last season.

In her first season at K-State, Szulczewski dished out a team-high 763 assists (7.87 per set) and produced a team-best .350 hitting efficiency. Her 233 digs and 28 service aces were second on the team, while she totaled 56 kills and 37 blocks.

She generated a team-leading 10 doubles-doubles, that included a season-high 51 assists and 14 digs in a five-set thriller against rival Kansas. She was one of only three players to appear in all 97 sets with 26 match starts.

K-State, who enters its second under head coach Jason Mansfield, returns nine letterwinners from a squad that posted a 16-11 overall record with a record-breaking five Top 25 wins.

The 2024 season officially begins Friday, August 30 in West Layfette, Ind., as the Wildcats take part in the Purdue Volleyball's Stacey Clark Classic. The three-day tournament will include matchups against tournament host Purdue (Aug. 30), UC Davis (Aug. 31), and UMBC (Sept. 1).

The home slate gets underway on September 12 with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Classic opener against Lipscomb, while the Wildcats begin Big 12 play on September 25 with a home match with Houston.

The 2024 new K-State Volleyball season tickets are now sold out. Only renewals remain for fans who had season tickets last year (2023). To renew season tickets, visit kstatesports.com/tickets or call 1-800-221-CATS. Single game tickets will go on sale this August.

2024 Big 12 Volleyball Preseason Player of the Year

2024 Big 12 Volleyball Preseason Freshman of the Year

Players are listed alphabetically by school. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723053467728.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2024/8/7/volleyball-carter-szulczewski-highlight-preseason-all-big-12-team">Via K-State Sports</a>MANHATTAN, Kan. — Two K-State student-athletes earned a spot on the 2024 All-Big 12 Preseason Team as voted on by the league's head coaches, the conference office announced Wednesday.Graduate outside hitter Aliyah Carter and senior setter Izzi Szulczewski were voted to the preseason team, marking the fifth time in school history K-State had multiple players selected. K-State was one of five schools with two or more selections.The Wildcats were picked seventh in the league's annual preseason poll, garnering 141 points with one first-place vote. The poll and awards were determined by Big 12 head coaches who could not vote for their team.Carter, a three-time First Team All-Big 12 selection, becomes the first Wildcat and only active player in the Big 12 to collect four preseason honors in her career. A decorated veteran of K-State volleyball, Carter is second in school history with 1,384 kills during the rally-scoring era, which stands sixth all-time.The Dubuque, Iowa, product is the current rally-scoring era leader in kills per set with an average of 3.79 as she owns three of Wildcats' top-10 single-season averages. Carter earned AVCA All-American honorable mention recognition in 2023, where she led the Wildcats' offense with 390 kills and 438 points. She averaged a team-best 4.06 kills and 4.56 points per set to rank fifth in the Conference in each category.A 5-foot-7 setter from Beaverton, Ore., Szulczewski picked up her first Big 12 accolade after she quickly proved to be one of the most versatile athletes in the league last season.In her first season at K-State, Szulczewski dished out a team-high 763 assists (7.87 per set) and produced a team-best .350 hitting efficiency. Her 233 digs and 28 service aces were second on the team, while she totaled 56 kills and 37 blocks.She generated a team-leading 10 doubles-doubles, that included a season-high 51 assists and 14 digs in a five-set thriller against rival Kansas. She was one of only three players to appear in all 97 sets with 26 match starts.K-State, who enters its second under head coach Jason Mansfield, returns nine letterwinners from a squad that posted a 16-11 overall record with a record-breaking five Top 25 wins.The 2024 season officially begins Friday, August 30 in West Layfette, Ind., as the Wildcats take part in the Purdue Volleyball's Stacey Clark Classic. The three-day tournament will include matchups against tournament host Purdue (Aug. 30), UC Davis (Aug. 31), and UMBC (Sept. 1).The home slate gets underway on September 12 with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Classic opener against Lipscomb, while the Wildcats begin Big 12 play on September 25 with a home match with Houston.The 2024 new K-State Volleyball season tickets are now sold out. Only renewals remain for fans who had season tickets last year (2023). To renew season tickets, visit kstatesports.com/tickets or call 1-800-221-CATS. Single game tickets will go on sale this August.2024 Big 12 Volleyball Preseason PollKansas (6), 173 pointsBYU (4), 168 pointsArizona State (3), 158 pointsTCU (1), 146 pointsBaylor, 144 pointsIowa State, 142 points K-State (1), 141 pointsHouston, 105 pointsUtah, 97 pointsColorado, 75 pointsUCF, 65 pointsArizona, 54 pointsCincinnati, 43 pointsWest Virginia, 33 pointsTexas Tech, 31 points 2024 Big 12 Volleyball Preseason Player of the YearMelanie Parra, TCU, OH, Sr.2024 Big 12 Volleyball Preseason Freshman of the YearZoey Burgess, Kansas, MB2024 Big 12 Volleyball Preseason TeamJaelyn Hodge, Arizona, OH, Fifth YearClaire Jeter, Arizona State, MB, Gr.Argentina Ung, Arizona State, S, Gr.Lauren Briseño, Baylor, L/DS, Sr. ^Elise McGhee, Baylor, OH, Sr. #Mia Lee, BYU, MB/OPP, So. !Kate Prior, BYU, OPP/MB, Jr.Taylor Simpson, Colorado, S, Sr.Kate Georgiades, Houston, L, Gr.* #Nayeli Gonzalez, Iowa State, OH, So.* # !London Davis, Kansas, OPP, Jr. ^Ayah Elnady, Kansas, OH, Jr. #Camryn Turner, Kansas, S, Jr.* #Aliyah Carter, K-State, OH, Gr. #Izzi Szulczewski, K-State, S, Sr.Jalyn Gibson, TCU, OH, Jr. ^Melanie Parra, TCU, OH, Sr.* #Lauren Jardine, Utah, OH, Sr.Players are listed alphabetically by school. * indicates unanimous selection. # - 2023 All-Big 12 First Team^ - 2023 All-Big 12 Second Team! – 2023 All-Big 12 Rookie Team

