LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas senior Lawrence Arnold 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 Jalon Daniels, RB Devin Neal

Patrick Mannelly Award – LS Luke Hosford

Bronko Nagurski Award – CB Cobee Bryant

Paycom Jim Thorpe Award – CB Cobee Bryant

Allstate Wuerffel Trophy – TE Jared Casey

Doak Walker Award – RB Devin Neal, RB Daniel Hishaw Jr.

Comeback Player of the Year – QB Jalon Daniels

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas senior Lawrence Arnold 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 Jalon Daniels, RB Devin NealPatrick Mannelly Award – LS Luke HosfordBronko Nagurski Award – CB Cobee BryantPaycom Jim Thorpe Award – CB Cobee BryantAllstate Wuerffel Trophy – TE Jared CaseyWalter Camp Award – QB Jalon DanielsDoak Walker Award – RB Devin Neal, RB Daniel Hishaw Jr.Comeback Player of the Year – QB Jalon Daniels

Lawrence Arnold Named to Biletnikoff Award Watch List

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;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 team

2024 Big 12 Volleyball Preseason Player of the Year -&nbsp;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.

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;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 team<ol>
 <li>KANSAS (6), 173 points</li><li>BYU (4), 168 points</li><li>Arizona State (3), 158 points</li><li>TCU (1), 146 points</li><li>Baylor, 144 points</li><li>Iowa State, 142 points</li><li>K-State (1), 141 points</li><li>Houston, 105 points</li><li>Utah, 97 points</li><li>Colorado, 75 points</li><li>UCF, 65 points</li><li>Arizona, 54 points</li><li>Cincinnati, 43 points</li><li>West Virginia, 33 points</li><li>Texas Tech, 31 points</li>
 </ol>2024 Big 12 Volleyball Preseason Player of the Year -&nbsp;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.

Kansas Volleyball Voted No. 1 in Big 12 Preseason Coaches’ Poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;To capitalize on the excitement of the Chiefs hosting the Baltimore Ravens for the NFL Kickoff Game on Thursday, September 5, the club has announced that for the second year in a row, the traditional Red Friday celebration to start the football season will become Red Wednesday and will take place on Wednesday, September 4.

For the 11th&nbsp;consecutive year, the club will sell a limited-edition commemorative flag to celebrate this annual tradition and benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City. This year’s flag features a special back-to-back championship design to honor the team’s victories in Super Bowls LVII and LVIII.

A special limited-quantity, online-only presale will go live on&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.chiefs.com/" target="_blank">shop.chiefs.com</a>&nbsp;at 1 p.m. CT tomorrow, allowing fans in Kansas City and throughout the country to purchase this year’s Red Wednesday flag with guaranteed delivery before Red Wednesday. Flags purchased as part of the online presale will cost $10. There is a special free shipping offer for all flags purchased during the Wednesday presale, while any presale purchases after Wednesday – should flags remain available – will be subject to shipping charges.

On Red Wednesday – Wednesday, September 4 – flags will again be available for a minimum donation of $5 at more than 135 Kansas City- and St. Joseph-area McDonald’s restaurants with net proceeds benefiting RMHC-KC. In addition to McDonald’s, flags will be available at Kansas City-area Hy-Vee locations and at street corners and other public locations throughout the metro area. A complete map of flag sale locations will be made available prior to Red Wednesday. Flags will also be made available for $10 on&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.chiefs.com/" target="_blank">shop.chiefs.com</a>&nbsp;on Red Wednesday, with domestic and international shipping options available online.

Over the past 10 years, the sale of Red Friday flags has raised more than $5.5 million to help RMHC-KC continue its mission of keeping families close in times of sickness and need.

Red Friday honors the long-standing tradition of selling team-themed commemorative items around the city to raise money for local charities that was started by Chiefs Founder Lamar Hunt and the Chiefs Red Coaters. Since the inception of Red Friday, newspaper, magazine and flag sales have raised approximately $6 million for local charities with an emphasis on assisting youth in need.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;To capitalize on the excitement of the Chiefs hosting the Baltimore Ravens for the NFL Kickoff Game on Thursday, September 5, the club has announced that for the second year in a row, the traditional Red Friday celebration to start the football season will become Red Wednesday and will take place on Wednesday, September 4.For the 11th&nbsp;consecutive year, the club will sell a limited-edition commemorative flag to celebrate this annual tradition and benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City. This year’s flag features a special back-to-back championship design to honor the team’s victories in Super Bowls LVII and LVIII.A special limited-quantity, online-only presale will go live on&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.chiefs.com/" target="_blank">shop.chiefs.com</a>&nbsp;at 1 p.m. CT tomorrow, allowing fans in Kansas City and throughout the country to purchase this year’s Red Wednesday flag with guaranteed delivery before Red Wednesday. Flags purchased as part of the online presale will cost $10. There is a special free shipping offer for all flags purchased during the Wednesday presale, while any presale purchases after Wednesday – should flags remain available – will be subject to shipping charges.On Red Wednesday – Wednesday, September 4 – flags will again be available for a minimum donation of $5 at more than 135 Kansas City- and St. Joseph-area McDonald’s restaurants with net proceeds benefiting RMHC-KC. In addition to McDonald’s, flags will be available at Kansas City-area Hy-Vee locations and at street corners and other public locations throughout the metro area. A complete map of flag sale locations will be made available prior to Red Wednesday. Flags will also be made available for $10 on&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.chiefs.com/" target="_blank">shop.chiefs.com</a>&nbsp;on Red Wednesday, with domestic and international shipping options available online.Over the past 10 years, the sale of Red Friday flags has raised more than $5.5 million to help RMHC-KC continue its mission of keeping families close in times of sickness and need.Red Friday honors the long-standing tradition of selling team-themed commemorative items around the city to raise money for local charities that was started by Chiefs Founder Lamar Hunt and the Chiefs Red Coaters. Since the inception of Red Friday, newspaper, magazine and flag sales have raised approximately $6 million for local charities with an emphasis on assisting youth in need.

Chiefs announce 2024 Red Wednesday; online-only flag presale begins at 1pm Thursday

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels is one of 90 college student-athletes named to the Watch List for the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year Award on Wednesday.

The watch list was announced by the college Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) in association with The Associated Press (AP) and the Fiesta Bowl Organization. Since 2018, the award has recognized college football student-athletes for overcoming injury, illness or other circumstances. At the conclusion of each season,&nbsp;in a vote by a panel of college football writers, editors, and sports information directors, three college football student-athletes are honored as Comeback Player of the Year Award winners at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.&nbsp;

This is the third preseason watch list of the offseason for Daniels, who has honored by the Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Award leading into the 2024 season. Daniels is back for his redshirt junior season after being limited to three games by injury in 2023. In limited time, Daniels led Kansas to a 3-0 record while throwing for 705 yards and five touchdowns in 2023.

Daniels led a breakthrough campaign in 2022, as he helped the Jayhawks to a 5-0 start and the program's first bowl game appearance since 2008. He was an All-Big 12 Second Team selection after completing 66.1 percent (152-of-230) of his passes for 2,014 yards and 18 touchdowns. Daniels capped off his sophomore season with a record-setting performance in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, when he completed 37-of-55 passes for 544 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for a touchdown.

