Taiwo Onatolu on the value of having Joe Dineen on
Taiwo Onatolu has responsibilities as both the protective ends coach and unique groups organizer. Onatolu met the media Tuesday, talking about the addition of Kansas legend Joe Dineen to the training personnel, the depth and competitors at defensive end, and updates on various special groups roles.
Dineen been an important addition to the training staff
Dineen joined the Kansas personnel as an expert this offseason after spending 2 years as Purdue’s rush ends coach. He has a strong track record as a Kansas player, being called a consensus All-American during the 2018 season. Onatolu said Dineen provides an example to the players he’s coaching.
“When you have a legend who’s passionate about this university, knows the location, and has been through it, it assists,” Onatolu said. “He’s been what every player here wants to be– an All-American and someone who had a possibility at the next level. He brings new ideas and experience that benefit the guys.”
The former NCAA leader in solo takes on per game has actually taken on a role mentoring younger players. Onatolu mentioned that he’s helped more youthful guys like Garrett Martin or Dak Brinkley grow their understanding of the game.
“Every day of camp [Dak’s] meeting additional with me or Coach Deneen, getting additional work, remaining after, and doing walkthroughs,” Onatolu stated. “He’s always had the physical tools, now it has to do with the mental part and experience.”
‘A lot of depth and competitors’ Onatolu has had at Kansas
There are a significant variety of players completing for representatives at protective end for the Jayhawks. Onatolu loves the competitive nature of the space.
“It’s probably the inmost and most competitive group we’ve had,” Onatolu said. “Every day you have to appear because the guy behind you might be in front of you the next day.”
Kansas structures its practices to take full advantage of the amount of associates in various scenarios for its players. Onatolu said he’s constantly seen excellent and great and doesn’t see much of a drop-off.
“Coach Leipold runs it where ones break ones, 2s go against ones, and we’re constantly blending it up to see good on great,” Onatolu stated. “Those guys are contending, and sometimes you don’t know the distinction. I feel like we’re quite deep, guys are pushing each other every day, and it’s absolutely enjoyable for a coach.”
The depth and competition have actually allowed Onatolu to feel confident about the players he’s placing on special teams protection. Even if players aren’t able to crack the protective rotation, they know they can make an influence on special teams.
“When you have depth, guys know they can make an effect on special teams even if they’re not beginning,” Onatolu said. “We want our finest players on special teams, and the battles at every position give us that depth. We can throw guys out there and see what they can do.”
Unique teams roundup
Kansas generated Laith Marjan to be its kicker in the 2025 season. Marjan installed outstanding numbers at South Alabama, making 16 of 17 basket in 2024. Onatolu is impressed with his competitiveness and attention to information.
“He’s confident, precise in what he does, and exceptionally competitive,” Onatolu said. “If he misses out on, he wishes to see the film, break it down, and have an answer. He’s had a great deal of success in the past, he’s precise, and he brings something to our group.”
The Jayhawks added a late addition at punter, with Efren Jasso signing up with the roster in July. Jasso, a transfer from Grassy field View A&M, was contributed to increase competitors at the punter spot, in addition to McNeese State transfer Finn Lappin and Grayden Addison.
“We’re constantly trying to build depth and competitors,” Onatolu stated. “We’ve got some upperclassmen too. With how college football has actually altered, we’re constantly hiring and trying to enhance our lineup. We are at our best when everyone in every position is competing– not when guys just show up and believe, ‘This is my spot.'”
Onatolu stated there are a lot of guys getting work at punt and kick return, but they’re still working through things. He ultimately desires his punt returner to be able to hand the ball back off to the offense.
“Get the ball back to our offense. That’s the number one thing. No turnovers,” Onatolu said. “Capture the ball easily– then we’ll establish returns and do other things. Securing the change of ownership is the most essential thing. If there’s something there, then get up the field. You constantly want a guy that’s vibrant, however capturing the ball first is the concern.”