Earlier this week, just three days prior to kicking off the 2024 season, the Kansas football team announced this year’s picks for team captain.
And they were four stellar choices: Quarterback Jalon Daniels, Running Back Devin Neal, Wide Receiver Luke Grimm and Linebacker Cornell Wheeler.
Three of them were pretty obvious picks — seniors, leaders, highly visible, diehard Jayhawks. And the fourth, Wheeler, was the product of a stellar offseason and real growth within his own game.
While these are the four guys who will trot out to midfield for the coin toss before every game, each one would tell you that there are a few dozen of their teammates who are just as deserving and worthy of praise for their leadership traits.
In addition, all four KU captains have their own goals and hopes for the upcoming season — team first and then individual, of course — and they are all eager to add to their already memorable stories as Kansas football players.
Until they start stacking up their latest accomplishments, here's a look at each heading into the 2024 season.
#6 Jalon Daniels, Quarterback
6-0, 220, RS-Junior, Lawndale, California
Why him: The face of the program and one of the most electric quarterbacks in school history, Daniels’ energy and confidence are contagious and he’s viewed as a terrific natural leader, both with his voice and by example.
Season outlook: After missing chunks of each of the past two seasons because of injury, Daniels is fully healthy again and eager to get back on the field. The word in camp was that he looks great in every aspect and has transitioned well to new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes and what the Jayhawks will run this year. A career year is certainly within reach.
In case you missed it: Daniels talked recently about the feeling of finally being back on the grind of preparing for an actual game and it’s clear that the emotions and excitement surrounding his return are being felt throughout the program.
#11 Luke Grimm, Wide Receiver
6-0, 190, Sr., Raymore, Missouri
Why him: It’s all business for Grimm, who has one of the best lead-by-example demeanors on the entire roster. He’s a tireless worker, liked by everyone on the roster and never seems to take himself too seriously while still giving his all to the game and his teammates.
Season outlook: Grimm nearly cut his body fat percentage in half this offseason and, as a result, he’s stronger, faster and more prepared than ever for a big year. It’s certainly in play that he could lead this team in receptions, yards and touchdowns. No matter what happens, he figures to continue to climb up the receiving charts and likely will be somewhere in the top five in both receiving yards and catches when he calls it a career.
In case you missed it: Grimm has agreed to chronicle his final season as a Jayhawk with us in the form of our latest player diary, “One Last Run,” which will be updated each week through Grimm’s words about his own milestones, the season, who he is as a person and more.
#4 Devin Neal, Running Back
5-11, 215, Sr., Lawrence, Kansas
Why him: Neal’s stats and career will speak for themselves when it’s all said and done, but we should never forget his role in sparking this KU turn-around. After a stellar high school career just down the road at Lawrence High School, Neal chose to stay home to help rebuild the program. That meant talking to the media and making appearances when things weren’t going well and Neal was always the first one to line up for those opportunities. In many ways, he’s been a leader since Day 1 and now that he’s a senior and has some serious ownership in this team, Neal was a lock to be named captain.
Season outlook: Neal has a shot to sit alone on top of some pretty significant rushing, touchdown and total yardage lists when his KU career is finished. His 3,077 career rushing yards put him 764 yards behind June Henley's program record. And his 36 career touchdowns have him in a tie for third place on that list. He's also near the top in career rushing touchdowns and career yards from scrimmage. With a full season, some of those will fall without much trouble. With a monster season, we could be looking at numbers that people will never stop talking about from one of KU's all-time greats.
In case you missed it: Last spring, after announcing his return to KU for one more year, Neal sat down with R1S1 Sports to provide a deeper look at the process that led to his decision. In addition to that, here’s a look at why Neal is more focused than ever and all about business for his final season in Lawrence.
44 Cornell Wheeler, Linebacker
6-0, 235, RS-Sr., West Bloomfield, Michigan
Why him: With the departure of linebacker Rich Miller Jr., the Jayhawks had a hole to fill in the middle of their defense, and, by all accounts, Wheeler plugged it perfectly. The former Michigan transfer had moments during the second half of the 2023 season when he started to turn the corner toward a breakout last season. But the real breakout appears to be ahead of him. He’s playing faster than ever, has proven to be a good leader and communicator and, as an older player, carries with him that veteran presence, as well.
Season outlook: Whether Wheeler racks up big numbers or not, you’ll likely notice him because of his versatility. He’s good against the run, can read and run in coverage and is not afraid to fly to the ball and play sideline to sideline on every play. He also plays with a joyful spirit that in many ways matches what Daniels brings to the offense.
In case you missed it: Wheeler’s story is pretty cool. After committing to Michigan out of high school, in his home state no less, injuries and his ongoing search for the right fit inspired him to leave for Kansas. Not before talking to his brother, though, a man who has helped guide Wheeler through every major decision he’s made from childhood on.
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