From Lawndale, California, Daniels enters the season ranked No. 9 in school history with 4,297 passing yards and No. 5 with 31 passing touchdowns. At his current career completion rate of 63.6 percent (365-of-574), Daniels would surpass the previous school record of 63.3 percent, set by Todd Reesing from 2006-09.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels is one of 90 college student-athletes named to the Watch List for the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year Award on Wednesday.The watch list was announced by the college Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) in association with The Associated Press (AP) and the Fiesta Bowl Organization. Since 2018, the award has recognized college football student-athletes for overcoming injury, illness or other circumstances. At the conclusion of each season,&nbsp;in a vote by a panel of college football writers, editors, and sports information directors, three college football student-athletes are honored as Comeback Player of the Year Award winners at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.&nbsp;This is the third preseason watch list of the offseason for Daniels, who has honored by the Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Award leading into the 2024 season. Daniels is back for his redshirt junior season after being limited to three games by injury in 2023. In limited time, Daniels led Kansas to a 3-0 record while throwing for 705 yards and five touchdowns in 2023.Daniels led a breakthrough campaign in 2022, as he helped the Jayhawks to a 5-0 start and the program's first bowl game appearance since 2008. He was an All-Big 12 Second Team selection after completing 66.1 percent (152-of-230) of his passes for 2,014 yards and 18 touchdowns. Daniels capped off his sophomore season with a record-setting performance in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, when he completed 37-of-55 passes for 544 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for a touchdown.From Lawndale, California, Daniels enters the season ranked No. 9 in school history with 4,297 passing yards and No. 5 with 31 passing touchdowns. At his current career completion rate of 63.6 percent (365-of-574), Daniels would surpass the previous school record of 63.3 percent, set by Todd Reesing from 2006-09.2024 Kansas Football Preseason Watch Lists:Maxwell Award – QB Jalon Daniels, RB Devin NealPatrick Mannelly Award – LS Luke HosfordBronko Nagurski Award – CB Cobee BryantPaycom Jim Thorpe Award – CB Cobee BryantAllstate Wuerffel Trophy – TE Jared CaseyWalter Camp Award – QB Jalon DanielsDoak Walker Award – RB Devin Neal, RB Daniel Hishaw Jr.

Jalon Daniels Listed as Preseason Candidate for Comeback Player of the Year

Hello and happy Wednesday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…

For a second consecutive season, Kansas running backs Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr. have been selected as preseason candidates for the Doak Walker Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top running back.

Neal is on his second preseason watch list of the year after being recognized by the Maxwell Award on July 29. He enters his senior season after becoming the third player in Kansas football history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons.

Hishaw meanwhile earns a spot on the watch list for a second-straight season after ranking second on the team in 2023 with 626 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He ran for a career-high 134 yards and two touchdowns in KU’s 51-22 victory over UCF last season and averaged 5.2 yards per carry on the yr

Tuesday also saw news that Kanas Wesleyan has earned the&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dd2ee97b-6de8-4cef-af88-bd083579048e?elinkdata=11120">NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award</a>&nbsp;that honors institutional commitment to character-driven athletics.

There were 131 institutions that earned Gold status for the award, with 108 achieving a perfect score of 100 on the scorecard.

And finally Dominic Smith scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch in the sixth inning on a call that was overturned on a challenge, as the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Tuesday night.

KC gets back on the diamond for game two of the series tonight at 7:10 PM

That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

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 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L_I4QWbSmq0"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY SALINA POST(Transcript)Hello and happy Wednesday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…_________For a second consecutive season, Kansas running backs Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr. have been selected as preseason candidates for the Doak Walker Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top running back.Neal is on his second preseason watch list of the year after being recognized by the Maxwell Award on July 29. He enters his senior season after becoming the third player in Kansas football history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons.Hishaw meanwhile earns a spot on the watch list for a second-straight season after ranking second on the team in 2023 with 626 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He ran for a career-high 134 yards and two touchdowns in KU’s 51-22 victory over UCF last season and averaged 5.2 yards per carry on the yr_________Tuesday also saw news that Kanas Wesleyan has earned the&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dd2ee97b-6de8-4cef-af88-bd083579048e?elinkdata=11120">NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award</a>&nbsp;that honors institutional commitment to character-driven athletics.There were 131 institutions that earned Gold status for the award, with 108 achieving a perfect score of 100 on the scorecard._________And finally Dominic Smith scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch in the sixth inning on a call that was overturned on a challenge, as the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Tuesday night.KC gets back on the diamond for game two of the series tonight at 7:10 PM_________That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

910 KINA Sports Headlines — August 7

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Dominic Smith scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch in the sixth inning on a call that was overturned on a challenge, and the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Tuesday night.

Smith doubled to open the sixth and moved to third on a single to center field by Eric Sogard. After David Hamilton struck out looking, Smith charged home on a pitch by KC's Seth Lugo that bounced in front of the plate and got away from catcher Salvador Perez. Perez chased the ball to the backstop, wheeled and threw to Lugo, who appeared to tag a diving Smith for an apparent out.

The Red Sox challenged the call, which was overturned on review.

“Dom (Smith) wasn’t too sure,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “Mikey (Brenly, the Red Sox’s replay coordinator) right away said, ‘Challenge it. He got in.’”

Smith called his diving toward the plate a “freestyle” when asked what stroke he used.

“I tried to make a move," Smith said. "I wasn’t sure when (Royals pitcher Seth Lugo) tagged me, but when I saw (manager Alex Cora) go for the challenge, I felt good about it.

“I’ve been seeing a lot of our speedy guys (use the swim move) all year. My slide is a little bit slower than other people’s, so I might have a little more time to make a move.”

Later in the inning, with the bases loaded and two out Yoshida singled through the right side, driving in two more runs.

The Red Sox, who have won the first two games of the three-game set, trail the Royals by a half-game for the third American League wild-card spot.

Brennan Bernadino (4-3) worked a third of an inning and earned the win in relief. Kenley Jansen picked up his 21st save, striking out Bobby Witt Jr., the MLB leader in hits and batting average, to end it.

“That’s the best I’ve seen the big boy, especially in that last at bat,” Cora said of Jansen. “It was cutter, sinker, cutter. The velocity, the movement, to have him rested was very important.”

Lugo (13-6) allowed six runs, four earned, on six hits in 5 1/3 innings in the loss.

“Another competitive outing,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “His command was a little bit off, I think. He was maybe trying to be a little too fine. We were looking up there in the sixth and we were right in the game.”

Lugo said overturning the call was the right call.

“I could tell that I didn’t get his arm and his hand got the plate,” Lugo said. “I was hoping they didn’t have a good enough video to show that.”

Boston held a 6-3 lead heading into the bottom of the eighth inning when the Royals' MJ Melendez lined a two-run double to the wall, scoring Vinnie Pasquantino and Perez and cutting the deficit to a run.

Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. lined a one-out double in the first before Pasquantino pulled one through the right side of the infield for an RBI single.

The Red Sox answered with a pair of unearned runs in the second. Connor Wong singled. Smith hit a grounder to second, but Michael Massey failed to field it. With one out, David Hamilton bounced one over the wall, scoring Wong. Smith scored on a groundout by Ceddanne Rafaela.

