Jayhawks await word on Keith

Kansas football coach anticipates transfer being cleared to play

Charlton Keith is expected to be on campus this weekend when Kansas University begins preseason football practices.

Keith, a transfer from Minnesota West Community College, might have to watch from the sideline while KU waits for the results of the defensive end’s summer-school classes.

“I think he’s going to make it,” Kansas coach Mark Mangino said Wednesday of the junior’s eligibility. “I think there’s a good chance. I’m cautiously optimistic. We told him to come on down, but he can’t practice yet.”

KU players will report to campus Friday, and the Jayhawks officially will open camp with a closed practice at 5:10 p.m. Saturday.

Keith’s eligibility has been a concern for Kansas, which lost first-string defensive end John McCoy last month when the senior’s Army Reserve unit was called to active duty.

When Keith was left off KU’s preseason roster, some fans assumed the worst. But Minnesota West coach Jeff Linder — like Mangino — expressed optimism that Keith would meet academic requirements.

Linder said Keith had one class left to complete this week. MWCC’s summer session will end Tuesday.

“I’m excited for him to get down there,” Linder said. “I know he is, too.”

Keith, who could not be reached for comment, could play a key role on KU’s defensive line if he were allowed to play. Kansas lost three starters from its defensive line, and four more linemen left the program without completing their eligibility. Add McCoy to the list, and the Jayhawks lost eight defensive linemen from last season.

Keith ranked among the Big Ten leaders with seven sacks as a red-shirt freshman at Minnesota in 2001 when he started six games for former KU coach Glen Mason.

“There’s no doubt he could help them tremendously,” Linder said.

After transferring to a small junior college, Keith played receiver, tight end and defensive end for Minnesota West. In addition to making 17 receptions, he had 61 tackles — including 18 for losses and 11 sacks — one interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in nine games.

After two games, Linder used Keith primarily on defense, where he often was subjected to double- and triple-teams.

Keith was listed at 6-foot-5, 230 pounds when he signed a letter of intent with Kansas in February, but Linder said the lineman had been working out throughout the offseason.

“It would have been better for him to be down there,” Linder said. “But you have to take care of what you have to take care of. He can certainly get bigger, and I think he will.”

Linder said he didn’t think Keith’s lack of bulk would be a problem.

“I’ve never had a defensive end come through that was so sound in terms of technique and skill,” Linder said. “He got a lot of that from being at Minnesota. … He finds a weakness and exploits it.”