Who will be Kansas football’s backup QB? These 2 players are in a ‘good competition’
Amid fall camp, a healthy competition between freshman Isaiah Marshall and former walk-on Cole Ballard for the backup quarterback spot is ongoing.
Kansas quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator Jim Zebrowski has liked what he’s seen so far. The players are battling to back up returning starter Jalon Daniels.
“It’s always a competition, man,” Zebrowski said. “It’s been a really good competition. I’ve got the best room in the country..”
While Zebrowski repeated that the battle between Ballard and Marshall is indeed a competition, he noted “these guys root and pull for each other,” too.
“So yes, there is a competition going on, but it never feels like it,” Zebrowski said. “It’s good competition that’s healthy.”
Each quarterback brings different things to the field.
Ballard, a former third-string walk-on, plays the game with reckless abandon. He is a fierce competitor, which he showed in games last season.
“Cole Ballard is one of the most competitive people I know,” fellow Kansas quarterback Ben Easters said. “He’s a fiery dude that loves to compete. Even when we get on the golf course, that dude’s going for low 60s every time, even though he’s a high-90s golfer.”
Ballard entered the spotlight last season after then-backup QB Jason Bean exited KU’s game against Texas Tech with a head injury. The Jayhawks would lose the game, but Ballard looked ready for the moment.
Ballard led the team back from a 13-0 deficit to tie the score late in the fourth quarter. Balled finished 9-of-20 passing for 124 yards and one interception.
Marshall is a former three-star recruit from Southfield, Michigan. He is a true dual-threat quarterback who won a state championship as a high school senior.
“Me and Cole have a great relationship — a great friendship,” Marshall said. “He’s a great teammate. Every time I need something I ask Cole. On the field, it just brings the best out of both of us. All me and Cole do is compete. We always want the best for each other.”
Ballard added: “We have such a healthy competition. Everyone is pushing each other. Obviously, adding Zeke (Marshall) adds so much talent to that room and as we saw last year — you’re going to need three quarterbacks along the course of the year.”
Ballard said his focus in this fall camp is improving his overall decision-making; he’s working on getting the ball out of his hands faster and trying not to do too much with it.
Meanwhile, Marshall is working on throwing checkdowns more often.
“In high school, I did not throw any checkdowns,” Marshall said. “Just being here and knowing how to throw checkdowns and just keeping my eyes open has improved a lot for me.”
Ultimately, Zebrowski has certain things he looks for with his backup QB.
“The ability to be ready at any time,” he said. “Preparation is number one, being able to get mental reps. I think it’s the hardest thing for kids — most people — (to) see your reps and not actually do it. I think that’s really hard.
“(It’s about) being able to pick stuff up, being able to perform at a high level like Jason did, without getting one rep.”
This story was originally published August 5, 2024 at 4:19 PM with the headline "Who will be Kansas football’s backup QB? These 2 players are in a ‘good competition’."