🏐 Carter, Szulczewski highlight preseason All-Big 12 team

By D. Scott Fritchen Courtesy of K-State Sports

It was just as you might expect.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/avery-johnson/11768">Avery Johnson</a>&nbsp;entered the Vanier Family Football Complex after the team's sixth practice of training camp — its first practice in full pads — pulled up a chair, and excitedly began to talk. Johnson, the sophomore quarterback awaiting his first start in a season opener, was in high spirits.

"It's just really fun getting out there with the guys again," he says. "It's been really upbeat in practice. It's a lot of fun just getting our offense on the field and getting things rolling again. We have a lot of talented players, and the offensive line is doing a great job, and a lot of receivers are getting into the mix and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/dylan-edwards/11921">Dylan Edwards</a>, obviously, getting out there, him and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/dj-giddens/11760">DJ Giddens</a>. It's been a lot of fun to just practice again.

"Offense was the topic of the day on Tuesday, as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/conor-riley/2505">Conor Riley</a>&nbsp;along with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/avery-johnson/11768">Avery Johnson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/keagan-johnson/11769">Keagan Johnson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/taylor-poitier/11800">Taylor Poitier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/dylan-edwards/11921">Dylan Edwards</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/dj-giddens/11760">DJ Giddens</a>&nbsp;spoke with reporters immediately after practice.

"I wouldn't say we're a work in progress," Johnson says. "I'd say the spring was where we got some kinks out and added some new concepts and schemes and figured some things out, but now we know what we're supposed to do. We know our techniques, and what the coaches want from us. It's just going out and executing it."

