It has been a trying career for Kansas receiver Tre' Parmalee.
The son of former NFL running back Bernie Parmalee, Tre' had an immediate impact as a kick returner during his freshman season in 2012 before injuries hampered his sophomore and junior seasons. With David Beaty's arrival prior to his final season, Parmalee looks ready to be a key player as a senior. He took some time to chat with ESPN.com about having a dad who played in the NFL, KU's new offense and his role in the offense this fall.
What was it like having a dad who played in the NFL? I'm sure some pressure comes with that.
TP: People always ask about my dad, but I don't feel any pressure with it. I feel like I've been blessed with a father who's been there and I've done what I want to do and I can always get great insight from him. It's a great thing to have.
When did football become the sport for you?
TP: It was definitely a sport I've always loved. I've been catching a ball since I was 3 years old, my parents have told me. So, ever since then I played in little leagues and through high school. It's been the love of my life since I was knee-high and something I want to carry out.
What's been the most frustrating part of your career?
TP: Just dealing with the injuries wears on you mentally. It can take the confidence out of you if you let it. You just have to work hard with the trainers, stay positive and latch onto your teammates to bring you up from those injuries.
Was one of the most frustrating parts the fact you started your career well?
TP: Definitely. It kind of feels like all of the air is knocked out of you and all the momentum is taken away. It was difficult but God always has a plan, this is my last year and I'm going to make the most of it.
What have been the biggest differences you've noticed under Coach (David) Beaty?
TP: The energy they bring into the environment and competing. In practice we're always competing, every drill is competing, and there's always a winner and loser and losers have to pay the price, whether that's pushups, up-downs or whatever it is. They've come in there positive and really changing the culture around here.
What are the toughest things they've brought?
TP: We put a lot more time into it. Practice is a lot different, a lot faster pace. One of Coach Beaty's mottoes is "practice fast where nobody else practices it." That means moving from meeting room to meeting room fast, drill to drill fast, from a break to a different period fast and just the tempo of how we do things.
What were the first couple of days like getting adjusted to that?
TP: It was definitely different because that's not how its been around here my first three years. I feel like everybody is willing and open to the new changes.
What are your favorite things about the new offense?
TP: I like the tempo. I like how the coaches push us to limits we don't think we can go to and I just like how Coach (Rob) Likens designs his plays and calls them.
What do you expect your role to be?
TP: I think of myself as being the leader or one of the leaders of the receiving group. So just doing everything right and showing the young guys how to do things.
As you look toward summer workouts what are some things you want to improve?
TP: Definitely getting in better condition because of how our offense is and the tempo we're trying to play. One thing that we'll have to focus on as a team is getting in better condition so we can run the offense like we want to and execute how we want to and not get tired and have mental mistakes.