Lance Leipold and the Kansas Jayhawks are preparing for their season opener against Fresno State this Saturday. Under new head coach Matt Entz, Fresno State has kept several core players while also adding talent from the transfer portal.
Cornerback Al’zillion Hamilton stands out as one of Fresno State’s key players. Hamilton, who was recently named to the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List, enters his fifth year with the Bulldogs. Last season, he recorded 52 tackles, 13 pass deflections, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles, earning him All-Mountain West honorable mention recognition. Hamilton is expected to match up against Kansas wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr., which could challenge quarterback Jalon Daniels if his primary target is tightly covered.
Quarterback E.J. Warner has been named as Fresno State’s starting quarterback for the opener. Warner, the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Kurt Warner, looks to build on his collegiate career after transferring from Temple and Rice. Over three seasons at those schools, Warner threw for 8,814 yards and 58 touchdowns. He was a prolific passer in the American Athletic Conference but also led the conference in interceptions each year with at least 12 per season.
Running back Bryson Donelson emerged as a productive freshman last year, rushing for 462 yards on 77 carries and scoring three touchdowns. With Coach Entz now at the helm—who favored a run-heavy offense at North Dakota State—the Bulldogs’ ground attack may look significantly different from last season’s performance under Tim Skipper.
Kansas fans are encouraged to watch these three Fresno State players closely during Saturday’s game as they may have a significant impact on the outcome.