K-State isn't far removed from putting together stellar offensive campaigns. The Wildcats' 34.6 points per game over the last two seasons ranked 19th in the nation and third among returning Big 12 teams. In 2022, K-State ranked second in school history in total offensive yards (5,863), third in rushing yards per carry (5.12), fourth in total rushing yards (2.,916), fifth in total yards per game (418.8), ninth in yards per play (6.12) and 10th in rushing touchdowns (32). Something just seems different about this cast —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/avery-johnson/11768">Avery Johnson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/dj-giddens/11760">DJ Giddens</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/dylan-edwards/11921">Dylan Edwards</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/keagan-johnson/11769">Keagan Johnson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/jayce-brown/11721">Jayce Brown</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/jadon-jackson/11765">Jadon Jackson</a>, and on, and on.

The challenge could lie within finding balance within the playmakers.

"Even as we met as a staff, that's going to be one of our challenges — a challenge in a good way — is how do we utilize the skillset of so many people out there," Riley says. "It still comes down to who we can trust and who can that quarterback trust and who are we as coaches ultimately going to trust at their spot to be on time."

"We do have some mechanisms within our offense that not only can utilize the playmakers and skill-position players you know about but also maybe that freshman who has a skillset and maybe that third-and-seven to-10 package might be a little bit much for what his knowledge base is but maybe how can we get him a couple touches during the course of the game. Get them involved. Be a playmaker. In today's world, I do believe that's extremely important."

The guy who everybody wants to know about sits in front of a long table and wears a black top after practice. Although this is his first formal address with reporters, 5-foot-9, 165-pound&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/dylan-edwards/11921">Dylan Edwards</a>, the sophomore transfer, needs no introduction. A year ago, he became the first player in seven seasons to score four touchdowns from scrimmage in his FBS debut and became the first true freshman in Colorado history with 250 rushing yards and 250 receiving yards in the same season.

And now he's here, and the pride of Derby, Kansas, smiles.

"It was a blessing coming in here and having all the excitement in the world coming into practice," he says. "It's been great. I'm trying to get used to it every day. It's just been fun."

K-State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/chris-klieman/2502">Chris Klieman</a>&nbsp;on Monday said that it seemed like Edwards was being shot out of a cannon with how fast his burst is when he runs. Riley on Tuesday said that "without divulging too much, we will get him involved and we are pressing and putting a ton on his plate right now. We're really putting a lot on his plate."

Edwards proved at Colorado that he was up for the task.

"He's just explosive with the ball in his hands," Johnson says. "We're trying our best to get him the ball in space and let him do his thing, whether that's out of the backfield or any type of motion, or even splitting him out and letting him play receiver. Just using him in any way we can so we can keep defenses on their toes."

Ask&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/taylor-poitier/11800">Taylor Poitier</a>&nbsp;his thoughts on Edwards' potential impact and he shakes his head.

"Seeing how fast he is and how quick, his lateral quickness is insane, just seeing that on film and then on the field, I'm like, 'Give him the ball, shoot, he's going to go for six right there,'" Poitier says. "It's really cool having him. He's just a really good dude. He brings a lot of energy to the team and is a really high-spirited guy. Just seeing him move out there, he's so quick. I'm really excited he's here."

Seems like perfect chemistry with junior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/dj-giddens/11760">DJ Giddens</a>, the 6-foot-1, 212-pounder in the backfield. Giddens ranks third in K-State history in rushing yards per carry (5.59) and is nearing 2,000 rushing yards in a career.

"It's been going good," Giddens says. "I've been trying to get him adjusted to it, but he's adjusted quick."

Meanwhile, Johnson might need a little adjusting with all the weapons at his disposal this fall. On paper, it appears this offense carries the capacity to be more explosive than previous units in recent history.

"We look really explosive at times," Johnson says. "We've just been trying to get the ball to our playmakers. We have a lot of playmakers and a lot of guys who can do special things with the ball in their hands. It's just my job to get it to them and let them do their thing."

