Kansas football finally hit a new gear in camp on Monday, putting on full pads for the first time and setting up the first live work of the summer.
The Jayhawks are finishing their second block of three practices, and this padded session was slated to run longer than the others. It also marked the first time KU would go live during camp, giving the defense and offense a chance to actually collide instead of just work through controlled drills.
The media window changed a bit with the added contact. It opened with a live tackling period built around a simple setup: one offensive player carrying the ball and one defender trying to stop him in an alley.
The drill wasn’t open for videography or photography, and the players formed a circle around it, so there was no footage available. But from a spot where the action could be seen, the first notable rep belonged to Nik McMillan and Elijah Cannon.
McMillan lined up against Cannon, the Mississippi State transfer at cornerback who missed the spring with an injury. Cannon has been one of the early risers in camp, and the coming practices should give a better read on where he stands.
On this rep, McMillan won cleanly, using a sharp juke to shake free. He sold to the right, planted, and cut left to get by Cannon.
It was a strong move from the wide receiver.
Quincy Davis also flashed in the one-on-ones as the pads came on.
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