What the Jayhawks accomplished last season might only be the beginning.

Kansas put together an impressive resume in the Big 12 last season and earned an at-large bid to an NCAA regional.

Once in the Chapel Hill Regional, the Jayhawks weren't expected to make much noise with host North Carolina and Coastal Carolina involved. However, the Jayhawks eliminated the Chanticleers from the postseason and played the Tar Heels in the regional title game.

With last season's success serving as even more motivation this fall, the Jayhawks hope to take the next step in the spring and return to the College World Series for the first time since 1993.

KU has the experience and personnel to get the job done.

It's time to dissect the Jayhawks this fall.

Kansas' five fall keys

1. Realize their potential -- The Jayhawks haven't been to Omaha since '93, but this team has the ability to do it from a talent and experience standpoint. Perhaps that is putting a bit too much pressure on this team, but that's the reality of their situation. The Jayhawks must realize that expectations greatly increased during the offseason. KU coach Ritch Price is as seasoned as it gets and will have this team ready to play in the spring. But again, it'll be important for the players to believe they can take the next step. They also must realize the magnitude the upcoming season could have on the program. It's go time for KU.

2. Replace catcher Buck Afenir -- Some would say the catcher is the most important player on the field. That may be true. Remember, it's important for a catcher to have a strong relationship with the pitchers. That's exactly what Afenir had during his tenure at Kansas. In addition to being a staple behind the plate, Afenir also excelled at the plate. He finished last season hitting .333 with 10 homers and 63 RBIs. Defensively, Afenir ended his final campaign with a .988 percentage. KU has some options behind the plate, but replacing Afenir will be difficult.

3. Reload at the plate -- The Jayhawks finished last season with a respectable .301 batting average. They hope to improve on that mark this fall and in the spring. They have the personnel to do so. KU must find a way to replace Afenir and David Narodowski. But they still welcome back at least five key hitters, including Tony Thompson, who batted .389 with 27 doubles, 21 homers and 82 RBIs last season. KU also welcomes back Brian Heere (.364,5,40) and Robby Price (.296,5,29) in addition to a few other key cogs. Emulating last season's production likely will be sufficient, but the Jayhawks must do more to take the next step.

4. Round out the weekend rotation -- The Jayhawks had a solid weekend rotation last season and should have another good rotation in '10. KU must find a way to replace staff ace Shaeffer Hall, who finished last season with a 4.18 ERA in 92 2/3 innings. However, it welcomes back Lee Ridenhour and T.J. Walz, who accounted for 28 starts last season. Ridenhour had a 4.65 ERA in 79 1/3 innings and Walz had a 4.70 ERA in 82 1/3 innings. The No. 3 spot in the weekend rotation is up for grabs, but could go to Brett Bollman or Cameron Selik. Bollman started eight games and had a 3.58 ERA last season. Selik, meanwhile, started 10 games and had a 4.64 ERA in 52 1/3 innings.

5. Sort out the bullpen roles -- The Jayhawks have an excellent problem -- they have several talented arms with few roles to fill in the bullpen. KU welcomes back Colton Murray, who made 33 appearances last season and had a 3.23 ERA in 39 innings. They also return Brett Bochy, Travis Blankenship and Kevin Burk. Either Bollman or Selik, or both, also will be in the bullpen. There's absolutely zero reason why the Jayhawks shouldn't have an elite bullpen in the spring. This group is filled with talent.