LaQuvionte Gonzalez hopes to weather KU’s struggles

Kansas receiver LaQuvionte Gonzalez understands how crazy it sounds: checking the weather report when he sees clouds, hopping in his car when he knows severe storms are on the way.

“I don’t really know what it is,” Gonzalez said. “It’s just what I do.”

Though fearless when going over the middle on crossing routes, Gonzalez admits he’s frightened by thunder and lightning.

When they come, he goes to the place he feels most safe. The last two years, that’s been KU coach David Beaty’s house, where he often plays Madden video games in the basement until the storm passes.

“He’s just like a father figure to me,” Gonzalez said. “He’s just always been there for me when I needed it.”

The Texas A&M transfer finally will get the chance to be there for his coach on Saturdays next month, as he’ll be eligible as a junior after sitting out last season.

KU certainly could use more outside production. The Jayhawks have been last in the Big 12 in scoring average six straight seasons, and they also haven’t had a 600-yard receiver in that span.

“I feel like last year they didn’t have that really explosive guy that could make a big play,” Gonzalez said. “We had some guys that made big plays, but not that go-to guy. I feel like I can be that.”

If he succeeds, it likely will be with help from Beaty on and off the field. While standing at the podium during KU football media daySaturday morning, Beaty twice referred to Gonzalez as being like his son.

The two spend time together every day, and Gonzalez texts his coach often. The first message is always the same, according to Beaty: “Aye coach,” with the first word serving as an informal way to say “hey.”

“He’s just a great kid. I love him to death,” Beaty said. “I love his playful spirit.”

Beaty also appreciates his enthusiasm. The two ate lunch together on Thursday, with Beaty telling Gonzalez to be sure to preserve his energy that night for the team’s first practice.

The receiver couldn’t help himself. He was so amped up during drills that he was gassed about halfway through the workout.

“Man, that guy loves to practice,” Beaty said. “He is like a kid getting out of the car at an amusement park when he gets there.”

Beaty admits he wants to be cautious with Gonzalez. While serving as offensive coordinator at Rice in 2010, the coach was in a similar situation with Sam McGuffie, a running back who transferred in from Michigan. Beaty believes McGuffie received too many touches, which ultimately hurt his production.

The coach has vowed to not make the same mistake this season.

“We can’t put too much on Quiv. He’s not the answer to all the ills that we have,” Beaty said. “He is just a piece of it.”

KU still will be creative with how it gets the ball to Gonzalez. Spring practices included the 5-foot-10 receiver taking end-arounds and reverses, and Beaty also plans on utilizing him in the return game.

“He’s got some juice back there,” Beaty said.

Gonzalez had his most productive season as a freshman in 2013 while catching passes from Johnny Manziel. He played in all 13 games for Texas A&M, grabbing 21 receptions for 240 yards before playing in only eight games his sophomore season.

Part of the reason he chose to transfer to KU was his trust in Beaty, who was his receivers coach at Texas A&M and also good friends with his high school coach Joey McGuire.

Gonzalez could only practice last season during KU’s 0-12 campaign. The helplessness, he said, was the toughest part of sitting out.

“I know those guys look at me to be a playmaker,” Gonzalez said, “and that’s what I’m going to do.”

This story was originally published August 6, 2016 at 5:02 PM with the headline "LaQuvionte Gonzalez hopes to weather KU’s struggles."