That includes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/keagan-johnson/11769">Keagan Johnson</a>, a 6-foot, 206-pound junior who had 24 catches for 227 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games last season. It was Klieman who on Monday said that if Johnson could stay healthy, he could be among the best wide receivers in the Big 12. But there's more in the tank.

"Obviously, we still have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/jayce-brown/11721">Jayce Brown</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/jadon-jackson/11765">Jadon Jackson</a>, two guys who contributed last year who'll be back,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/keagan-johnson/11769">Keagan Johnson</a>&nbsp;says. "Then we have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/dante-cephas/11831">Dante Cephas</a>, who's brought some good experience to the receiving room. I'm excited for him. And we have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/tre-spivey/11811">Tre Spivey</a>, who's a super athletic guy, and he'll definitely help the receiver room this year. We have some big dudes like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/andre-davis/11728">Andre Davis</a>&nbsp;and then "Little Lockett" —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/sterling-lockett/11778">Sterling Lockett</a>&nbsp;— who'll provide some depth for us. I'm excited."

In reality, it comes back to installation, preparation, practice, and execution.

"We are very early in the evaluation process for those guys because we do go so heavy with our installation in those first five to six practices," Riley says. "In fact, just this morning we were looking at our install cut up and our schedule and it was a little bit less. You have to keep things in context and stay relative to say, 'Man, there's this young kid who's really flashing right now,' or maybe, 'He's making a few of the mistakes, but as we start slowing that down, now how much can they grow?'"

"Their growth is never linear and it's hard to explain to young kids, but there are going to be those ebbs and flows. We have a lion's share of our offense in already."

And that arrived with some valued assistance from new co-offensive coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/matt-wells/2513">Matt Wells</a>, who will also serve as associate head coach and quarterbacks coach after two seasons on staff as advisor to the head coach and offensive analyst at Oklahoma.

"He's not only brought a ton of conceptual thoughts and some of his experience that fit within what we do, but he's brought a ton of perspective," Riley says. "This is a system that has evolved that I've been a part of since 2013 and just his perspective from having been a coordinator and having been a head coach and from his responsibilities at Oklahoma last year, saying, 'Why do we do this? Why do we do that? Can we be more efficient in how we communicate?' Conceptually, especially in the passing game, there's going to be some changes. It's something he's familiar with and Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/matthew-middleton/2508">Matthew Middleton</a>&nbsp;is familiar with as well."

Nobody is more familiar with offensive lines than Riley. Currently he has seven players in the mix for a starting position. That starts with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/easton-kilty/11834">Easton Kilty</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/hadley-panzer/11796">Hadley Panzer</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/sam-hecht/11763">Sam Hecht</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/taylor-poitier/11800">Taylor Poitier</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/carver-willis/11824">Carver Willis</a>. The other two?

"<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/john-pastore/11798">John Pastore</a>&nbsp;is doing really well, and I believe&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/andrew-leingang/11777">Andrew Leingang</a>&nbsp;is having the best camp he's had thus far," Riley says. "His versatility is phenomenal. He can bounce out and play left tackle, he can play right guard, he can play right tackle, and when we're in the half-line drill, I said, 'Get your rear in there and play center.'"

"I don't want to make comparisons, but when you look at the versatility of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/cooper-beebe/11081">Cooper Beebe</a>, his versatility is even more so because of him playing the center position. There's where we're at."

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/avery-johnson/11768">Avery Johnson</a>&nbsp;made a point to squash any concern that K-State's offensive line might be subpar this fall.

"A lot of people think, 'Hey, we lost all these starters and we're not going to be able to block as well. How's K-State's offensive line going to look this year?'" Johnson said. "Those guys took it as a challenge, and they've done a great job and have worked and have stepped up to the plate."

Seems K-State has ample players eager to step up to the plate when their number is called in the fall.

But there might soon be a vision that's difficult to miss.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/avery-johnson/11768">Avery Johnson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/dylan-edwards/11921">Dylan Edwards</a>&nbsp;sharing the same backfield for a play — something they did as children. And this, too, could be child's play.

