KU Jayhawks tight ends lost weight, got faster: ‘Can’t fill a Lamborghini with bad gas’
In January, the Kansas Jayhawks’ tight ends group received a blunt message from the KU coaching staff.
They needed to get in better shape.
“When we came back from winter break after the bowl game, they basically brought us in and kind of straight-up told us we were all too fat,” KU tight end Jared Casey told The Star. “We all needed to work on body composition, and we have.”
“They basically told us we were too fat and we all took a lot more pride in how we did (things),” star tight end Mason Fairchild added.
Casey played at around 250 pounds last season and weighs about the same this year, but he said he has lost 5% body fat. While Fairchild weighed 260, he is now 258 and has lost 4% body fat.
It’s helped increase the speed of both players — a big emphasis for KU heading into this season.
According to Matt Gildersleeve, the program’s director of sports performance, KU has 69 players who can run 20-plus mph. In year one of coach Lance Leipold’s tenure, that number was 22.
“All those tight ends, as well and Jared Casey, come to mind ...” Gildersleeve said. “He increased almost two miles per hour on his max velocity. We emphasized nutritional education and supplementation.”
Casey tries to limit his intake of fried and sugary foods and only eats two meals a day. He typically eats chicken with rice for lunch and then has a sub sandwich for dinner. While Fairchild admitted he eats a lot of Chick Fil A, he opts for grilled instead of fried items.
“We’re being really intentional about what you are putting into your body, because obviously we work really hard in the weight room,” Fairchild said. “If you’re filling a Lamborghini with terrible gas, it’s not going to drive.”
Last season, KU’s tight ends led the Big 12 in touchdowns by that position group. And now they’re looking for any edge to be even better this season. They’ve already seen dividends, between lowering their body-fat percentage and increasing their collective speed.
“A lot of improvement from top to bottom,” Fairchild said. “Between him (Casey) and Trevor Kardell, we’re in a really good spot for the season. All three of us can roll out there — we can go three-tight end sets.”
For Casey and Fairchild., it all comes down to mindset. Whether it’s day one of fall camp or KU’s season opener, they’re striving to maintain a consistent work ethic.
And both said that they believe KU’s tight ends have plenty to improve upon.
“I will say (we want to) continue to be more versatile than we even were last year,” Casey said. “We are all getting a ton of reps right now. We’re gonna get put on the field to be successful. I’m excited to see what (defensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki) has up his sleeve.
“We just want to maximize opportunities because we’re in fall camp right now and we’ve got a day-to-day grind, but you’re never going to get day 16 of fall camp in 2023 back. So you might as well give it your all and do your best.”