Masataka Yoshida homered with one out in the third to extend the Boston lead to 3-1.

The Royals used three straight two-out hits to tie the game in the fifth. Massey launched a 434-foot home run to right center. Witt followed with a bloop single and scored on a double by Pasquantino.

Red Sox: Boston manager Alex Cora said RHP Chris Martin played catch Monday and felt good Tuesday, so it's likely he'll be activated from the injured list before Wednesday's game. He has been on the IL since July 5 (retroactive to July 4) with right elbow inflammation. ... OF Tyler O'Neill, who has been out of the lineup with an illness since Aug. 3, feels better and is also likely to return to the lineup Wednesday.

The Red Sox and Royals will conclude their three-game series Wednesday night. Boston will start RHP Brayan Bello (7-8, 3.81 ERA) against KC's LHP Cole Ragans (8-7, 3.35 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723023745529.jpeg" alt="Boston Red Sox's Dominic Smith (2) beats the tag by Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo to score during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Boston Red Sox's Dominic Smith (2) beats the tag by Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo to score during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Dominic Smith scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch in the sixth inning on a call that was overturned on a challenge, and the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Tuesday night.Smith doubled to open the sixth and moved to third on a single to center field by Eric Sogard. After David Hamilton struck out looking, Smith charged home on a pitch by KC's Seth Lugo that bounced in front of the plate and got away from catcher Salvador Perez. Perez chased the ball to the backstop, wheeled and threw to Lugo, who appeared to tag a diving Smith for an apparent out.The Red Sox challenged the call, which was overturned on review.“Dom (Smith) wasn’t too sure,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “Mikey (Brenly, the Red Sox’s replay coordinator) right away said, ‘Challenge it. He got in.’”Smith called his diving toward the plate a “freestyle” when asked what stroke he used.“I tried to make a move," Smith said. "I wasn’t sure when (Royals pitcher Seth Lugo) tagged me, but when I saw (manager Alex Cora) go for the challenge, I felt good about it.“I’ve been seeing a lot of our speedy guys (use the swim move) all year. My slide is a little bit slower than other people’s, so I might have a little more time to make a move.”Later in the inning, with the bases loaded and two out Yoshida singled through the right side, driving in two more runs.The Red Sox, who have won the first two games of the three-game set, trail the Royals by a half-game for the third American League wild-card spot.Brennan Bernadino (4-3) worked a third of an inning and earned the win in relief. Kenley Jansen picked up his 21st save, striking out Bobby Witt Jr., the MLB leader in hits and batting average, to end it.“That’s the best I’ve seen the big boy, especially in that last at bat,” Cora said of Jansen. “It was cutter, sinker, cutter. The velocity, the movement, to have him rested was very important.”Lugo (13-6) allowed six runs, four earned, on six hits in 5 1/3 innings in the loss.“Another competitive outing,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “His command was a little bit off, I think. He was maybe trying to be a little too fine. We were looking up there in the sixth and we were right in the game.”Lugo said overturning the call was the right call.“I could tell that I didn’t get his arm and his hand got the plate,” Lugo said. “I was hoping they didn’t have a good enough video to show that.”Boston held a 6-3 lead heading into the bottom of the eighth inning when the Royals' MJ Melendez lined a two-run double to the wall, scoring Vinnie Pasquantino and Perez and cutting the deficit to a run.Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. lined a one-out double in the first before Pasquantino pulled one through the right side of the infield for an RBI single.The Red Sox answered with a pair of unearned runs in the second. Connor Wong singled. Smith hit a grounder to second, but Michael Massey failed to field it. With one out, David Hamilton bounced one over the wall, scoring Wong. Smith scored on a groundout by Ceddanne Rafaela.Masataka Yoshida homered with one out in the third to extend the Boston lead to 3-1.The Royals used three straight two-out hits to tie the game in the fifth. Massey launched a 434-foot home run to right center. Witt followed with a bloop single and scored on a double by Pasquantino.TRAINING ROOM:Red Sox: Boston manager Alex Cora said RHP Chris Martin played catch Monday and felt good Tuesday, so it's likely he'll be activated from the injured list before Wednesday's game. He has been on the IL since July 5 (retroactive to July 4) with right elbow inflammation. ... OF Tyler O'Neill, who has been out of the lineup with an illness since Aug. 3, feels better and is also likely to return to the lineup Wednesday.UP NEXT:The Red Sox and Royals will conclude their three-game series Wednesday night. Boston will start RHP Brayan Bello (7-8, 3.81 ERA) against KC's LHP Cole Ragans (8-7, 3.35 ERA).

⚾ Dominic Smith scores go-ahead run on wild pitch as Red Sox beat Royals

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLO

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Who ordered the nice weather today? Because that was pretty good. I think our guys had a little more energy because there was no sun out here, but with that, I’ll just open it up. I’m ready for your questions.”

Q: In what ways are you hoping to have a stronger defense than last year?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Yeah well, I wish we could take all of those stats from last year and use them for this year, but they really don’t mean anything now. I mean every year is different. We’re starting from scratch again from the bottom rung and working our way up. I mean we’d like to – I mean we’ve challenged each other, I’m talking defensively to be as good, if not better, than last year but we are going to have to take it one game at a time and we know this first one is going to be a pretty difficult one.”

Q: What young guys are you excited to see play in the first preseason game?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Yeah, Jaden (Hicks) - all of them really – Kamal (Hadden). You know even guys that – I mean 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. You know all the young guys, obviously. I mean I told them in the meeting – the guys that I’ve been around that are here, I know which guys are tough and which guys are fake tough. I mean, I’m trying to find out if guys are tough enough to play in this league and do the things we need to do.”

Q: What characteristics are you looking for in the player who might fill the second cornerback spot?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Yeah, the mental part of it is going to be first and then you need that guy to be as productive as whoever we put out there corner wise. We are trying to find those guys that know what they're doing and can make plays doing it. We got some guys that can work there, we just got to find out which one surfaces to become that two.”

Q:&nbsp;How do you feel about the chemistry between you and Patrick Mahomes right now?

RICE:&nbsp;“I feel like our chemistry is going to continue to grow. I feel like it’s been growing throughout the offseason and as well as during this camp right now. All we (are) looking forward to is to continue to grow and just get better – whether it’s preseason, regular season, or even playoffs.”

Q:&nbsp;What’s been the message from Head Coach Andy Reid for you as you came back into the mix and got ready for this camp?

RICE:&nbsp;“Honestly, you know focusing on the main thing. Right now, the main thing for me is being able to be the best person I can be for my team, so we can all come together and dominate.”

Q:&nbsp;What’s the next step for you as a football player?

RICE:&nbsp;“Honestly, the next step for me is to bring the guys around me up. You know we got X (Xavier Worthy) here, so whatever I learned last year, he needs to learn right now so that we can continue to grow together.”

Q:&nbsp;Along with pass protection, how else are you trying to grow in your game?

PRINCE:&nbsp;“Like you said, pass protection. That’s been my biggest emphasis of this camp, so I’ve been trying to work on that – my hands and growth and just taking things from (Isiah) Pacheco. He’s been a great leader, so (I’ve) just been following him.”