"It's great playing next to him again," Edwards says. "It's a lot of speed in the backfield. Just very electrifying."

And just one play for an offense bursting with potential and that can cause concern for the rest of the Big 12.



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By D. Scott Fritchen Courtesy of K-State SportsIt was just as you might expect.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/avery-johnson/11768">Avery Johnson</a>&nbsp;entered the Vanier Family Football Complex after the team's sixth practice of training camp — its first practice in full pads — pulled up a chair, and excitedly began to talk. Johnson, the sophomore quarterback awaiting his first start in a season opener, was in high spirits."It's just really fun getting out there with the guys again," he says. "It's been really upbeat in practice. It's a lot of fun just getting our offense on the field and getting things rolling again. We have a lot of talented players, and the offensive line is doing a great job, and a lot of receivers are getting into the mix and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/dylan-edwards/11921">Dylan Edwards</a>, obviously, getting out there, him and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/dj-giddens/11760">DJ Giddens</a>. It's been a lot of fun to just practice again."Offense was the topic of the day on Tuesday, as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/conor-riley/2505">Conor Riley</a>&nbsp;along with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/avery-johnson/11768">Avery Johnson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/keagan-johnson/11769">Keagan Johnson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/taylor-poitier/11800">Taylor Poitier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/dylan-edwards/11921">Dylan Edwards</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/dj-giddens/11760">DJ Giddens</a>&nbsp;spoke with reporters immediately after practice."I wouldn't say we're a work in progress," Johnson says. "I'd say the spring was where we got some kinks out and added some new concepts and schemes and figured some things out, but now we know what we're supposed to do. We know our techniques, and what the coaches want from us. It's just going out and executing it."K-State isn't far removed from putting together stellar offensive campaigns. The Wildcats' 34.6 points per game over the last two seasons ranked 19th in the nation and third among returning Big 12 teams. In 2022, K-State ranked second in school history in total offensive yards (5,863), third in rushing yards per carry (5.12), fourth in total rushing yards (2.,916), fifth in total yards per game (418.8), ninth in yards per play (6.12) and 10th in rushing touchdowns (32). Something just seems different about this cast —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/avery-johnson/11768">Avery Johnson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/dj-giddens/11760">DJ Giddens</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/dylan-edwards/11921">Dylan Edwards</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/keagan-johnson/11769">Keagan Johnson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/jayce-brown/11721">Jayce Brown</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/jadon-jackson/11765">Jadon Jackson</a>, and on, and on.There's potential to be great.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723037582347.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The challenge could lie within finding balance within the playmakers."Even as we met as a staff, that's going to be one of our challenges — a challenge in a good way — is how do we utilize the skillset of so many people out there," Riley says. "It still comes down to who we can trust and who can that quarterback trust and who are we as coaches ultimately going to trust at their spot to be on time.""We do have some mechanisms within our offense that not only can utilize the playmakers and skill-position players you know about but also maybe that freshman who has a skillset and maybe that third-and-seven to-10 package might be a little bit much for what his knowledge base is but maybe how can we get him a couple touches during the course of the game. Get them involved. Be a playmaker. In today's world, I do believe that's extremely important."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723037659369.png" alt="Dylan Edwards at practice." />
 <figcaption>Dylan Edwards at practice.</figcaption>
 </figure>The guy who everybody wants to know about sits in front of a long table and wears a black top after practice. Although this is his first formal address with reporters, 5-foot-9, 165-pound&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/dylan-edwards/11921">Dylan Edwards</a>, the sophomore transfer, needs no introduction. A year ago, he became the first player in seven seasons to score four touchdowns from scrimmage in his FBS debut and became the first true freshman in Colorado history with 250 rushing yards and 250 receiving yards in the same season.And now he's here, and the pride of Derby, Kansas, smiles."It was a blessing coming in here and having all the excitement in the world coming into practice," he says. "It's been great. I'm trying to get used to it every day. It's just been fun."K-State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/chris-klieman/2502">Chris Klieman</a>&nbsp;on Monday said that it seemed like Edwards was being shot out of a cannon with how fast his burst is when he runs. Riley on Tuesday said that "without divulging too much, we will get him involved and we are pressing and putting a ton on his plate right now. We're really putting a lot on his plate."Edwards proved at Colorado that he was up for the task."He's just explosive with the ball in his hands," Johnson says. "We're trying our best to get him the ball in space and let him do his thing, whether that's out of the backfield or any type of motion, or even splitting him out and letting him play receiver. Just using him in any way we can so we can keep defenses on their toes."Ask&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/taylor-poitier/11800">Taylor Poitier</a>&nbsp;his thoughts on Edwards' potential impact and he shakes his head."Seeing how fast he is and how quick, his lateral quickness is insane, just seeing that on film and then on the field, I'm like, 'Give him the ball, shoot, he's going to go for six right there,'" Poitier says. "It's really cool having him. He's just a really good dude. He brings a lot of energy to the team and is a really high-spirited guy. Just seeing him move out there, he's so quick. I'm really excited he's here."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723037759887.png" alt="DJ Gidderns at practice." />
 <figcaption>DJ Gidderns at practice.</figcaption>
