Jalon Daniels hints at 'little sprinkles' new OC Jeff Grimes will add to Kansas offense in 2024

Jalon Daniels is eager to show off what Kansas has been working on under new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes. The Jayhawks hired Grimes from fellow Big 12 school Baylor to replace Andy Kotelnicki, who left this offseason for Penn State.

Speaking at Big 12 Media Days on Wednesday, Daniels had high praise for his new coach. The KU quarterback also alluded to a “twist” that Grimes has added to the offense since arriving in Lawrence.

“Coach Grimes is one of the best offensive coordinators I’ve had the chance to work with,” Daniels said. “To be able to see how he looks at the game, be able to see his perspective and the way he wants to run certain plays in certain situations. When we’re talking about being able to extend the plays, coach Grimes is gonna add a little bit of a twist into our offense. So I’m excited to be able to show the world exactly what we’re gonna be doing on the offensive side of the ball.”

Grimes helped Baylor win the Big 12 Championship in 2021 and was a finalist for the Broyles Award that same year. He helped the Bears to rank No. 10 in the country in rushing offense that season after also helping BYU lead the nation with 7.84 yards per play in 2020.

Grimes comes to Kansas after spending the past three seasons in Waco and will have plenty of weapons to work with on offense. That includes Daniels, who returns after missing all but three games this past season due to a back injury. The QB was explosive the year prior, flashing his upside with 544 yards passing and six total touchdowns in the Liberty Bowl against Arkansas.

The Jayhawks also return their top three receivers and leading rusher Devin Neal, who totaled 1,280 yards and 16 touchdowns this past season. Grimes is already working on unique ways to use those skill players and Daniels, who himself brings dual-threat ability.

“With Kansas football, we’re known for having a lot of gadget plays, a lot of shifts and motions going in,” Daniels said. “Trust me, nothing of that nature is gonna change. But without giving too much, I’ll just say we’re gonna add a few little sprinkles of how we’re able to line up formationally. Having a lot of our playmakers be able to make plays in different spots rather than just their main one.”

Those words from Jalon Daniels should have KU fans plenty excited about what’s in store under Jeff Grimes. The Jayhawks open up the 2024 season on Aug. 29 against Lindenwood.