Q:&nbsp;What did you do to build some strength this offseason?

PRINCE:&nbsp;“Definitely more weight training. I used a lot of work to get ready for pass protection because I knew that was going to be a big emphasis in this camp.”

Q:&nbsp;On how Isiah Pacheco has been helpful.

Chiefs Coordinator QuotesAugust 6, 2024DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLOOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Who ordered the nice weather today? Because that was pretty good. I think our guys had a little more energy because there was no sun out here, but with that, I’ll just open it up. I’m ready for your questions.”Q: In what ways are you hoping to have a stronger defense than last year?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Yeah well, I wish we could take all of those stats from last year and use them for this year, but they really don’t mean anything now. I mean every year is different. We’re starting from scratch again from the bottom rung and working our way up. I mean we’d like to – I mean we’ve challenged each other, I’m talking defensively to be as good, if not better, than last year but we are going to have to take it one game at a time and we know this first one is going to be a pretty difficult one.”Q: What young guys are you excited to see play in the first preseason game?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Yeah, Jaden (Hicks) - all of them really – Kamal (Hadden). You know even guys that – I mean 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. You know all the young guys, obviously. I mean I told them in the meeting – the guys that I’ve been around that are here, I know which guys are tough and which guys are fake tough. I mean, I’m trying to find out if guys are tough enough to play in this league and do the things we need to do.”Q: What characteristics are you looking for in the player who might fill the second cornerback spot?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Yeah, the mental part of it is going to be first and then you need that guy to be as productive as whoever we put out there corner wise. We are trying to find those guys that know what they're doing and can make plays doing it. We got some guys that can work there, we just got to find out which one surfaces to become that two.”Chiefs Player Quotes&nbsp;August 6, 2024&nbsp;WR RASHEE RICEQ:&nbsp;How do you feel about the chemistry between you and Patrick Mahomes right now?RICE:&nbsp;“I feel like our chemistry is going to continue to grow. I feel like it’s been growing throughout the offseason and as well as during this camp right now. All we (are) looking forward to is to continue to grow and just get better – whether it’s preseason, regular season, or even playoffs.”Q:&nbsp;What’s been the message from Head Coach Andy Reid for you as you came back into the mix and got ready for this camp?RICE:&nbsp;“Honestly, you know focusing on the main thing. Right now, the main thing for me is being able to be the best person I can be for my team, so we can all come together and dominate.”Q:&nbsp;What’s the next step for you as a football player?RICE:&nbsp;“Honestly, the next step for me is to bring the guys around me up. You know we got X (Xavier Worthy) here, so whatever I learned last year, he needs to learn right now so that we can continue to grow together.”RB DENERIC PRINCEQ:&nbsp;Along with pass protection, how else are you trying to grow in your game?PRINCE:&nbsp;“Like you said, pass protection. That’s been my biggest emphasis of this camp, so I’ve been trying to work on that – my hands and growth and just taking things from (Isiah) Pacheco. He’s been a great leader, so (I’ve) just been following him.”Q:&nbsp;What did you do to build some strength this offseason?PRINCE:&nbsp;“Definitely more weight training. I used a lot of work to get ready for pass protection because I knew that was going to be a big emphasis in this camp.”Q:&nbsp;On how Isiah Pacheco has been helpful.

Chiefs Quotes: 8-6-24

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;For the second consecutive season, Kansas running backs Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr. have been selected as preseason candidates for the Doak Walker Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top running back. The 2024 watch list was announced Tuesday by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum.

The award is named for SMU’s three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. It is the only major collegiate award that requires all candidates to be in good academic standing and on schedule to graduate within one year of other students of the same classification. Each Tuesday of this season, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum will announce a Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week.

Neal is on his second preseason watch list of the season after being recognized by the Maxwell Award on July 29. Neal enters his senior season after becoming the third player in Kansas football history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. In 2023, Neal ran for 1,280 yards and 16 touchdowns on 203 attempts, averaging 6.3 yards per carry on his way to earning All-Big 12 Second Team honors. His 16 rushing touchdowns are tied for the second most in school history, while his 1,280 rushing yards is ranked No. 4 in school history for a single season.

A hometown native of Lawrence, Kansas, Neal is in position to pursue several school records at Kansas during his senior season. He enters the year ranked No. 4 on the career rushing list with 3,077 yards and No. 3 with 33 touchdowns. Neal has also accumulated 457 receiving yards, and he ranks No. 8 in school history with 3,534 all-purpose yards in his career.

Hishaw earns a spot on the watch list for a second-straight season after ranking second on the team in 2023 with 626 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He ran for a career-high 134 yards and two touchdowns in KU’s 51-22 victory over UCF last season and averaged 5.2 yards per carry for the year.

From Moore, Oklahoma, Hishaw has appeared in 26 games as a Jayhawk, including all 13 last season as Kansas secured the program’s first bowl victory since 2008. In his career, Hishaw has rushed for 1,117 yards and 15 touchdowns, while averaging 5.1 yards per carry.

The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name ten semifinalists in November, and three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will also be announced in November. The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives. The recipient of the 2024 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on&nbsp;The Home Depot College Football Awards&nbsp;on December 12, 2024.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;For the second consecutive season, Kansas running backs Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr. have been selected as preseason candidates for the Doak Walker Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top running back. The 2024 watch list was announced Tuesday by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum.The award is named for SMU’s three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. It is the only major collegiate award that requires all candidates to be in good academic standing and on schedule to graduate within one year of other students of the same classification. Each Tuesday of this season, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum will announce a Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week.Neal is on his second preseason watch list of the season after being recognized by the Maxwell Award on July 29. Neal enters his senior season after becoming the third player in Kansas football history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. In 2023, Neal ran for 1,280 yards and 16 touchdowns on 203 attempts, averaging 6.3 yards per carry on his way to earning All-Big 12 Second Team honors. His 16 rushing touchdowns are tied for the second most in school history, while his 1,280 rushing yards is ranked No. 4 in school history for a single season.A hometown native of Lawrence, Kansas, Neal is in position to pursue several school records at Kansas during his senior season. He enters the year ranked No. 4 on the career rushing list with 3,077 yards and No. 3 with 33 touchdowns. Neal has also accumulated 457 receiving yards, and he ranks No. 8 in school history with 3,534 all-purpose yards in his career.Hishaw earns a spot on the watch list for a second-straight season after ranking second on the team in 2023 with 626 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He ran for a career-high 134 yards and two touchdowns in KU’s 51-22 victory over UCF last season and averaged 5.2 yards per carry for the year.From Moore, Oklahoma, Hishaw has appeared in 26 games as a Jayhawk, including all 13 last season as Kansas secured the program’s first bowl victory since 2008. In his career, Hishaw has rushed for 1,117 yards and 15 touchdowns, while averaging 5.1 yards per carry.The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name ten semifinalists in November, and three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will also be announced in November. The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives. The recipient of the 2024 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on&nbsp;The Home Depot College Football Awards&nbsp;on December 12, 2024.2024 Kansas Football Preseason Watch Lists:Maxwell Award – QB Jalon Daniels, RB Devin NealPatrick Mannelly Award – LS Luke HosfordBronko Nagurski Award – CB Cobee BryantPaycom Jim Thorpe Award – CB Cobee BryantAllstate Wuerffel Trophy – TE Jared CaseyWalter Camp Award – QB Jalon Daniels

Kansas Running Back Duo Honored as Doak Walker Award Candidates

Kanas Wesleyan has earned the&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dd2ee97b-6de8-4cef-af88-bd083579048e?elinkdata=11120" target="_blank">NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award</a>&nbsp;that honors institutional commitment to character-driven athletics. KWU earned Gold Level status for the award.