 </figure>Seems like perfect chemistry with junior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/dj-giddens/11760">DJ Giddens</a>, the 6-foot-1, 212-pounder in the backfield. Giddens ranks third in K-State history in rushing yards per carry (5.59) and is nearing 2,000 rushing yards in a career."It's been going good," Giddens says. "I've been trying to get him adjusted to it, but he's adjusted quick."Meanwhile, Johnson might need a little adjusting with all the weapons at his disposal this fall. On paper, it appears this offense carries the capacity to be more explosive than previous units in recent history."We look really explosive at times," Johnson says. "We've just been trying to get the ball to our playmakers. We have a lot of playmakers and a lot of guys who can do special things with the ball in their hands. It's just my job to get it to them and let them do their thing."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723038266229.png" alt="Receiver Keagan Johnson." />
 <figcaption>Receiver Keagan Johnson.</figcaption>
 </figure>That includes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/keagan-johnson/11769">Keagan Johnson</a>, a 6-foot, 206-pound junior who had 24 catches for 227 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games last season. It was Klieman who on Monday said that if Johnson could stay healthy, he could be among the best wide receivers in the Big 12. But there's more in the tank."Obviously, we still have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/jayce-brown/11721">Jayce Brown</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/jadon-jackson/11765">Jadon Jackson</a>, two guys who contributed last year who'll be back,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/keagan-johnson/11769">Keagan Johnson</a>&nbsp;says. "Then we have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/dante-cephas/11831">Dante Cephas</a>, who's brought some good experience to the receiving room. I'm excited for him. And we have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/tre-spivey/11811">Tre Spivey</a>, who's a super athletic guy, and he'll definitely help the receiver room this year. We have some big dudes like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/andre-davis/11728">Andre Davis</a>&nbsp;and then "Little Lockett" —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/sterling-lockett/11778">Sterling Lockett</a>&nbsp;— who'll provide some depth for us. I'm excited."In reality, it comes back to installation, preparation, practice, and execution."We are very early in the evaluation process for those guys because we do go so heavy with our installation in those first five to six practices," Riley says. "In fact, just this morning we were looking at our install cut up and our schedule and it was a little bit less. You have to keep things in context and stay relative to say, 'Man, there's this young kid who's really flashing right now,' or maybe, 'He's making a few of the mistakes, but as we start slowing that down, now how much can they grow?'""Their growth is never linear and it's hard to explain to young kids, but there are going to be those ebbs and flows. We have a lion's share of our offense in already."And that arrived with some valued assistance from new co-offensive coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/matt-wells/2513">Matt Wells</a>, who will also serve as associate head coach and quarterbacks coach after two seasons on staff as advisor to the head coach and offensive analyst at Oklahoma."He's not only brought a ton of conceptual thoughts and some of his experience that fit within what we do, but he's brought a ton of perspective," Riley says. "This is a system that has evolved that I've been a part of since 2013 and just his perspective from having been a coordinator and having been a head coach and from his responsibilities at Oklahoma last year, saying, 'Why do we do this? Why do we do that? Can we be more efficient in how we communicate?' Conceptually, especially in the passing game, there's going to be some changes. It's something he's familiar with and Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/matthew-middleton/2508">Matthew Middleton</a>&nbsp;is familiar with as well."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723038295459.png" alt="K-State offensive line." />
 <figcaption>K-State offensive line.</figcaption>
 </figure>Nobody is more familiar with offensive lines than Riley. Currently he has seven players in the mix for a starting position. That starts with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/easton-kilty/11834">Easton Kilty</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/hadley-panzer/11796">Hadley Panzer</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/sam-hecht/11763">Sam Hecht</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/taylor-poitier/11800">Taylor Poitier</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/carver-willis/11824">Carver Willis</a>. The other two? "<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/john-pastore/11798">John Pastore</a>&nbsp;is doing really well, and I believe&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/andrew-leingang/11777">Andrew Leingang</a>&nbsp;is having the best camp he's had thus far," Riley says. "His versatility is phenomenal. He can bounce out and play left tackle, he can play right guard, he can play right tackle, and when we're in the half-line drill, I said, 'Get your rear in there and play center.'""I don't want to make comparisons, but when you look at the versatility of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/cooper-beebe/11081">Cooper Beebe</a>, his versatility is even more so because of him playing the center position. There's where we're at."<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/avery-johnson/11768">Avery Johnson</a>&nbsp;made a point to squash any concern that K-State's offensive line might be subpar this fall."A lot of people think, 'Hey, we lost all these starters and we're not going to be able to block as well. How's K-State's offensive line going to look this year?'" Johnson said. "Those guys took it as a challenge, and they've done a great job and have worked and have stepped up to the plate."Seems K-State has ample players eager to step up to the plate when their number is called in the fall.But there might soon be a vision that's difficult to miss.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/avery-johnson/11768">Avery Johnson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/dylan-edwards/11921">Dylan Edwards</a>&nbsp;sharing the same backfield for a play — something they did as children. And this, too, could be child's play."It's great playing next to him again," Edwards says. "It's a lot of speed in the backfield. Just very electrifying."And just one play for an offense bursting with potential and that can cause concern for the rest of the Big 12.

