We've already reached the mid-way point of the college football semester, and it's time to start handing out grades again.At 5-1, the Kansas Jayhawks' slate shouldn't look so bad, but I'm not sure they realize that this is not a "gimme" class. Phillip Strozier is never in the right place at the right time, Justin Thornton is usually in the right place but always a millisecond late, and Lubbock Smith has plenty of catching up to do in many areas.Finally, forget the entire secondary. Only mild consistency and experience have truly distinguished Darrell Stuckey from a group that requires more from him.One sole bright spot I see right now is that while Lubbock Smith was nothing special in last Saturday's loss, it was his first career start. One has to admire his aggressive, downhill attitude from the safety position.Smith should only get better, but other than that, this barely-average group merits a barely-average grade.. Daymond Patterson usually has decent position but fails to make plays on the ball. Beshears looked average in his career debut, but this teenager has refined cornerback instincts that will keep him competitive for Patterson's job.Hopefully he avoids major mishaps and a lovely spot in the eternal doghouse next to Calvin Rubles and Anthony Davis.The only difference between the corners and safeties is the benefits of Darrell Stuckey, however minimal they currently seem.. 
This group is hard to gauge.One minute, Huldon Tharp is racking up tackles and Drew Dudley is giving offensive coordinators massive migraines; the next they're blowing assignments for huge plays.Unfortunately, the relatively unnoticed but very important things they do are overshadowed by massive mishaps.Justin Springer is back from injury but still not playing to potential. Drew Dudley simply isn't quite fast enough to cover the modern running back. Arist Wright is always on the wrong side of big plays, and Huldon Tharp is still very green.However, all four are are new to starting gigs and have flashed potential at times.I can't overlook the fact that they aren't, at the very least, the blatant weakness many projected them to be coming into this season.. It's too bad Clint Bowen has an affinity for never blitzing.The extra coverage does little good anyway, and sending only the four lineman usually hangs Jake Laptad, the lone threat to the quarterback, out in a double-team to dry.By the way, has anyone seen Maxwell OnyegbuleI haven't since his big game in El Paso.Quinton Woods finally got a shot last weekend at Colorado, but if it tells you how much of a factor he was, I didn't know he had played at all until yesterday.The only reason for this (relatively, of course) high a grade is Onyegbule's hot start, Laptad's consistency, and Jeff Wheeler's sporadic-but-graciously-accepted contributions. Patrick Dorsey isn't big or spectacular. Supposed contributors Jamal Greene and Duane Zlatnik rarely make an appearance.Offensive guard John Williams is huge and athletic, but is in the middle of a full-time switch to defense and has plenty to learn.

Caleb Blakesley is a large, injury-prone, and experienced veteran who has never been a big producer or leader.The X-factor here is Richard Johnson, Jr.The sophomore may never be James McClinton, but he has games that make me think he could step up and become a leader up front. To do so would mean continuing to grow physically and intellectually, while developing a McClinton-esque motor that will carry Johnson's A-game into each and every game.. This group is deep, versatile, and smart.Capra, Hatch, and Thorson aren't experienced and their abilities won't impress many. However, they make fewer mistakes every game and rarely allow major backfield blow-ups.Don't forget redshirt freshman Trevor Marrongelli whose rotational contributions are usually positive and constantly improving.It's too bad John Williams is taking his abilities elsewhere; he and Marrongelli had the makings of a special duo in time.The only complaint I have with this bunch is that the time they allow Todd Reesing and holes for Jake Sharp are existent, but usually minimal Experience is the best aid available for this group.. Tanner Hawkinson drew raves in the offseason for his footwork, football I.Q., and ever-improving technique, and he has yet to disappoint.However, he still needs to grow physically because he lacks the strength to sustain blocks and create good running lanes.Conversely, Jeff Spikes eats defensive ends alive; too bad it's usually a penalty.When things are calm and defensive lines are tiring, Spikes uses his size and surprising agility to dominate. However, mental errors and penalties still make Spikes the center of attention in big moments.Both of these guys are green and have to become positive factors in the clutch rather than reasons for additional anxiety to Todd Reesing and his running backs..