Institutions are measured on a demonstrated commitment to Champions of Character and earn points in character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Institutions earned points based on exceptional student-athlete grade point averages and by having minimal to no ejections during competition throughout the course of the academic year. There are three levels of achievement for the award - bronze, silver and gold.In 2022-23, KWU received Bronze Level status for the award, but returned to Gold status for 2023-24, last achieving gold status two years ago in 2021-22.

"I am thrilled with our coaches and athletic staff to be back at Gold status for the Champions of Character award," said KWU Director of Athletics Miguel Paredes. "It shows our continued commitment to excellence in all facets of what we do."We challenged our teams to display outstanding character on and off the playing field and to give back to the community in many different ways. It shows that we are committed to doing the right thing here at KWU in everything we do."

There were 131 institutions that earned Gold status for the award, with 108 achieving a perfect score of 100 on the scorecard. There were 210 institutions that earned the Five-Star Award at all levels (gold, silver, bronze).

Kanas Wesleyan has earned the&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dd2ee97b-6de8-4cef-af88-bd083579048e?elinkdata=11120" target="_blank">NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award</a>&nbsp;that honors institutional commitment to character-driven athletics. KWU earned Gold Level status for the award.Institutions are measured on a demonstrated commitment to Champions of Character and earn points in character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Institutions earned points based on exceptional student-athlete grade point averages and by having minimal to no ejections during competition throughout the course of the academic year. There are three levels of achievement for the award - bronze, silver and gold.In 2022-23, KWU received Bronze Level status for the award, but returned to Gold status for 2023-24, last achieving gold status two years ago in 2021-22."I am thrilled with our coaches and athletic staff to be back at Gold status for the Champions of Character award," said KWU Director of Athletics Miguel Paredes. "It shows our continued commitment to excellence in all facets of what we do."We challenged our teams to display outstanding character on and off the playing field and to give back to the community in many different ways. It shows that we are committed to doing the right thing here at KWU in everything we do."There were 131 institutions that earned Gold status for the award, with 108 achieving a perfect score of 100 on the scorecard. There were 210 institutions that earned the Five-Star Award at all levels (gold, silver, bronze).

Kansas Wesleyan earns Gold in NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Award

Hello and happy Tuesday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…

On Monday, the Kansas City Chiefs officially made Harrison Butker, the highest paid placekicker in the league, signing him to a four-year $25.6 million dollar contract.

This new deal makes the 29-year-old Butker the highest paid kicker on an annual basis, surpassing Justin Tucker and Jake Elliot.

Butker has spent his entire career as a Chief and has been on the mark since day one, knocking through 89% of his field goals and 95% of his PATs, converting 33-35 FG attempts and all 38 of his PATs in 2023.

Monday also saw the announcement that The Kansas Jayhawks are ranked No. 24 in the preseason Coaches Poll, this marks KU football’s first appearance in the preseason Coaches Poll since 2008

Under Leipold, the Jayhawks are no strangers to the Poll, which slotted Kansas as No. 23 to finish the 2023 season. Kansas made four separate appearances in the poll during the 2023 season

And finally &nbsp;Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels is one of 50 players named to the watch list for the 2024 Walter Camp Football Foundation’s Player of the Year Award, which is given annually to the college football player of the year.

This is the second preseason watch list for Daniels, who was previously honored by the Maxwell Award, and it is his second consecutive year being named to the Walter Camp Award watch list.

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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY SALINA POST(Transcript)Hello and happy Tuesday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…_________On Monday, the Kansas City Chiefs officially made Harrison Butker, the highest paid placekicker in the league, signing him to a four-year $25.6 million dollar contract.This new deal makes the 29-year-old Butker the highest paid kicker on an annual basis, surpassing Justin Tucker and Jake Elliot.Butker has spent his entire career as a Chief and has been on the mark since day one, knocking through 89% of his field goals and 95% of his PATs, converting 33-35 FG attempts and all 38 of his PATs in 2023._________Monday also saw the announcement that The Kansas Jayhawks are ranked No. 24 in the preseason Coaches Poll, this marks KU football’s first appearance in the preseason Coaches Poll since 2008Under Leipold, the Jayhawks are no strangers to the Poll, which slotted Kansas as No. 23 to finish the 2023 season. Kansas made four separate appearances in the poll during the 2023 season_________And finally &nbsp;Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels is one of 50 players named to the watch list for the 2024 Walter Camp Football Foundation’s Player of the Year Award, which is given annually to the college football player of the year.This is the second preseason watch list for Daniels, who was previously honored by the Maxwell Award, and it is his second consecutive year being named to the Walter Camp Award watch list._________That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

910 KINA Sports Headlines -- August 6

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — James Paxton pitched six solid innings, Masataka Yoshida tied his career high with four of Boston's 18 hits and the Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 9-5 on Monday night.

Boston, which has won four of its last five, now trails the Royals by 1 1/2 games for the final American League wild card spot.

“It was a humble approach,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “We hit the ball all over the place. We ran the bases well. The kids did a great job in the bottom of the lineup.

"We just kept putting pressure on them. They have a good team; it took a lot. But give our guys credit, they showed up today and did their job. Now we have to win the series, either tomorrow or the next day.”

Paxton (9-3) allowed two runs on five hits to pick up his first win&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sox-trades-sims-garcia-28244b06789dd496ce5101d6149df8d3">since being traded to the Red Sox</a>&nbsp;by the Dodgers.

“I felt good out there,” Paxton said. “To have (Cora) have that confidence in me was awesome.”

Boston catcher Connor Wong said Paxton was exactly who the Red Sox thought they were getting in the trade.

“We knew from last year that he gets better as the game went on,” Wong said of Paxton, who had 19 starts with Boston in 2023. “He did that against us in L.A. That's just who he is.”

Brady Singer (8-7) allowed four runs on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings. He allowed at least one hit in every inning.

“I thought he pitched well,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Singer. “He really battled. They made a lot of contact, a lot of singles early. (Singer) couldn't quite put them away. Where he was in the sixth, after giving up those two runs in the second, we had a really good chance to win that game.”

Singer wasn't happy with his performance.

“I felt like the sinker in was going to be a huge part of it,” he said. “But I left a few over the middle of the plate and gave up a few hits on it.”

David Hamilton pulled a double down the right field line for Boston's first run in the second. Jarren Duran added an RBI with a slow roller.

The Royals got on the board in the third. Kyle Isbel coaxed a one-out walk from Paxton and advanced to second on a groundout. Bobby Witt Jr. lined a single to right, scoring Isbel.

