Bill Whittemore doesn’t know what he’ll be doing this time next year. In the next few weeks, Kansas University’s injured senior quarterback will find out what it’s like to be a coach.

“That’s something I’ve looked into,” said Whittemore, who’s spending this week trying to prepare his backups to play Saturday at Texas A&M. “I’ve enjoyed working with them. It’s fun. I think that’s the most important thing for me to do right now, is not really worry about me. This team comes first, and I’m trying to help them go.”

Whittemore was injured Saturday during a 42-6 loss at Kansas State and will not play against the Aggies at College Station, Texas. KU coach Mark Mangino has not announced who will start the A&M game, but he said after Wednesday’s practice that freshman Adam Barmann would “participate Saturday for sure.”

Whittemore has started 16 games for KU in two seasons. Barmann has yet to take a snap in a college game, while junior walk-on John Nielsen played his first major-college game last week in Manhattan. Sophomore Brian Luke has seen limited action in six games in the last two years.

None of the three has started a game for the Jayhawks.

“I’ve been watching film with them and helping them go over their reads, little things you get through game experience that they don’t get just through practice,” said Whittemore, who will be on the sideline with his fellow quarterbacks Saturday. “They’re all doing great, and they’re anxious to get out there.”

So is Whittemore, who missed the final three games last season because of a knee injury. He also missed time because of injuries during his red-shirt freshman year at Tennessee-Martin (knee) and his sophomore year at Fort Scott Community College (shoulder).

“It’s definitely tough,” he said. “I’m definitely tired of this situation.”

Mangino remained optimistic his starting quarterback could return this season.

¢¢¢ Hear Coach Mangino and Bill Whittemore

“He has everything in perspective,” Mangino said. “He’s working hard with our trainers and doctors to try to get back on the field as soon as he possibly can, and we hold out hope that he will be able to.

“There’s a possibility next week some time he might be able to throw and run around a little bit — no contact — but he could participate in non-contact drills.”

Whittemore was the nation’s second-rated passer through seven games and led KU (5-3 overall, 2-2 Big 12 Conference) to its best start in eight years before suffering what appeared to be a collarbone injury late in the first quarter at KSU.

“I knew as soon as I landed on it; I knew it was not good,” said Whittemore, who stayed in the game for one more play but was buried in a pile at the one-yard line.

Whittemore said the one extra play made no difference to his condition.

“Nothing happened on the next play,” he quipped, “we just didn’t get into the end zone.”

KU’s captain had passed for 1,921 yards and 15 touchdowns and rushed for 365 yards and seven TDs. Despite his injuries, Whittemore said he wouldn’t alter his style of play if he’s able to return.

“Hopefully, I’ll be back to play a couple more games,” he said. “If I’m back, I’ll be healthy and I won’t change a thing.”

Meanwhile, it’s clear Mangino — whose team is one victory shy of becoming bowl-eligible — will give Barmann a look.

“He’s a quality player,” Mangino said. “He’s just a young kid, but the way he looked today I’m inclined to get him work Saturday. How much, I’m not sure.”