Few positions on Kansas University’s football team could ill-afford to lose a five-year starter and team captain.

But KU’s receiving corps might best be able to overcome such a loss.

Kansas University wide receivers Derick Mills, center, and Byron Gasaway, right, are going to be called upon by the Jayhawks to help replace sixth-year senior Harrison Hill, left, who was forced to quit because of chronic dehydration.

Harrison Hill, a sixth-year senior within striking distance of KU’s receptions and receiving yardage records, left the team after the first day of two-a-day practices because of chronic dehydration that has plagued him since high school made it impossible for him to stay on the team.

Thus the Jayhawks will have to rely on the seven letterwinners who return from last season and a handful of newcomers to fill the considerable void.

“Our coaching staff is drooling over those guys,” KU coach Mark Mangino said. “Now, can we get them ready to play right now? We’ll see. We’ll know in a couple of weeks.

“Mark Simmons and Jerome Lewis have been the fastest learners and are really doing some things that you don’t expect a true freshman to come in here and do. But we also have some top-notch players that are just starting to come around and feel comfortable Dominic Roux, a walk-on by the name of Justin Williams. Charles Gordon has made some terrific plays. I’m excited about all those guys. We’ll have some growing pains early, but we’ll be OK at the receiver position.”

To hear the veterans tell it, the Jayhawks will be better than OK.

Senior Byron Gasaway is KU’s top returning pass-catcher, with 18 for 200 yards and a touchdown last season. Not far behind is Derick Mills, with 16 for 268 yards and three TDs.

Though Kansas lost its top two receivers from last season in Roger Ross and Termaine Fulton, KU returns Nos. 3-6. Ten of the 16 players who caught at least one pass running backs and tight ends included are back.

“I think we’ll be pretty good,” said Gasaway, a speedy 6-foot-3, 210-pounder. “I know we’re not really satisfied. I know in my case, I’m eager to step up and have a good senior season.”

Gasaway is coming off his best season, but he hasn’t lived up to some of the expectations he arrived with. Though new to the system, Mangino has his own goals for Gasaway.

“I’ve told Byron, and his coach has, that we have high expectations for him,” Mangino said. “He has all the tools. He has size. He has athleticism. He has great hands. He’s an intelligent guy, so we need him to get out there and get it done for us. He’s one of our veteran players that need to realize that if you don’t get it done, we’ve got young guys behind you that are eager to go. I look for Byron to have a really good year.”

If he doesn’t, he’ll have plenty of help.

Take Mills, for instance, a 5-7, 165-pounder from Dallas. A converted running back, the speedy Mills averaged 16.8 yards per catch last season. He played in nine games, starting two.

“It all comes down to experience,” Mills said, “and we’ve got a lot of experience. And those new guys I always feel the pressure. If you don’t keep working hard, somebody’s going to take your place, and I believe this is the best group we’ve had since I’ve been here. And we’re closer, close as a family. Last year, we weren’t as close, but this year we’re like a family.”

Other family members who had at least one catch last season are: Brandon Rideau, a 6-4, 185-pound sophomore (2 catches, 55 yards last season); Marcellus Jones, a 5-11, 200-pound senior (2 caches, 11 yards); and Barry Goodrich, a 6-1, 195-pound senior (1 catch, 39 yards).

Extended family members include tight ends Adrian Jones, a 6-5, 265-pound junior who made seven catches for 68 yards last season, and David Hurst, a 6-3, 270-pound senior, who has 13 catches for 123 yards in his career, and backups Kyle Cernech and Kevin Long, both converted quarterbacks.

Jones is the leading candidate to start at tight end, listed as No. 1 on the current depth chart ahead of Hurst.

“Adrian Jones at tight end has had a really good camp,” Mangino said. “He’s catching the ball well. He’s run blocking extremely well. He’s really comfortable with our system and doing a good job.”