Michael Massey tripled off the top of the wall in right center in the fourth and scored when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/james-paxton-in-play-run-s-to-freddy-fermin?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">Freddy Fermin tapped one off the end of the bat</a>&nbsp;that resulted in an RBI single.

Boston regained the lead in the sixth. Reliever Angel Zerpa gave up a line drive down the left field line to Duran, scoring two runs.

The Red Sox added four more runs off Zerpa, including two on Romy Gonzalez’s pinch-hit home run, before recording an out in the seventh.

“With a 2-0 count I thought he was going to challenge me,” Gonzalez said. “He made a pitch where I wanted it and I put a good swing on it.”

The Royals scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh off Cooper Criswell.

Red Sox: OF Tyler O'Neill, who missed Boston's last two games with an illness, was not in the lineup. Manager Alex Cora said O'Neill was “feeling better, but not great. Still available, but not starting.”

The Red Sox and Royals will play the second game of a three-game series Tuesday night. Boston will send RHP Brayan Bello (10-5, 5.13 ERA) to the mound to face RHP Seth Lugo (13-5, 2.57 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722937257358.jpeg" alt="Boston Red Sox starting pitcher James Paxton throws to a Kansas City Royals batter during the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Boston Red Sox starting pitcher James Paxton throws to a Kansas City Royals batter during the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — James Paxton pitched six solid innings, Masataka Yoshida tied his career high with four of Boston's 18 hits and the Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 9-5 on Monday night.Boston, which has won four of its last five, now trails the Royals by 1 1/2 games for the final American League wild card spot.“It was a humble approach,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “We hit the ball all over the place. We ran the bases well. The kids did a great job in the bottom of the lineup."We just kept putting pressure on them. They have a good team; it took a lot. But give our guys credit, they showed up today and did their job. Now we have to win the series, either tomorrow or the next day.”Paxton (9-3) allowed two runs on five hits to pick up his first win&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sox-trades-sims-garcia-28244b06789dd496ce5101d6149df8d3">since being traded to the Red Sox</a>&nbsp;by the Dodgers.“I felt good out there,” Paxton said. “To have (Cora) have that confidence in me was awesome.”Boston catcher Connor Wong said Paxton was exactly who the Red Sox thought they were getting in the trade.“We knew from last year that he gets better as the game went on,” Wong said of Paxton, who had 19 starts with Boston in 2023. “He did that against us in L.A. That's just who he is.”Brady Singer (8-7) allowed four runs on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings. He allowed at least one hit in every inning.“I thought he pitched well,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Singer. “He really battled. They made a lot of contact, a lot of singles early. (Singer) couldn't quite put them away. Where he was in the sixth, after giving up those two runs in the second, we had a really good chance to win that game.”Singer wasn't happy with his performance.“I felt like the sinker in was going to be a huge part of it,” he said. “But I left a few over the middle of the plate and gave up a few hits on it.”David Hamilton pulled a double down the right field line for Boston's first run in the second. Jarren Duran added an RBI with a slow roller.The Royals got on the board in the third. Kyle Isbel coaxed a one-out walk from Paxton and advanced to second on a groundout. Bobby Witt Jr. lined a single to right, scoring Isbel.Michael Massey tripled off the top of the wall in right center in the fourth and scored when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/james-paxton-in-play-run-s-to-freddy-fermin?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">Freddy Fermin tapped one off the end of the bat</a>&nbsp;that resulted in an RBI single.Boston regained the lead in the sixth. Reliever Angel Zerpa gave up a line drive down the left field line to Duran, scoring two runs.The Red Sox added four more runs off Zerpa, including two on Romy Gonzalez’s pinch-hit home run, before recording an out in the seventh.“With a 2-0 count I thought he was going to challenge me,” Gonzalez said. “He made a pitch where I wanted it and I put a good swing on it.”The Royals scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh off Cooper Criswell.TRAINER'S ROOMRed Sox: OF Tyler O'Neill, who missed Boston's last two games with an illness, was not in the lineup. Manager Alex Cora said O'Neill was “feeling better, but not great. Still available, but not starting.”UP NEXTThe Red Sox and Royals will play the second game of a three-game series Tuesday night. Boston will send RHP Brayan Bello (10-5, 5.13 ERA) to the mound to face RHP Seth Lugo (13-5, 2.57 ERA).___

⚾ Boston's 18 hits lifts Red Sox over Royals

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Man you guys are spoiled with this thing here (referring to the tent) – holy toledo. Alright, so injuries – Nick Bolton didn’t practice today, (Jaaron) Hayek didn’t practice, Kelvin Joseph no practice, (and) Justin Reid no practice. Deon Bush was out there practicing, Nazeeh (Johnson) practiced, and then Chris Jones got a little tweak to his shoulder – stinger type thing, so he came out for a little bit. Anyways, good work today. The guys are busting their tails, getting after it. (I) appreciate that. It’s warm so they’re getting good heat work. With that, time’s yours.”

Q:&nbsp;Isiah Pacheco has spent a lot of time working on his receiving. What have you seen? Do you feel like he’s growing in that role?

REID:&nbsp;“Isiah Pacheco? Yeah, he’s doing a nice job. He’s good with all that – protections, good there. No problem.”

Q:&nbsp;What went into the successful development of Patrick Mahomes?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah well, the guy – he worked and he worked with (NY Giants Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator) Mike Kafka, he worked with (Offensive Coordinator) Matt Nagy (and) you know, (former NFL QB) Alex (Smith) was a big part of that. The bottom line was he worked and studied so – and then he’s got gifts too. He’s pretty gifted.”

Q:&nbsp;With Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy helping, how important was picking that support staff for you?

REID:&nbsp;“Those guys are very important, but you’ve got to have good coaches (and) good players. Both are important so, yeah those are important hires.”

Q: In regard to wide receivers, what are you looking for over the next month? How difficult are some of those decisions going to be?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, we tell the guys, ‘Be as hard as you can on us when it comes that time. Not everybody is going to make the team, but make it tough on us,’ and so they have got time to do that. With this schedule, that’s one of the benefits (and) they have time to do that – show us what you got, and they will be tough cuts.”

Q: Do you see much of a change with Drue Tranquill from the first year of camp to this year having worked him in with the defense?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah. He’s very comfortable. I felt that way though towards the end of the year. (I) feel very comfortable with it.”

Q:&nbsp;When do you expect Joe Thuney to get more involved?

REID:&nbsp;“Well, you got to get – we’re working with his doctors, so it will keep increasing as we go. I can’t tell you exactly when and where it will be live and all that, but we’ll just see how he continues to progress.”

Q: What do you guys feel like you have from Jack Cochrane, especially with Nick Bolton out of the mix?

REID:&nbsp;“Jack (Cochrane) knows every position – every linebacker position. He probably knows every position, but he knows every (linebacker) position. (He’s) smart, athletic, and you know is a good commander out there. He gets everybody lined up and we feel very secure with him in there.”

Q: With being at camp for a while now, do you feel like there’s a little bit of a slug? If so, how you do you work through camp day after day?

REID:&nbsp;“We give guys new stuff every day to work on, so (we) try to stay out of that slump.”

Q: On observations of new punter Matt Araiza.

