Ames, Iowa ? Nick Reid started his college football career at quarterback, moved to safety and then to linebacker.

There’s nothing unusual about position changes, but Kansas University’s true freshman has done it all in just 25 days.

The former Derby High standout, who moved to linebacker just this week, expected to play special teams and see limited time at his latest position. But he was forced into duty Saturday in the season opener at Iowa State when starting outside linebacker Banks Floodman went down with a knee injury in the second quarter of KU’s 45-3 loss at Iowa State.

“It was a real learning experience,” said Reid, who made four tackles. “I made some mistakes. I hope to learn from it and do better next week. The speed of the game is the biggest difference from high school. I have to adjust to that, and I need to study my playbook.”

Floodman was off to a good start, making eight tackles before he was injured while covering a punt with 2:29 left in the first half.

Reid had his moments, though. The freshman sacked ISU quarterback Seneca Wallace twice on ISU’s first possession of the third quarter.

“He definitely did a great job,” Floodman said of his backup. “He can play anywhere on defense. He can adjust to any position really well. That’s why he’s here.”

Floodman did not know the extent of the injury to his right knee immediately after the game. He returned to the KU sideline in the third quarter in uniform but did not play.

If Floodman can’t play Saturday at UNLV, Reid is likely to see extensive playing time again.

“Those are big shoes to fill with Banks,” Reid said. “I just want to try and do my best.”

Reid played quarterback and defensive back at Derby, where he was a three-sport standout. KU coach Mark Mangino envisions the 6-foot-4, 210-pound freshman growing into the role. Reid has gained 20 pounds since the end of his senior season.

“That’s where he was going to end up in our program,” said Mangino, who recently praised Reid’s work at safety. “He’s only going to get bigger and stronger. He’s going to be a 245-pound guy. He has great instincts, and we needed help there.

“He made some mistakes, but he plays hard. He plays good football. He’s a joy to watch for a true freshman.”

Mangino played two other true freshmen Saturday. Mark Simmons, a receiver from DeSoto, Texas, made one catch for seven yards. Kyle Knighton, a defensive end from Weston, Mo., made four tackles.