Most Kansas University football fans probably know about the Jayhawks’ trio of super sophomore linebackers — Gabe Toomey and Kansan-born players Banks Floodman and Nick Reid.

Some KU supporters might be surprised to learn that a fourth sophomore linebacker from the area also sees his share of time at the position.

Even more surprising might be the fact that the 6-foot-1, 220-pound Kevin Kane, of Parkville, Mo., also is the Jayhawks’ long snapper.

“In high school you didn’t have to be big to snap,” said Kane, who served as the snapper for both punts and field goals during his years at Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst High.

Still, the sophomore said he was shocked when KU special teams coach Clint Bowen called him in late September and asked if he still could do it.

“I was like, ‘OK, but I haven’t snapped in a while,'” said Kane, who was asked to replace an ailing Tony Coker on the punt unit.

During an impromptu tryout, Kane quickly learned he had to break an old habit when he snapped, though.

“There’s not many one-handed snappers anymore in college football or the pros,” Kane said with a smile. “So I had to get the other hand up there.”

The transition seemed to have worked out fine, because Kane has handled the duties since the Jayhawks’ game against Jacksonville State.

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He said snapping was not as easy as it seemed.

“Everything starts with the snap,” Kane said. “If the snap is good, you give your team a chance to make something happen. If it’s not, then you don’t.”

Making something happen hasn’t been a problem for Kane in other areas on the team, either.

Last week, Kane blocked a field goal against Texas A&M, and he has played in all nine games at linebacker — filling in for Toomey, who has been bothered by a nagging injury.

“It’s definitely a tough challenge, but as a backup you have to be vocal,” said Kane, who has made 17 tackles as a backup to the Jayhawks’ other sophomore standouts.

“You have to see what they’re not seeing and let them know on the sidelines. Then whenever I get my chance to go in there, I have to go in and make plays.”

• Bye bye, Brown: KU coach Mark Mangino said during his radio show Thursday night that freshman cornerback Mark Brown had left the program. Mangino did not elaborate on the former Tulsa, Okla., standout’s departure.