Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino hasn’t decided how he’ll use John Randle and Charles Gordon next season, but the freshmen will continue to play both offense and defense Saturday at Oklahoma State.

Randle, a backup tailback, made his first start at cornerback Saturday in place of senior Remuise Johnson in a 24-3 loss to Nebraska, while Gordon backed up Randle in addition to his duties as a punt returner and receiver.

Mangino revealed Sunday that Johnson was limited to special-teams play because of an undisclosed injury.

“He’ll be ready to go this week, so that will alleviate some of the repetitions from John and Charles,” Mangino said. “They didn’t mind, believe me. Those kids just loved it. We need them to play well on offense. We’ll spot play them on defense, rotate them here and there. Those kids are important components of our offense.”

KU’s new corners only had one week to prepare for their roles on defense. Gordon made five tackles and broke up a pass and also led KU’s receivers with six catches for 47 yards. Randle rushed seven times for 31 yards and also made three tackles.

“I’m real pleased with their effort,” Mangino said. “They played very well. They made some mistakes, which is understandable.”

Junior Tony Stubbs moved from strong safety to the other corner and started in place of sophomore Donnie Amadi. Mangino said Stubbs likely would spend some time at both positions against OSU.

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Other moves possible: Junior defensive lineman Chuck Jones did not suit up for the second week in a row. If Jones reappears this season, it might be on the offensive line.

“We have absolutely no depth at all on the offensive line,” Mangino said. “He seemed to be the best candidate. He has the size and range to try that, but we’re not convinced that’s a done deal.”

Beat goes on for Huskers Photo Gallery: KU-Nebraska

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Weekley’s woes: Sophomore defensive end Monroe Weekley also was held out for the second straight week and appeared to be in coach’s doghouse. The junior-college transfer is still on the team, Mangino said, but it “remains to be seen” if he’ll play again this season.

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Watkins watch: Junior defensive tackle Travis Watkins suited up for the first time this season but did not play. KU’s captain suffered a broken foot Aug. 13 and has not played. Mangino had hoped Watkins could return Saturday, but the tackle was scratched after pregame warmups.

“We came to the conclusion that he wasn’t fit yet to play,” Mangino said. “We talked to him, and he understood. We think that maybe with another week of rest he’ll be ready to go. We’re hoping he’s able to go this week.”

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Up next: Kansas (5-5 overall, 2-4 Big 12 Conference) will meet Oklahoma State (7-3, 3-3) at 1 p.m. Saturday at Lewis Field in Stillwater, Okla. The game will not be televised. OSU had won seven straight games before suffering consecutive losses to Oklahoma and Texas. Saturday’s 55-16 home loss to UT knocked the then-21st-ranked Cowboys out of this week’s Associated Press Top 25.