🏈 K-State having fun ‘getting things rolling again’

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Wednesday, August 7th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Wednesday, August 7th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="August 7th, 2024 Early Morning Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=9r4h2-169383a-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Red Sox edge Royals late; ⚾ Wind Surge win in extra innings; 🏅 USA leads Olympic medal count

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —&nbsp;Jim Kearney was a Chiefs Legend, a Super Bowl Champion, and a member of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame" Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said Tuesday, after learning of his death. 

"During his nine-year career in Kansas City, Jim was part of an AFL Championship team and helped lead the Chiefs defense to a 23-7 victory in Super Bowl IV. Jim first appeared in a Chiefs uniform in 1967, and for the next eight years, he never missed a game. And yet, the most impressive parts of Jim's life happened off the field. After his playing days, he became a high school teacher and coach. He mentored hundreds of children in the Kansas City area, and he will be remembered as a great player, a great teacher and a great man. My family and I send our deepest condolences to Shirley and the entire Kearney family."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719308655175.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City ChiefsKANSAS CITY, Mo. —&nbsp;Jim Kearney was a Chiefs Legend, a Super Bowl Champion, and a member of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame" Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said Tuesday, after learning of his death. "During his nine-year career in Kansas City, Jim was part of an AFL Championship team and helped lead the Chiefs defense to a 23-7 victory in Super Bowl IV. Jim first appeared in a Chiefs uniform in 1967, and for the next eight years, he never missed a game. And yet, the most impressive parts of Jim's life happened off the field. After his playing days, he became a high school teacher and coach. He mentored hundreds of children in the Kansas City area, and he will be remembered as a great player, a great teacher and a great man. My family and I send our deepest condolences to Shirley and the entire Kearney family."

