Mangino confirms Toomey’s departure

Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino made it official Tuesday: Gabriel Toomey will not return for his senior season.

As previously reported by the Journal-World and 6News, the linebacker has decided to hang it up.

No specific reason was given for his departure, though injuries could have been a factor.

Toomey battled numerous setbacks with his health, and it was disclosed in a release Tuesday from KU that he had shoulder surgery prior to spring practice this year.

“Gabe has played with great heart over the last two seasons under difficult circumstances,” Mangino said in a statement. “We will miss him and his leadership skills.”

Attempts to contact Toomey were unsuccessful.

The West Des Moines, Iowa, native played just two seasons at KU after starting his career at Oklahoma and transferring to Iowa Central Community College. Toomey was one of the leaders of the 2003 team that qualified for the Tangerine Bowl. He racked up 121 tackles, second on the team to Nick Reid.

This year, though, Toomey was hampered by injuries, and his playing time dwindled. He finished with 54 tackles, an interception and two forced fumbles.

KU still has a deep fleet of linebackers, led by Reid, an All-Big 12 Conference selection this season.

KU also will rely on Banks Floodman, Kevin Kane, Brandon Perkins and Mike Rivera to keep the position’s success going.

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Mims also out: Also announcing his intentions to bid farewell is seldom-used linebacker/defensive end Zach Mims.

The Houston native also was injury-plagued, missing his entire freshman season at Hinds Junior College because of injury. He is slated to graduate this summer, and won’t return to the team in the fall.

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Another juco commitment: KU hopes to sign at least three junior-college players in the next few days. Today is the first day mid-year transfers are allowed to sign with a new school.

The newest name expected to join the Jayhawks today is Brian Murph, a talented wide receiver who just finished his sophomore season at Butler County Community College. He told KU assistant coach Clint Bowen of his plans to join KU on Monday night.

“I would say I’m a game-breaker, but I am unselfish,” Murph told rivals.com. “If I have to make a catch over the middle, I will do it.”

Murph — originally from Howardville, Mo. — signed with Arkansas out of high school, but went to Butler County instead. This year, he led the Grizzlies with 782 yards receiving on 39 catches, scoring seven touchdowns. He also returned two punts for touchdowns.

Murph plans to join the Jayhawks in January. He could contribute immediately, too, especially with KU losing receivers Brandon Rideau and Gary Heaggans to graduation. Senior-to-be Mark Simmons is the only returning starter at the position.

Along with Murph, Garden City defensive tackle Wayne Wilder and Minnesota West linebacker Eric Washington also are hoping to sign as early as today and join the Jayhawks in January.