REID:&nbsp;“I like him (Matt Araiza). Just keep working – consistency always as you go. You can see it – I mean he’s booming the thing. (I’ll) be curious to see in games, we’ll see how he does there.”

Q: What have you and (former Head Coach for LV Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers) Jon Gruden been talking about on the sideline at camp? What brought him to town?

REID:&nbsp;“He loves football and he and I go way back – 30 years so we’ve known each other a long time. So, it’s good to get him up here. He’s always got good input on things. (He’s) very smart (and) very good football – great football coach, so (I) enjoy having him around (and he has) great energy.”

Q: Do you appreciate when things get a little bit heated? Is that part of the design of the scrimmage? How much do you want that, but not want it to go overboard?

REID:&nbsp;“I’m not into all the fighting – just play, but things happen. (The) guys are getting tired of hitting each other so it happens.”

Q: Do you ever build your team's identity on Patrick Mahomes’ personality?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, absolutely because he (Patrick Mahomes) wants new stuff and so with that you can build a run with his personality there.”

Q: When will you start to get in your head as to what the numbers are going to be?

REID:&nbsp;“Probably by the second preseason game.”

Q: Do you have a playing time plan for Saturday yet in Jacksonville?

REID:&nbsp;“No, not yet. We’ll get it to you though.”

Q:&nbsp;What is the process like of moving around to different positions throughout training camp?

CONNER:&nbsp;“It’s just been great – a long process. Definitely, learning all the different spots (and) all the different positions. It’s definitely been great. (I’ve) been getting a lot of help from the guys. Even since last year, been getting a lot of help from the older safeties. (I’ve been) training at the nickel spot, so it’s been great.”

Q:&nbsp;How much did last year’s postseason run set you up for this season confidence wise?

CONNER:&nbsp;“Yeah, I definitely needed that. It was a great postseason. I definitely think it helped me a lot being able to get all those plays under my belt and play in those big-time games. It definitely helped me (and) helped my confidence.”

Q:&nbsp;What do you see from Trent McDuffie’s game as a cornerback?

CONNER:&nbsp;“Yeah, he’s a very technical corner. He’s got a lot of different things that he can do. He plays a lot of great man coverage. I love watching him and watching his feet – how calm his feet (are) in his reps, for sure.”

Q: Did you anticipate that you would have another opportunity to play in the NFL?

ARAIZA:&nbsp;“There were times that I didn’t and there were times that I did. Honestly it kept going back and forth in my mind. Yeah, there was a lot of moments where I thought it was over. I’m incredibly grateful to be here.”

Q: How has it been working with Assistant Head Coach and Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub and his guidance?

ARAIZA:&nbsp;“Great. I have two veteran specialists and two veteran special teams coaches. I can trust everything they say. I feel like they’re doing a great job preparing me (and) going through all the different situations. We’ve had some crazy high-level conversations, and I love it.”

Q: What will the moment of playing in the NFL and potentially getting the chance to show your talents mean to you?

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Man you guys are spoiled with this thing here (referring to the tent) – holy toledo. Alright, so injuries – Nick Bolton didn’t practice today, (Jaaron) Hayek didn’t practice, Kelvin Joseph no practice, (and) Justin Reid no practice. Deon Bush was out there practicing, Nazeeh (Johnson) practiced, and then Chris Jones got a little tweak to his shoulder – stinger type thing, so he came out for a little bit. Anyways, good work today. The guys are busting their tails, getting after it. (I) appreciate that. It’s warm so they’re getting good heat work. With that, time’s yours.”Q:&nbsp;Isiah Pacheco has spent a lot of time working on his receiving. What have you seen? Do you feel like he’s growing in that role?REID:&nbsp;“Isiah Pacheco? Yeah, he’s doing a nice job. He’s good with all that – protections, good there. No problem.”Q:&nbsp;What went into the successful development of Patrick Mahomes?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah well, the guy – he worked and he worked with (NY Giants Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator) Mike Kafka, he worked with (Offensive Coordinator) Matt Nagy (and) you know, (former NFL QB) Alex (Smith) was a big part of that. The bottom line was he worked and studied so – and then he’s got gifts too. He’s pretty gifted.”Q:&nbsp;With Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy helping, how important was picking that support staff for you?REID:&nbsp;“Those guys are very important, but you’ve got to have good coaches (and) good players. Both are important so, yeah those are important hires.”Q: In regard to wide receivers, what are you looking for over the next month? How difficult are some of those decisions going to be?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, we tell the guys, ‘Be as hard as you can on us when it comes that time. Not everybody is going to make the team, but make it tough on us,’ and so they have got time to do that. With this schedule, that’s one of the benefits (and) they have time to do that – show us what you got, and they will be tough cuts.”Q: Do you see much of a change with Drue Tranquill from the first year of camp to this year having worked him in with the defense?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah. He’s very comfortable. I felt that way though towards the end of the year. (I) feel very comfortable with it.”Q:&nbsp;When do you expect Joe Thuney to get more involved?REID:&nbsp;“Well, you got to get – we’re working with his doctors, so it will keep increasing as we go. I can’t tell you exactly when and where it will be live and all that, but we’ll just see how he continues to progress.”Q: What do you guys feel like you have from Jack Cochrane, especially with Nick Bolton out of the mix?REID:&nbsp;“Jack (Cochrane) knows every position – every linebacker position. He probably knows every position, but he knows every (linebacker) position. (He’s) smart, athletic, and you know is a good commander out there. He gets everybody lined up and we feel very secure with him in there.”Q: With being at camp for a while now, do you feel like there’s a little bit of a slug? If so, how you do you work through camp day after day?REID:&nbsp;“We give guys new stuff every day to work on, so (we) try to stay out of that slump.”Q: On observations of new punter Matt Araiza.REID:&nbsp;“I like him (Matt Araiza). Just keep working – consistency always as you go. You can see it – I mean he’s booming the thing. (I’ll) be curious to see in games, we’ll see how he does there.”Q: What have you and (former Head Coach for LV Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers) Jon Gruden been talking about on the sideline at camp? What brought him to town?REID:&nbsp;“He loves football and he and I go way back – 30 years so we’ve known each other a long time. So, it’s good to get him up here. He’s always got good input on things. (He’s) very smart (and) very good football – great football coach, so (I) enjoy having him around (and he has) great energy.”Q: Do you appreciate when things get a little bit heated? Is that part of the design of the scrimmage? How much do you want that, but not want it to go overboard?REID:&nbsp;“I’m not into all the fighting – just play, but things happen. (The) guys are getting tired of hitting each other so it happens.”Q: Do you ever build your team's identity on Patrick Mahomes’ personality?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, absolutely because he (Patrick Mahomes) wants new stuff and so with that you can build a run with his personality there.”Q: When will you start to get in your head as to what the numbers are going to be?REID:&nbsp;“Probably by the second preseason game.”Q: Do you have a playing time plan for Saturday yet in Jacksonville?REID:&nbsp;“No, not yet. We’ll get it to you though.”Chiefs Player QuotesAugust 5, 2024DB CHAMARRI CONNERQ:&nbsp;What is the process like of moving around to different positions throughout training camp?CONNER:&nbsp;“It’s just been great – a long process. Definitely, learning all the different spots (and) all the different positions. It’s definitely been great. (I’ve) been getting a lot of help from the guys. Even since last year, been getting a lot of help from the older safeties. (I’ve been) training at the nickel spot, so it’s been great.”Q:&nbsp;How much did last year’s postseason run set you up for this season confidence wise?CONNER:&nbsp;“Yeah, I definitely needed that. It was a great postseason. I definitely think it helped me a lot being able to get all those plays under my belt and play in those big-time games. It definitely helped me (and) helped my confidence.”Q:&nbsp;What do you see from Trent McDuffie’s game as a cornerback?CONNER:&nbsp;“Yeah, he’s a very technical corner. He’s got a lot of different things that he can do. He plays a lot of great man coverage. I love watching him and watching his feet – how calm his feet (are) in his reps, for sure.”P MATT ARAIZAQ: Did you anticipate that you would have another opportunity to play in the NFL?ARAIZA:&nbsp;“There were times that I didn’t and there were times that I did. Honestly it kept going back and forth in my mind. Yeah, there was a lot of moments where I thought it was over. I’m incredibly grateful to be here.”Q: How has it been working with Assistant Head Coach and Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub and his guidance?ARAIZA:&nbsp;“Great. I have two veteran specialists and two veteran special teams coaches. I can trust everything they say. I feel like they’re doing a great job preparing me (and) going through all the different situations. We’ve had some crazy high-level conversations, and I love it.”Q: What will the moment of playing in the NFL and potentially getting the chance to show your talents mean to you?