Chiefs mourn the passing of former safety Jim Kearney

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas—The Wichita Wind Surge outlasted the Corpus Christi Hooks 5-4 in 10 innings at Whataburger Field. After amounting to a 4-1 lead through five and a half, Wichita staved off multiple Hooks chances to take the lead and shut the door in the tenth for their first series-opening victory in August.

Ricardo Olivar&nbsp;slapped a two-out single to left in the top of the first and came around to score on an RBI double to the right-center gap by&nbsp;Carson McCusker&nbsp;two pitches later.

Jeron Williams tied the game on a slow rolling chopper back to&nbsp;Christian MacLeod&nbsp;on the mound in the bottom of the third; Rolando Espinosa slid safely ahead of a tag by&nbsp;Noah Cardenas. MacLeod recorded his fifth of eight total strikeouts before the end of the inning in a tie 1-1 ballgame a third of the way through.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723029459798.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure>CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas—The Wichita Wind Surge outlasted the Corpus Christi Hooks 5-4 in 10 innings at Whataburger Field. After amounting to a 4-1 lead through five and a half, Wichita staved off multiple Hooks chances to take the lead and shut the door in the tenth for their first series-opening victory in August.Ricardo Olivar&nbsp;slapped a two-out single to left in the top of the first and came around to score on an RBI double to the right-center gap by&nbsp;Carson McCusker&nbsp;two pitches later.Jeron Williams tied the game on a slow rolling chopper back to&nbsp;Christian MacLeod&nbsp;on the mound in the bottom of the third; Rolando Espinosa slid safely ahead of a tag by&nbsp;Noah Cardenas. MacLeod recorded his fifth of eight total strikeouts before the end of the inning in a tie 1-1 ballgame a third of the way through.Tanner Schobel&nbsp;slugged a no-doubt solo home run, his sixth of the season, out to left in the bottom of the fourth. After Cardenas doubled to center and Corpus Christi turned to their bullpen,&nbsp;Jorel Ortega&nbsp;added an RBI single up the middle to bring around Cardenas from second for a 3-1 Wind Surge lead.Two innings later, to start the sixth, Schobel smoked another solo shot, #7 on the year, to put Wichita up three. The Hooks followed suit with three runs of their own in the home half of the sixth on an infield error and two different run-scoring singles to right by Austin Deming and Pascanel Ferreras.After Corpus Christ put men on first and second with a bloop single and a walk in the top of the seventh,&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;fielded a 5-3 double play on a grounder from Kenedy Corona.&nbsp;Mason Fox&nbsp;then struck out Logan Cerny to head to the stretch with a continued 4-4 tie. That scenario would nearly repeat the same way when the Hooks came up in the eighth; after back-to-back walks,&nbsp;Taylor Floyd&nbsp;entered and forced a 6-4-3 twin killing on his first pitch, then Jeremy Arocho grounded out to&nbsp;Jeferson Morales&nbsp;to push the deadlock to the ninth.Cardenas began the top of the tenth on second base, and advanced up to third after an interference call on a pickoff play. Ortega would then come through in the top of the tenth on a well-placed single off the end of the bat into shallow right field, with Cardenas crossing the plate. Floyd carried on into the ninth to retire the minimum on a popout and back-to-back strikeouts to secure a 5-4 win in 10 innings for Wichita.Floyd garnered the winning decision, pushing himself up to a 2-2 record on the season with his longest appearance of the season with three perfect innings of relief.