Those footsteps Kansas University running back Clark Green hears sound like stampeding bison.

Freshmen John Randle and Jerome Kemp, both former ball-carriers for the Wichita Southeast Buffaloes, are pushing Green, a sophomore who led the Jayhawks in rushing last season with 813 yards.

“You always want somebody back there trying to chase you down,” Green said. “That’s what we want is competition in the backfield. And they may very well win the job. Who knows?”

No one does know yet, or at least KU coach Mark Mangino hasn’t made such information public. But Mangino has stated the only Jayhawk who had a secure starting job was senior quarterback Bill Whittemore.

During Thursday’s open practice, Mangino continued to praise the 6-foot, 175-pound Randle, the only one of the three backs to participate in that day’s workouts. Green and Kemp were held out, Mangino said, because they were “banged up a little bit” in Wednesday night’s scrimmage.

“I’m sure they want to heal up pretty fast after watching John Randle the last couple of days,” the KU coach said. “If I was a running back I would be on the stick here. Randle is putting a lot of pressure on the running backs. He’s had a tremendous camp.”

Shrine Bowl standout

Earlier, KU offensive coordinator Nick Quartaro had uttered glowing words about Randle after the true freshman ran for 144 yards and scored three touchdowns a couple of weeks ago in the Kansas Shrine Bowl. His MVP performance included a record-setting 96-yard run.

“John has put a smile on our faces,” Quartaro said.

Randle has had plenty to smile about himself, including being reunited with his friend and former high school teammate Kemp.

“It’s fun being back there with him again,” said Randle, who two years ago rushed for 919 yards, while Kemp gained 1,215 yards at quarterback for the Buffaloes.

“He’s helped me adjust a lot,” Randle said. “There’s been some things I was unsure about, and he’s been great to have around. He’s my real good buddy.”

Kemp, who sat out as a red-shirt last season, confirmed their close friendship.

“It’s kind of funny, because John is my best friend,” he said. “It’s every guy’s dream to bring their friend along to college to play football together.”

The two took different paths to the same destination.

Kemp, who Quartaro describes as “so steady, and so consistent,” moved his way up the depth chart after a solid spring, even though he missed the majority of drills with a broken thumb.

Super senior season

Randle, who picked Kansas over Kansas State, Michigan State, Colorado and others, doesn’t seem to be missing a beat from his senior year in high school when he rushed for 1,757 yards and 17 touchdowns.

“They’re both playmakers,” quarterback Whittemore said. “They’ve both got speed, got quickness. That’s what you need in the Big 12, and I’m excited about both of them. I think they’ll both see their time. But Clark isn’t one to give up his spot without a fight.”

The soft-spoken Green has adopted a may-the-best-man-win attitude.

“Whoever wins the job, I’m willing to give it up,” said the sophomore from Tampa, Fla., who set a school record for running backs with 37 catches last year. “Whatever it takes to win. Put the best man out there for us to win. I’m all for that.”

Running backs coach Pat Henderson says Green could very well be the starter, but it’s too early to tell.

“He’s a very consistent player,” the KU aide said. “He makes the read, which is the first thing as you got to get through the hole you’re supposed to be at. He’s got good hands, he understands what we’re doing and has got good work habits.”

Quartaro also said that the 5-11, 205-pound Green — who beat out returning starter Reggie Duncan last fall for the starting spot — needs to avoid a tendency of trying to run over defenders.

“I think if he can combine his raw power, which he is more natural at doing, and make a concerted effort to be a guy that tries to shake someone once in awhile instead of always trying to bowl them over, that’ll help him,” Quartaro said.

Terrific tailback trio

No matter the outcome, Green believes the combined talents of the trio will add more than just depth to the Jayhawks’ offense.

“There’s only going to be one tailback, but the advantage will be that we’ll always have someone ready to step in and make plays,” Green said. “There’s always going to be a fresh back, and they’re both capable of coming in and making big, big plays.”

Again, Green stressed the value of competition.

“Everybody out there is fighting for a position, starting or playing time,” Green said. “It just makes you work harder.”