Chiefs Quotes: 8-5-24

Since joining the Chiefs in 2017, Butker has helped Kansas City hoist three Lombardi trophies, doubling as the team's kickoff specialist in addition to field goals and PATs.

The Chiefs open regular season play on September 4th when they take on a fellow AFC contender in the Baltimore Ravens.

BY SALINA POSTOn Monday, the Kansas City Chiefs officially made Harrison Butker, the highest paid placekicker in the league, signing him to a four-year $25.6 million dollar contract.This new deal makes the 29-year-old Butker the highest paid kicker on an annual basis, surpassing Justin Tucker and Jake Elliot.Since joining the Chiefs in 2017, Butker has helped Kansas City hoist three Lombardi trophies, doubling as the team's kickoff specialist in addition to field goals and PATs.Butker has spent his entire career as a Chief and has been on the mark since day one, knocking through 89% of his field goals and 95% of his PATs, converting 33-35 FG attempts and all 38 of his PATs in 2023.The Chiefs open regular season play on September 4th when they take on a fellow AFC contender in the Baltimore Ravens.

Chiefs ink Butker to record-setting deal

­LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels is one of 50 players named to the watch list for the 2024 Walter Camp Football Foundation’s Player of the Year Award, which is given annually to the college football player of the year.

The Walter Camp Player of the Year Award is the nation’s fourth-oldest individual college football accolade and is voted on by the 133 NCAA Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors. Walter Camp, “The Father of American football,” first selected an All-America team in 1889. A former Yale University athlete and football coach, Camp is credited with developing play from scrimmage, set plays, the numerical assessment of goals and tries and the restriction of play to eleven men per side. The Walter Camp Football Foundation – a New Haven-based all-volunteer group – was founded in 1967 to perpetuate the ideals of Camp and to continue the tradition of selecting annually an All-America team.

This is the second preseason watch list for Daniels, who was previously honored by the Maxwell Award, and it is his second consecutive year being named to the Walter Camp Award watch list. Daniels was previously honored by the Walter Camp Award in 2022, when he was named the Walter Camp National FBS Offensive Player of the Week following his performance in a 48-30 victory at Houston.

Daniels is back for the 2024 season at Kansas after throwing for 705 yards and five touchdowns in three games in 2023. In 2022, Daniels was a breakthrough player as he led the Jayhawks to a 5-0 start and the program's first bowl game appearance since 2008. He was an All-Big 12 Second Team selection after completing 66.1 percent (152-of-230) of his passes for 2,014 yards and 18 touchdowns. Daniels capped off his sophomore season with a record-setting performance in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, when he completed 37-of-55 passes for 544 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for a touchdown.

Daniels is one of 20 quarterbacks on the watch list and one of 41 offensive players in total. The 2024 Player of Year watch list will be narrowed to 10 semi-finalists in early November and three finalists will be announced on November 26. The 2024 Walter Camp Player of the Year recipient will be announced on ESPN’s College Football Awards Show on December 12. Appearing on the preseason Watch List is not a requirement for a player to win

the Walter Camp award or be named to the All-America team.

­LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels is one of 50 players named to the watch list for the 2024 Walter Camp Football Foundation’s Player of the Year Award, which is given annually to the college football player of the year.The Walter Camp Player of the Year Award is the nation’s fourth-oldest individual college football accolade and is voted on by the 133 NCAA Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors. Walter Camp, “The Father of American football,” first selected an All-America team in 1889. A former Yale University athlete and football coach, Camp is credited with developing play from scrimmage, set plays, the numerical assessment of goals and tries and the restriction of play to eleven men per side. The Walter Camp Football Foundation – a New Haven-based all-volunteer group – was founded in 1967 to perpetuate the ideals of Camp and to continue the tradition of selecting annually an All-America team.This is the second preseason watch list for Daniels, who was previously honored by the Maxwell Award, and it is his second consecutive year being named to the Walter Camp Award watch list. Daniels was previously honored by the Walter Camp Award in 2022, when he was named the Walter Camp National FBS Offensive Player of the Week following his performance in a 48-30 victory at Houston.Daniels is back for the 2024 season at Kansas after throwing for 705 yards and five touchdowns in three games in 2023. In 2022, Daniels was a breakthrough player as he led the Jayhawks to a 5-0 start and the program's first bowl game appearance since 2008. He was an All-Big 12 Second Team selection after completing 66.1 percent (152-of-230) of his passes for 2,014 yards and 18 touchdowns. Daniels capped off his sophomore season with a record-setting performance in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, when he completed 37-of-55 passes for 544 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for a touchdown.From Lawndale, California, Daniels enters the season ranked No. 9 in school history with 4,297 passing yards and No. 5 with 31 passing touchdowns. At his current career completion rate of 63.6 percent (365-of-574), Daniels would surpass the previous school record of 63.3 percent, set by Todd Reesing from 2006-09.Daniels is one of 20 quarterbacks on the watch list and one of 41 offensive players in total. The 2024 Player of Year watch list will be narrowed to 10 semi-finalists in early November and three finalists will be announced on November 26. The 2024 Walter Camp Player of the Year recipient will be announced on ESPN’s College Football Awards Show on December 12. Appearing on the preseason Watch List is not a requirement for a player to winthe Walter Camp award or be named to the All-America team.2024 Kansas Football Preseason Watch Lists:Maxwell Award – QB Jalon Daniels, RB Devin NealPatrick Mannelly Award – LS Luke HosfordBronko Nagurski Award – CB Cobee BryantPaycom Jim Thorpe Award – CB Cobee BryantAllstate Wuerffel Trophy – TE Jared CaseyWalter Camp Award – QB Jalon Daniels